St. Moritz to Kufstein: Alpine Road Trip Guide

The route from St. Moritz to Kufstein covers approximately 250 kilometers, winding through the Swiss and Austrian Alps. The drive typically takes 4 to 5 hours without stops, but travelers often extend it to a full day due to the abundance of attractions.

One fascinating detail: the road crosses the Flüela Pass at 2,383 meters, one of the highest paved passes in Switzerland. The pass is closed in winter, making summer and early autumn the ideal time for this journey.

This guide answers common questions like how long to drive St. Moritz to Kufstein and is it worth driving St. Moritz to Kufstein. We also highlight things to do between St. Moritz and Kufstein and the best stops St. Moritz to Kufstein.

For a broader approach to discovering stops along any route, check out this article on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The route primarily uses the A12/E60 highway in Austria and the H27/H3 main roads in Switzerland. Key highways include the Swiss A13/E43, which links St. Moritz to the Austrian border, and the Austrian A12/E60 from Landeck to Kufstein. Road quality is excellent, with well-maintained asphalt and clear signage.

• Swiss segment: H29 and H27 through the Engadin valley, then A13 towards Landquart.
• Austrian segment: A12/E60 from Landeck to Kufstein, with tolls applicable from the border to Kufstein.
• Border crossing at Martina/Reschen Pass (closed winter) or via Landeck through Pfunds.

Tolls: Switzerland requires a vignette (40 CHF for 1 year) for motorways. Austria requires a vignette (9.40 EUR for 10 days) for A12. Diesel and petrol stations are frequent on both sides, with prices higher in Switzerland (approx. 1.70 CHF/liter) than in Austria (approx. 1.40 EUR/liter).

For fuel savings, fill up in Austria before the border. The route includes several rest areas, especially along the A12, with WC, food, and fuel. Parking at attractions is mostly free but limited in towns like St. Moritz and Kufstein.

Road safety is high, with speed limits of 80 km/h on Swiss cantonal roads and 130 km/h on Austrian motorways. Note: Swiss motorways have a 120 km/h limit. Winter tires are mandatory from November to April. Many passes close in winter, so check conditions.

• Emergency phones every 2 km on motorways. In Switzerland, dial 117 for police, 144 for ambulance. In Austria, dial 112.
• Animal crossings: Deer and cattle warnings are common in valley sections, especially at dawn/dusk.

Family-friendly stops include:

• Swiss National Park: Short trails like Chamberland Trail (2 km) are easy for kids.
• Innsbruck: Bergisel Ski Jump and Alpenzoo Zoo in Innsbruck (one of the highest European zoos).
• Kufstein Fortress: Can be reached by funicular; children enjoy the dungeon and towers.

For fatigue management, plan breaks every 2 hours. Suitable rest zones: Rest area Dahs is a large stop with playgrounds and picnic tables at km 145 on A12. The village of Prutz has a dedicated rest area with free cooling water fountains.

Pet-friendly framework: Many stops along the route welcome dogs. The Swiss National Park is pet-friendly on leashes. Innsbruck’s Old Town allows dogs on the tram. Hotels like Hotel Engadin in Samaden and Hotel A12 in Landeck offer pet amenities. Always carry a leash and waste bags.

Hidden off-route spots: Consider a short detour to the Gorges of the Chur Rhine (Ruinaulta) near Ilanz, or the Lake Plansee near Reutte, a crystal-clear lake perfect for a swim. Also, the village of Serfaus has the world’s highest metro-like train for accessing the slopes.

The journey offers dramatic transitions from the high alpine landscape of the Engadin valley to the rolling hills of Tyrol. Key natural attractions include:

• Lake St. Moritz: Start with a view of the famous lake, surrounded by Engadin mountains.
• Ofen Pass (Pass dal Fuorn): A scenic drive through the Swiss National Park, with opportunities to spot deer and marmots.
• Reschensee: A lake in Italy with a submerged church tower visible in the water, just a short detour from the route.

Local commerce thrives in mountain villages. In the Engadin, you can buy traditional wood carvings and Engadin nut cake. In Landeck, explore weekly farmers’ markets. Innsbruck offers Swarovski crystal outlets. Kufstein is known for its glassblowing factories and local Tyrolean bacon.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The area includes the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps (Palafittes) near Lake Reschen, and the Old Innsbruck City Center, part of the Historic Town of Innsbruck.