Como to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

This 350-kilometer route crosses three countries—Italy, Austria, and Germany—and passes through the heart of the Eastern Alps. The drive from Como to Garmisch-Partenkirchen typically takes 4.5 to 6 hours without stops, but the journey is far more than a simple transit.

One little-known fact: the stretch along the Austrian A12 motorway passes directly under the medieval Fernstein Castle, built in 1288, which now houses a luxury hotel. The route also crosses the Reschen Pass, which was the site of a major Roman road connecting Italy to the northern provinces.

Major highways include the Italian A9 (Autostrada dei Laghi) from Como to the Swiss border, then the E43 and E60 through the Swiss Engadin to the Austrian Reschen Pass, followed by the A12 and B179 to the German border near Füssen, and finally the B23 into Garmisch. Toll roads are present in Italy and Austria (need a vignette for Austria).

Before you go, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make the most of your journey.

Fuel prices vary significantly along the route. In Italy, expect €1.80-2.00 per liter for gasoline, while Switzerland is cheaper (€1.55-1.75) but with a mandatory vignette (currently €40 for a year). Austria requires a vignette (€9.50 for 10 days) and fuel is around €1.45-1.60. Germany has no tolls on federal roads, but the A95 Autobahn may have sections with no speed limit. Refuel in Austria and Germany for best value.

Toll costs: Italy (A9): ~€1.80; Switzerland: no tolls besides vignette; Austria: vignette only; Germany: toll-free. Total one-way tolls: about €11.30 plus vignettes.

Best Fuel Stops

• Italy: Agip at Como Fiera (exit C20)
• Switzerland: Shell at Martina (before border crossing)
• Austria: OMV at Landeck (A12 exit 48)
• Germany: Aral at Füssen (B17)

Currency and Payment

Italy: Euro; Switzerland: Swiss Franc (though Euro accepted in border areas); Austria: Euro; Germany: Euro. Credit cards widely accepted, but keep cash for tolls (Italy) and vignette purchases (Austria border kiosks).

Road quality is generally excellent: the Swiss A13, Austrian A12, and German B23 are well-maintained. However, the Reschen Pass road (H27) is narrow and winding, with sharp hairpin turns and possible sheep crossings. Drive with caution, especially in wet conditions. Snow is possible from October to April, requiring winter tires and chains.

Speed limits: Italy 130 km/h (110 on A9 near Como), Switzerland 120 km/h (autobahn), Austria 130 km/h, Germany variable on B‑roads (typically 100 km/h). Speed cameras are common in Austria.

Family and Child Suitability

• Como: Boat rides, playgrounds on the lake promenade.
• Swiss Alps: Swiss National Park near Zernez offers family-friendly nature trails.
• Reschensee: Bike rentals around the lake.
• Oberammergau: Puppet theatre and miniature railway museum.
• Garmisch: Partnach Gorge (accessible with kids), cogwheel train to Zugspitze, and the Werdenfelser Fun Park.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most Austrian and German accommodation accepts pets with a surcharge (~€10-20 per night). Rest stops along the A12 have designated pet exercise areas. In Garmisch, the public transport (e.g., Zugspitzbahn) allows dogs on a leash. The Partnach Gorge and many hiking trails are pet-friendly, but keep dogs away from farm animals.

Fatigue Management

Plan to stop every two hours. Ideal rest zones:

• After 90 mins: Swiss rest stop at St. Moritz (exit 26) with panoramic views and restaurant.
• After 180 mins: Austrian rest stop at Landeck West (A12) with playground and clean restrooms.
• After 270 mins: German rest stop at Füssen (B17) near the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

Use a fatigue alerting app like Alertness Coach or take a short nap if needed. Coffee is best at the Swiss border (higher quality) or at Austrian motorway service stations.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Val Müstair (Switzerland): Detour 20 min south of the Reschen Pass to see the Benedictine Convent of St. John, a UNESCO site with stunning Carolingian frescoes.
• Schloss Linderhof (Germany): A 10-minute detour from the B23 near Ettal; King Ludwig II's rococo palace nestled in the Alps.
• Fernstein See (Austria): A 15-minute detour off the A12 to a crystal-clear alpine lake with a medieval castle that offers dining and accommodation.

These spots rarely appear in typical road trip guides and provide a break from the crowds.

The route offers dramatic shifts from Mediterranean lake scenery to alpine tundra. After leaving Como, you climb into the Swiss Engadin valley, with the turquoise Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. These are considered the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and are surrounded by hiking trails and glaciers.

At the Reschen Pass (1,507m), you cross into Austria and see the iconic Reschensee lake with its submerged church tower—a real Instagram hotspot. The descent to Landeck follows the Inn River through deep gorges.

UNESCO Sites

• Rhaetian Railway (Switzerland): Near St. Moritz, this railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can see the famous Landwasser Viaduct on a detour.
• Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust (Germany): Not directly on route, but well worth a 30-minute detour from the A12 near Brühl. Alternatively, the Wieskirche (Pilgrimage Church of Wies) near Steingaden is a UNESCO site and only 15 minutes from the B23.

Local Culture and Shops

In the Austrian village of Landeck, visit the weekly farmers' market (Saturdays) for local cheese, schnapps, and crafts. In Garmisch, the Werdenfels Museum offers insight into the region's history. Don't miss the woodcarving shops in Oberammergau, famous for its intricate crucifixes and cuckoo clocks.