Chamonix to Davos Road Trip: Alpine Drive Guide

The road from Chamonix to Davos passes through the 13.7 km Mont Blanc Tunnel (A40/E25), which opened in 1965, linking France and Italy. This engineering marvel cost over 1.5 billion euros and sits beneath Western Europe's highest peak.

The entire route spans roughly 320 km with an average driving time of 5 hours without stops. You'll traverse three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland, crossing the Rhone Valley and the Swiss Alps via the iconic Furka Pass (unless you opt for the tunnel).

Leaving Chamonix, the valley narrows, and you enter the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Emerging in Italy's Valle d'Aosta, you're greeted by dramatic granite peaks. The drive quickly shifts into the Swiss Rhone Valley, where vineyards climb terraced slopes from Martigny to Brig.

The Furka Pass (closed Nov–May) offers lunar-like landscapes with the Rhone Glacier, featured in James Bond's Goldfinger. Alternatively, the Furka Base Tunnel (CHF 12) bypasses the pass, saving 20 minutes but missing the views.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch (2001): The Aletsch Glacier, visible from a short detour near Brig (20 min drive to Belalp cable car). Not directly on route but a worthwhile deviation.
• Rhätische Bahn in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes (2008): The railway line near Davos is a UNESCO site, but the road itself does not pass through UNESCO zones.

Local Commerce & Culture

• In Martigny, the Foire du Valais market sells regional cheeses (raclette, tomme) and dried meats. Visit Le Caveau for wine, or Boutique du Terroir for local products.
• Brig's old town has Stockalper Palace (17th-century merchant palace) and weekly farmers' market on Saturdays (8 AM–12 PM) offering local honey, bread, and crafts.
• Andermatt's Tell's Chapel (historic) and nearby Gotthard Museum showcase regional history. Local crafts: hand-carved wooden items and cowbells.

Along the route, roadside stalls sell apricots and wine in summer near Martigny. In autumn, wild mushroom hunters sell porcini at village stands.

Driving Chamonix to Davos costs approximately €45–€60 in fuel for a standard petrol car, assuming fuel consumption of 7.5 L/100 km and average Alpine petrol prices of €1.80/L. Diesel vehicles save about 15%.

• Fuel stations: Frequent along A9 in Switzerland, scarce on Furka Pass. Fill up in Brig or Andermatt.
• Toll costs: Mont Blanc Tunnel toll is €49.50 (one way). Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) required for A9.
• Winter tires mandatory from November to April; snow chains advisable for passes.

Find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

Road quality is excellent: Swiss A9 has smooth asphalt and good lighting; Furka Pass has narrow, winding sections with guardrails. Average speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on main roads, 50 km/h in towns. Speed cameras frequent in tunnels and villages.

• Mont Blanc Tunnel: single lane each direction, strict 70 km/h limit, tunnels enforced by radar.
• Furka Pass: no lighting; drive in daylight only in winter conditions. Avoid if heavy snow or fog.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (EU) or 117 (Swiss police).

Family and Child Suitability

• Museum of the Horse (Martigny): Interactive exhibits with carriage rides. Small kids love the carriage museum.
• Swiss Vapeur Parc (Le Bouveret, near Montreux): A 30-min detour from Martigny, this park has miniature steam trains and playgrounds, ideal for ages 3–12.
• Andermatt Swiss Alpine School offers summer treasure hunts and winter sledding.
• Davos Klosters: Rinerhorn park with high ropes course and toboggan run.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• Most Swiss rest areas (Raststätte) have designated dog walking zones with waste bags.
• Dog-friendly cafes: Café Litera in Chamonix (near train station, outdoor tables welcome dogs). Bäckerei Kernen in Brig (water bowls available).
• On Furka Pass, several viewpoints (e.g., Belvédère Hotel) have gravel parking where dogs can stretch on leash.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• Martigny rest area (A9): Modern, with picnic tables, shade, and 24/7 facilities. Suitable for a 20-min nap in car.
• Gletsch (Furka Pass): A small lakeside parking spot near the Rhone Glacier. Parking free, quiet, with mountain views—safe for a quick rest.
• Andermatt: Large parking lot at the Gotthard Museum (free, overnight permitted). Ideal for longer breaks.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Abandoned Hotel Belvédère on Furka Pass (5-min detour from main road). A hauntingly beautiful ruin with glacier views, popular for photographers.
• Bitsch village, near Brig: A medieval tower and church with frescoes, 3-min drive from A9 exit. Virtually unknown to tourists.
• Wassen church, a tiny baroque chapel visible from the motorway near Andermatt; historic and serene.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

• Furka Pass: Alpine climate; summer temps 10–20°C, winter -10 to 0°C. Best visibility early morning (7–10 AM).
• Wind: Strong gusts common on pass summit (2431 m). Sunsets: from Andermatt towards Davos, the evening sun lights up the Eiger's north face—stop at Oberalp Pass (20 km before Davos) for panoramic photo.
• Seasonal advice: Autumn (late Sep–Oct) offers vibrant larch colors. Winter requires 4x4 or chains.

Culinary Infrastructure

• Restaurant des Glaciers (Chamonix): Savoyard fondue with local cheese. €25/person.
• Pizzeria Ristorante Mille Gusti (Martigny): Wood-fired pizza, quick service. €15/person.
• Bergrestaurant Furka (on the pass): Traditional Swiss rösti with bratwurst, CHF 20. Open May–Oct.
• Hotel Krone, Andermatt: Upscale regional cuisine (capuns, Malakoff). CHF 35/person.
• Bistro Art (Davos): Seasonal local dishes, vegetarian options. CHF 28/person.

When asking how long to drive Chamonix to Davos, plan 5 hours without stops, but with recommended stops, allocate 7–8 hours. Is it worth driving Chamonix to Davos? Absolutely, for the breathtaking passes and cultural gems. Things to do between Chamonix and Davos include hiking at Furka, visiting Martigny's old town, and exploring Andermatt's military history.