St. Moritz to Sion: Alpine Road Trip Guide for Scenic Swiss Pass

The drive from St. Moritz to Sion crosses the Julier Pass (Pass dal Güglia) at 2284 meters, a historical Roman route connecting the Engadin valley to the Rhone valley. Unlike the faster A13 via Chur, this 220-kilometer journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes without stops, but the real reward lies in its alpine panoramas and cultural layers.

This road trip guide answers the essential questions: how long to drive St. Moritz to Sion, is it worth driving St. Moritz to Sion, and things to do between St. Moritz and Sion. From my years covering Swiss alpine routes, I can confirm this is one of the most scenic drives in the country, offering a blend of high-altitude passes, glacier-fed lakes, and medieval villages.

For a deeper method on locating unique stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route splits naturally into three segments: St. Moritz to Thusis (via Julier Pass), Thusis to Brig (via A13/E43), and Brig to Sion (along the Rhone valley).

The journey begins on the H29, a well-maintained two-lane road that climbs from St. Moritz (1775 m) to the Julier Pass summit. The pass is typically open year-round, but snow chains may be required from November to April. At the summit, a small restaurant and parking area offer a necessary break.

• Fuel: Gas stations are scarce on the pass. Fill up in St. Moritz (existing stations near the train station) or in Bivio (20 km south of the pass). After Thusis, the A13 has regular service stations.
• Tolls: No tolls on Swiss national roads if you have a vignette. The H29 is toll-free.
• Traffic: Summer weekends can be congested at the Julier Pass due to cyclists. Weekdays are quieter.

From Thusis, join the A13/E43 south towards Chur. This dual carriageway is well-maintained with speed limits of 120 km/h. Near Chur, the highway passes through the 5.8 km long S-flue tunnel. After Chur, continue on the A13 to Sargans, then switch to the A3/E60 west through the Walensee region. At the junction near Zurich, take the A4 towards Lucerne, then the A2 through the Gotthard Road Tunnel (16.9 km, single tube, direction south). After the tunnel, continue on the A2 to Brig, then join the A9/E62 for the final stretch to Sion. This itinerary adds an extra hour but avoids pass closures.

• Alternative: For a more scenic but longer route, stay on the H29 through the San Bernardino Pass (2066 m) to Bellinzona, then north on the A6 to Brig. Add 45 minutes.
• Charging for EVs: Fast-charging stations exist in St. Moritz (Ionity), Thusis, Chur, and Sion. Plan a top-up at Chur (200 km range).

Leaving St. Moritz, the landscape opens to the Upper Engadin valley with its chain of lakes (Lake St. Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, Lake Champfer). The Julier Pass road winds through open alpine meadows with panoramic views of the Bernina Range. Best stops: At the Julier Pass summit (2284 m), the stone tower (Tour of Julier) is a Roman landmark. On clear days, you can see Piz Bernina (4049 m).

Descent towards Bivio reveals the Val Lunghin glacier and a series of hairpin bends. The hamlet of Bivio offers a grocery store and a restaurant serving Engadin barley soup (gerstensuppe). The descent continues through the Nebelbach gorge to Tiefencastel, then west to Thusis. The contrast from the high alpine to the forested valley is striking.

• UNESCO: The route passes near the Rhaetian Railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A parallel scenic railway runs from St. Moritz to Thusis over the Landwasser viaduct.
• Climate: Daytime summer temps: 15-25°C in valleys, 5-15°C at pass. Winter: -5 to 5°C, snow possible.
• Local crafts: In Bivio, try the local cheese (Alpkäse). In St. Moritz, shop for Swiss watches and woolen goods.

The Julier Pass is known for tight bends and occasional livestock on the road. Drive cautiously in fog or rain. The A13 and A2 are well-lit with safety barriers. For fatigue management, plan breaks every 90 minutes. Rest zones include the Julier Pass (summit), Bivio, Thusis (with playground), and the Gotthard rest area (at the north portal).

• Family suitability: The route is suitable for children if stops are planned. Avoid winter driving with young kids. Highlights: Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (detour), and the Aletsch Arena near Brig (UNESCO).
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops allow dogs on leads. Some restaurants in Bivio and Thusis are pet-friendly. The Julier Summit is exposed; keep pets hydrated.
• Hidden off-route: 5 km off the H29 near Rona is the Rhaetian Railway’s Landwasser viaduct viewpoint (Graubünden). Another: The Aletsch Glacier viewpoint (Fiescheralp) accessible by cable car from Fiesch, 30 km east of Brig.

Culinary infrastructure: Along the route, roadside restaurants (Raststätten) serve Swiss classics. In Bivio, try Pizzeria da Angelica. In Thusis, the Landgasthof Rössli offers local game dishes. For a quick bite, the Coop in Chur has a takeaway section. Best hidden gem: The village of Vals (15 km detour from Bivio) hosts the famous 7132 Hotel with thermal baths and Michelin-starred cuisine.