London to Davos Road Trip: A Driver's Guide

The direct driving distance from London to Davos is approximately 1,100 km (684 miles), mostly on motorways. A unique fact: the route crosses the famous Reichenau Pass in Switzerland, a historic Roman road used for centuries to cross the Alps. Drivers will navigate the A1, E40, E35, and the Swiss A13.

Estimated driving time is 11-13 hours without breaks. However, incorporating stops can extend the journey to 2-3 days. This guide will answer how long to drive London to Davos and whether it is worth driving London to Davos.

For tips on discovering unexpected gems along the way, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

• Vosges Mountains (France): Rolling forested hills and half-timbered villages like Riquewihr. Stop at the Route des Crêtes for panoramic views.
• Black Forest (Germany): Dense woodland, waterfalls (Triberg), and cuckoo clock shops. Detour via the B500 scenic road.
• Swiss Alps: The approach to Davos offers dramatic valleys, peaks, and the frozen Davos Lake in winter.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Strasbourg's Grande Île (France): Medieval architecture and the cathedral. A must-stop at the halfway point.
• Prehistoric Pile Dwellings (Switzerland): Located along Lake Zurich, a short detour for history buffs.
• Rhaetian Railway (Switzerland): The Albula/Bernina routes, with the iconic Landwasser Viaduct near Davos.

Culinary Infrastructure

• French autoroutes: Aire de services offer decent sandwiches and pastries. Notable: Aire de Champagne (A4) with local champagne tastings.
• Strasbourg: Try flammkuchen (Alsatian flatbread) and choucroute. Local markets sell fresh produce.
• Swiss rest stops: At Chur or Landquart, sample bündner nusstorte (walnut tart) and alpine cheese.

Local Commerce & Culture

• Christmas markets in Strasbourg (November-December) are world-renowned.
• Davos itself is home to the annual World Economic Forum, but offers year-round museums like the Kirchner Museum.
• Artisan shops in Chur sell traditional Swiss woodcarvings and textiles.

Fuel and Route Economics

• Fuel costs: Estimate €120-€160 depending on vehicle. Toll costs: ~€80 (France) + CHF 40 (Swiss vignette mandatory).
• Fuel stations are frequent on French highways (every 30-40 km). In Switzerland, stations are less frequent in mountainous sections; fill up in Chur before ascending to Davos.
• Currency changes: Euro in France, Swiss Franc in Switzerland. Notify your bank.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

• Best seasons: June-September for clear roads; December-March for snow-covered Alpine scenery (winter tires required).
• Weather: In spring/autumn, fog in France's Champagne region; summer heat in Rhine valley; rapid changes in Alpine passes.
• Scenic highlights: The Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) near Ilanz and the approach to Davos along the Landwasser Valley.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

• French autoroutes: Excellent pavement, well-lit, with SOS call boxes every 2 km. Speed cameras common.
• Swiss A13: Mountain highway with tunnels and bridges. Lower speed limits (80-100 km/h). Watch for wildlife in the early morning or dusk.
• Winter: Snow chains mandatory in Alpine passes if signs indicate. Check weather before departure.

Family and Child Suitability

• Break suggestions: Parc Astérix near Paris (detour of ~30 minutes) or Europa-Park in Rust (off A5). Both have thrill rides and shows.
• Swiss Family stops: Swiss Science Center Technorama in Winterthur (hands-on experiments).
• Car activities: Play audiobooks of fairy tales set in the Alps; bring a journal for stamp collecting at rest stops.

Pet-Friendly Framework

• UK to France: Pet passport required; up-to-date rabies vaccination. Check with Eurotunnel for pet policies.
• Pet-friendly stops in France: Aire de Wervicq-Sud (A22) has designated pet walking areas.
• Switzerland: Most hotels in Davos accept pets. Carry a pet first-aid kit for hiking stops.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

• French rest stops (aires): Every 15-20 km, with clean toilets and vending machines. Use the 20-minute nap rule.
• Swiss rest stops: Motorway service stations (Raststätte) less frequent but include restaurants. Notable: Raststätte Grauholz (A1) near Bern.
• Strategic overnight stops: Reims (France) or Strasbourg (France) for breaking the trip into two manageable days.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• Detour to the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (France): A majestic castle in the Vosges, offering views over the Alsatian plain. Adds 1 hour.
• Oberalp Pass (Switzerland): If conditions permit, a thrilling alpine drive with photo ops at the highest point (2,044 m). Alternative to A13.
• Lake Walensee (Switzerland): Turquoise lake with a scenic road on its south shore. Ideal for a picnic break.