Rimini to Davos Road Trip: Best Stops & Scenic Drive

The Rimini to Davos drive covers about 450 km via the A14, A1, and A13 highways, crossing Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. A little-known fact: the route passes within 10 km of the source of the Po River, Italy's longest river, near Pian del Re. The drive typically takes 5-6 hours without stops.

This road trip offers a dramatic transition from Adriatic beaches to Alpine peaks. The best stops Rimini to Davos include the medieval city of Bologna, the chocolate town of Lindt near Zurich, and the Rhine Falls.

For more on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check Wayro's guide.

Road quality: Excellent on Italian autostrade and Swiss motorways. However, the San Bernardino Pass can be icy from November to March. Carry snow chains if traveling in winter. Speed limits: Italy 130 km/h, Switzerland 120 km/h (motorways).

Family-friendly stops: Bologna's FICO Eataly World (food theme park) for kids; Swiss Science Center Technorama (near Winterthur) for hands-on exhibits; Davos's Kirchner Museum for art and playgrounds.

• Pet-friendly: Most Italian rest stops allow dogs; Swiss require dogs on leash. Hotels in Davos often welcome pets (e.g., Waldhotel Davos).
• Fatigue management: Take breaks at 2-hour intervals. Recommended rest stops: Modena (A1 exit, for balsamic vinegar tasting), Lugano (for lakeside walk), Chur (historic old town).
• Hidden off-route spots: Grotta del Gelo (ice cave on Monte Fumaiolo, near source of Tiber), San Vittore (medieval village with a mummy museum, off A13).

Highway A14 from Rimini to Bologna is well-paved and tolled. After Bologna, take A1 towards Milan. At Milan, switch to A51 Tangenziale Est to reach A8 towards Como/Chiasso. From Chiasso, follow A2 to Bellinzona, then A13 towards San Bernardino.

Fuel stations are frequent along the Italian autostrade, but less so on Swiss highways. Prices: Italy €1.80/L, Austria €1.50/L (if you detour via Reschen Pass), Switzerland CHF 1.80/L. Toll costs: Italy about €15 for entire route, Austria vignette required (€9.90 for 10 days), Swiss vignette (CHF 40).

• Rest areas: Every 20-30 km on Italian highways with bars and toilets.
• Swiss rest stops: Less frequent; plan to stop in Bellinzona or Chur.
• Parking in Davos: Paid parking in town; free at hotels.

The route crosses three biogeographic zones: Adriatic coast, Po Valley farmland, and Alpine passes. The A14 section offers views of the Apennines, while the A1 crosses the flat Po Valley with its patchwork of fields and industrial zones.

Entering Switzerland via the San Bernardino Pass (or via Lugano if taking A2) treats you to dramatic mountain scenery. The final climb from Chur to Davos via the Landwasser Valley is jaw-dropping, with sheer rock faces and pine forests.

• Natural attractions: Po Delta (near Rimini, side trip), Lake Como (detour via Menaggio), Rhine Falls (near Schaffhausen, slight detour), Davos Lake.
• UNESCO sites: Bologna's porticoes (inscribed 2021) - a perfect lunch stop. Also consider Verona (slight detour) for its Roman amphitheater.
• Local commerce: Bologna's Quadrilatero market for fresh pasta and tortellini; Chur's old town for Swiss watches and chocolates.