Graz to Locarno Road Trip: Alpine Passes & Lakes

The route from Graz, Austria, to Locarno, Switzerland, covers approximately 700 km and takes around 8-9 hours of pure driving time. Yet the journey often stretches into a multi-day adventure because of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road – a 48-km toll road that snakes over the highest mountain pass in Austria.

Drivers must cross the border at Italien (Italy) via the A1 and A2 motorways, then take the E55 through the Felbertauern Tunnel or the scenic B108. A lesser-known fact: the Felbertauern Tunnel is 5.2 km long and saves 30 minutes compared to the Grossglockner route.

This guide covers the best stops from Graz to Locarno, explains how long to drive Graz to Locarno, and answers is it worth driving Graz to Locarno. Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities with this helpful resource.

From Graz's historic Old Town (UNESCO), drive through the Mur Valley into the Hohe Tauern National Park. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road offers 36 switchbacks with views of the 3,798m Grossglockner summit. Edelweiss and marmots abound. At the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe visitor centre, you can see the Pasterze Glacier – Austria's largest.

• Hidden spot: The pristine Lake Zell in Zell am See, perfect for a swim or pedal boat.
• Local commerce: In Heiligenblut, buy handmade cheese from the “Bergbauernmilch” cooperative.
• UNESCO sites: Graz Old Town, and if you detour, the historic centre of Salzburg (2h extra).

Cross into Italy at the Brenner Pass, then into Switzerland via the Munt la Schera tunnel. The Engadin Valley leads to St. Moritz, where lakes shimmer in turquoise hues. Finally, descend to Locarno on Lake Maggiore – a Mediterranean climate awaits, with palm trees and camellias.

The journey is best divided into three legs: Graz to Zell am See (via A1/A2 and B311), Zell am See to St. Moritz area (via Grossglockner or Felbertauern), and St. Moritz to Locarno (via Julier Pass and A13). Tolls apply on Austrian motorways (vignette required) and on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (€40 for cars in 2025).

• Fuel: Expect petrol stations every 30 km on highways, but sparse on Alpine passes. Fill up in Lienz or Spittal before crossing.
• Currency: Euro in Austria and Italy; Swiss Franc in Switzerland. Carry cash for tolls and mountain huts.
• Best time: May to October, when passes are open. Winter requires snow chains and check closures.

For those wondering is it worth driving Graz to Locarno, the answer is yes if you appreciate Alpine vistas. The Grossglockner alone justifies the detour. However, the Felbertauern route is faster and can be combined with a side trip to Kitzbühel.

Road quality is excellent: Austrian and Swiss highways are well-maintained, with speed limits of 130 km/h (motorway) and 80 km/h (country roads). Alpine passes demand attention: steep gradients, narrow sections, and livestock crossings. Use engine braking rather than constant braking.

• Safety: Winter tires mandatory from November to April. Carry snow chains.
• Family stops: The Grossglockner panorama museum, with interactive exhibits, and the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (detour).
• Fatigue management: Rest areas every 30 km on highways. Take a break at the Fuscher Törl restaurant (2,500m elevation).

Pet-friendly framework: Many mountain huts welcome dogs; the Grossglockner toll road allows dogs in cars. However, the Julier Pass has a hike-only area for pets. Check ahead for pensiones in Locarno that accept dogs.