Zurich to Davos

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Davos is Switzerland's highest town of any size, sitting at over 1,500 metres above sea level, and getting there from Zürich means a journey of around 150 kilometres that ends with a genuinely dramatic climb into the mountains. The train is the obvious way to do it, no reservation required, and it delivers you into the centre of town rather than a car park on the outskirts.

The best way: SBB to Landquart, then the Rhaetian Railway

From Zürich Hauptbahnhof, take an SBB InterCity train toward Chur, changing at Landquart onto the narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway (RhB), which climbs steadily up the Prättigau valley to Davos Platz or Davos Dorf, the town's two stations. Total journey time is typically 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, including the connection at Landquart, which is usually a short and well-timed wait rather than a long layover — Swiss connections are built around this kind of interchange and rarely need more than 10–15 minutes.

The RhB stretch is the highlight: the train winds up through forested slopes and past small villages, gaining altitude visibly as the valley narrows, with the peaks around Davos coming into view in the final approach. No seat reservation is needed for either leg, and Interrail and Eurail pass holders travel free of supplements on the RhB as well as the main SBB network. The whole route is also covered by the Swiss Travel Pass; see our Swiss Travel Pass guide if you're combining this with other Swiss legs.

Getting used to the altitude

At over 1,500 metres, Davos sits noticeably higher than most Alpine valley towns, and some visitors — particularly those arriving quickly from low-altitude cities — notice mild effects such as breathlessness on exertion or slightly disturbed sleep for the first day or two. This is rarely serious at this altitude, but it's sensible to take the first day gently, especially if you're planning strenuous skiing or hiking straight off the train, and to drink plenty of water, since the dry mountain air dehydrates faster than people expect. Alcohol also tends to hit harder in the first day or two at altitude, which is worth bearing in mind if your evening plans involve a celebratory drink after a long travel day.

Driving from Zürich

By car, Zürich to Davos is around 150 km and takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes via the A3 and A13 motorways to Landquart, then the valley road up through Klosters to Davos. You'll need a Swiss motorway vignette; see our guide to driving in Switzerland for how that works. The approach road climbs steadily but is well maintained and kept open through winter as a matter of priority, since Davos depends on it — even so, snow chains or winter tyres are standard practice on Swiss mountain roads through the winter months, and it's worth carrying chains regardless of your tyres after heavy snowfall.

Parking in Davos itself is more straightforward than in some smaller resorts, since it's a proper town rather than a purpose-built ski village, but central spaces near the lifts still get tight in peak season. A car has real advantages here if you're planning to explore the wider Grisons region, including nearby St Moritz, but for the direct Zürich–Davos leg the train is faster door-to-door once parking and mountain-road driving are accounted for. If you're flying in, our Zürich airport to the city guide covers the short hop from arrivals to the main station where the InterCity to Landquart departs.

Why Davos, beyond skiing

Davos is best known for winter sports and for hosting the World Economic Forum each January, when the town's transport and hotel capacity are stretched to their limit and it's worth booking well ahead if you're travelling for reasons unconnected to the summit itself. Outside that week, Davos functions as a normal, if elevated, Swiss town with year-round appeal — hiking and mountain biking in summer, and an extensive lift network in winter shared with neighbouring Klosters. Skiers weighing up other high Swiss resorts reachable by train might also compare Geneva to Verbier, which follows a similar rail-plus-final-connection pattern on the other side of the country.

Which should you choose?

For almost everyone, the train via Landquart is the best option: scenic, reliable, no reservation needed, and it puts you in the centre of town rather than a car park. Driving makes sense if you want the flexibility to explore the wider Grisons region or already have a car in Zürich, provided you're prepared for genuine mountain-road winter driving. For another classic Swiss train-to-altitude journey on the same regional network, see Zürich to St Moritz, and for a broader look at reaching Alpine resorts without a car, see our guide to skiing in the Alps without a car.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Zurich to Davos take?

Typically 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, changing from the SBB InterCity onto the Rhaetian Railway at Landquart, with the final stretch a scenic climb into the Prättigau valley.

Which Davos station should I use?

Davos Platz is closer to the town centre; Davos Dorf is nearer the Parsennbahn cable car and several hotels. They're about ten minutes apart on foot.

Will I feel the altitude in Davos?

Some visitors notice mild breathlessness or disturbed sleep for the first day or two, given the town's elevation above 1,500 metres. It's rarely serious; take it easy on arrival and stay hydrated.

Do I need winter tyres to drive to Davos?

Yes, snow chains or winter tyres are standard practice on Swiss mountain roads through the winter months; carry chains regardless of your tyres after heavy snowfall.