Lucerne to Davos Road Trip: Alpine Driving Guide

The route from Lucerne to Davos is a 150‑kilometre Alpine passage that crosses three cantons and climbs from 436 m to 1,560 m above sea level. It follows the A2 and A13 motorways before entering the narrow valley of the Landwasser River. The journey typically takes 2 hours 30 minutes without stops, but the best stops Lucerne to Davos can easily double the travel time. The A13 section through the Rhine Gorge is the only low‑altitude crossing of the eastern Swiss Alps, making it a unique geological corridor.

Travellers often ask: how long to drive Lucerne to Davos? The pure driving time is about 2.5 hours, but factoring in photo stops, meals, and detours, a full day is recommended. Is it worth driving Lucerne to Davos? Absolutely – the route offers dramatic changes in scenery, from lake views to deep gorges and high‑altitude forests. For those seeking things to do between Lucerne and Davos, the answer ranges from cheese dairies to suspension bridges and UNESCO sites.

Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon)

Between Ilanz and Thusis, the A13 runs along the Vorderrhein River through a deep limestone canyon. The rock walls reach 300 m high. A short detour to the “Ruinaulta” viewpoint near Trin offers panoramic views. The area is part of the Swiss National Park buffer zone.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The route passes near two UNESCO sites: the Benedictine Convent of St. John in Müstair (detour of 45 minutes) and the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes – the stretch from Thusis to St. Moritz crosses the Albula viaducts, but Davos is off that line. However, the Landwasserviaduct near Filisur is visible from the road.

• St. John’s Convent: built in 775 AD, featuring Carolingian frescoes.
• Rhaetian Railway: the Albula line (Thusis–St. Moritz) includes 42 tunnels and 144 viaducts.

Local Commerce

In Chur, the old town has a weekly market on Saturdays selling local cheese, bread, and dried meats. Along the A13, farm stands offer “Bündner Bergkäse” and “Salsiz” sausages. The things to do between Lucerne and Davos include visiting a local dairy: the “Käsekeller” in Trun offers tastings.

Road Quality and Safety

The A2 and A13 are well‑maintained, but winter conditions require winter tyres from November to April. The A13 through the gorge has sharp curves and avalanche galleries. Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on main roads (e.g., from Thusis to Davos). There are several radar sections.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is family‑friendly with rest stops every 30 km. Notable family stops: “Knies Kinderzoo” in Rapperswil (detour 20 min), “Swiss Transport Museum” in Lucerne, and “Kunsthalle” in Davos with interactive exhibits. Most restaurants have high chairs.

Pet‑Friendly Framework

Dogs are allowed in rest areas and many restaurants on terraces. The Rhine Gorge hiking trail (Ruinaulta) is pet‑friendly. Petrol stations often have water bowls. Remember a leash and poop bags.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

The drive includes three major rest areas: “Raststätte Altdorf” (km 45), “Raststätte Chur” (km 105), and “Thusis” (km 125). Each has a restaurant, toilets, and benches. The most scenic rest stop is “Rastplatz Trin” overlooking the gorge. For longer breaks, consider a short walk on the “Flüelapass” (2,383 m) near Davos.

Hidden Off‑Route Spots

Just off the A13 near Flims is the “Caumasee” lake – a turquoise emerald lake accessible by a 15‑minute walk from the car park. Another gem: the “Viamala” gorge near Thusis, where a suspended walkway crosses the 300‑m deep chasm. For a unique culture, visit the “Bergell” valley (Bregaglia) with Italian‑speaking Swiss villages.

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

The journey begins on the A2 motorway south from Lucerne, then switches to the A13 at Altdorf. The A13 is a partially toll‑free highway (vignette required for motorways). The route passes through the 15‑km long Gotthard base tunnel? No – the Gotthard is further south; instead you take the A13 over the San Bernardino Pass? Actually, the A13 bypasses the pass via the San Bernardino tunnel (6.6 km) at 1,645 m, but the Davos exit comes before the tunnel. The key exit is “Thusis Süd” for the road to Davos.

• Vignette: A Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is mandatory for A2 and A13 sections.
• Fuel: Petrol stations are frequent along the A13 (every 20–30 km). Prices in mountain areas are 10–15% higher than in Lucerne. A full tank from Lucerne to Davos costs about CHF 70–90 (55 litres).
• Electric charging: Fast‑charging stations are available at Altdorf, Chur, and Davos town. Expect 30‑minute top‑ups.