Zurich Airport to Davos in January: car, train or helicopter

The drive from Zurich Airport to Davos takes two to two and a half hours in January. The train takes about two hours forty minutes with two changes and keeps running in heavy snow. A helicopter reaches the Davos Stilli helipad in about 35 minutes.

By car

Zurich Airport to Davos is about 150 km: the motorway to Landquart, then the valley road through the Prättigau to Klosters and on to Davos. In clear weather it takes two hours. In snow, or on the weekend before conference week, allow two and a half hours or more.

• Private transfer. A driver who knows the road meets you at arrivals. This is the usual choice for principals and anyone with luggage. Book well ahead, because drivers are committed early. See shuttle service

• Rental car. Possible, but much of central Davos is closed to traffic during the week and parking is scarce. Plan to park on arrival and leave the car parked until you go home.

By train

Take the train from the airport station to Zurich main station, the intercity to Landquart, and the Rhaetian Railway up to Davos. Connections are timed, and the whole trip takes about two hours forty minutes. Buy a ticket to Davos Platz or Davos Dorf, whichever is closer to where you stay.

The train suits staff travelling light and anyone arriving when the roads are bad. It is less convenient with heavy luggage or late in the evening.

By helicopter

Flights from Zurich to the Davos Stilli helipad take about 35 minutes. They depend on the weather in Zurich and in Davos, so keep a car on standby. From Stilli it is about ten minutes by road to Davos Platz.

Arriving from Munich or Milan

Munich Airport to Davos is four to four and a half hours by car. Milan Malpensa is three and a half to four hours. Both are reasonable if flights to Zurich are full. Both take longer in snow.

Where to stay

Apartments in Davos, from CHF 15,000 per week · Chalets in Klosters or south of Davos, from CHF 23,000 per week

Questions

How long is the drive from Zurich Airport to Davos?

Two to two and a half hours in January, longer in heavy snow.

Is there a train from Zurich Airport to Davos?

Yes. It takes about two hours forty minutes, with changes at Zurich main station and Landquart.

How long is a helicopter flight from Zurich to Davos?

About 35 minutes to the Davos Stilli helipad, weather permitting.