Prague to Davos Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

The drive from Prague to Davos covers roughly 800 kilometers along the E55 and A1 highways. A little-known fact: the route crosses three major European watersheds—the North Sea, Baltic, and Mediterranean basins—within the first 200 kilometers.

This road trip offers a dazzling transition from Gothic spires to Alpine peaks. The average driving time is 8-9 hours without stops, but you'll want to stretch it to two days for the full experience.

Planning your journey? Check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to make every kilometer count.

Leaving Prague, the landscape flattens into the Bohemian lowlands—fields of wheat and hop gardens supply the famous Pilsner beer. In Germany, the Bavarian Forest offers dense pine woods and rolling hills.

• Natural highlights: Bavarian Forest National Park (detour via A3 to Zwiesel), Danube River gorge at Weltenburg, and the Chiemsee lake en route to Austria.
• UNESCO sites: Regensburg’s old town (St. Peter's Cathedral), Munich’s historic center (Marienplatz), and the Wachau Valley (a slight detour near Melk).
• Commerce stops: Pilsen for beer, Regensburg for Bavarian sausages, and Innsbruck for Swarovski crystal.

The Alpine transition begins after Innsbruck. The A12 follows the Inn River valley, framed by steep limestone cliffs. Small villages like Pfunds and Nauders offer local cheese and cured meats.

Things to do between Prague and Davos include visiting the Dachau concentration camp memorial (near Munich), swimming in Lake Chiemsee, or hiking the Lechweg trail.

The entire route is on well-maintained highways except for the final 50 km from Landeck to Davos, which includes narrow mountain passes (the Arlberg pass can be icy in winter). Check tyre conditions and carry chains.

• Speed limits: Czechia 130 km/h, Germany unlimited (advisory 130), Austria 130 km/h, Switzerland 120 km/h (on motorways).
• Emergency numbers: 112 across Europe; roadside assistance via ADAC (Germany), ÖAMTC (Austria), TCS (Switzerland).
• Rest zones: Raststätte Allgäu (Germany) has a playground; Raststation St. Jakob (Austria) has a pet exercise area.

For family stops, the Bavarian Motorway Service Area at Holzkirchen offers a kid's indoor play zone. The Swiss Autobahn rest stop at Maienfeld features a petting zoo.

Pet-friendly framework: Dogs are welcome at most rest stops in Germany and Austria, but must be leashed. Swiss rest stops provide dog waste bags. Best pet stops: Raststätte Ammerland (Germany) with a dog meadow.

Fatigue management: Take a break every 2 hours. Ideal stops: Pilsen (lunch), Regensburg (photo walk), Munich (coffee at Viktualienmarkt), Innsbruck (river walk), and Landeck (viewpoint).

The main route uses the D5 motorway from Prague to the German border, then the A6, A3, and A93 through Bavaria. After Munich, take the A8 to Innsbruck, then the A12 and A14 to Austria’s western edge. The final leg climbs into Switzerland on the A13 and N28.

• Total estimated cost for tolls and fuel: €120–€160 one-way.
• Toll systems: Czechia (electronic vignette required), Germany (no toll for cars), Austria (vignette required), Switzerland (vignette required for motorways).
• Vignettes can be purchased at border gas stations or online; ensure you have valid ones before crossing.
• Best fuel stops: avoid motorway service stations for the cheapest petrol; exit at towns like Holýšov, Neumarkt, or Holzkirchen.

The route is well-suited for electric vehicles, with rapid chargers every 50 km on the German side. However, the stretch between Innsbruck and Davos has fewer chargers, so plan a top-up in Landeck.

1. Prague: Level 2 chargers widely available at shopping centers.
2. Regensburg: Ionity fast-charging station near the A3 exit.
3. Munich: Multiple CCS chargers at Autobahn rest stops.
4. Innsbruck: Supercharger at Gasthof Schriek
5. Davos: Destination chargers at hotels and public parking.