Zurich to Davos Road Trip: Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems

The journey from Zurich to Davos covers about 150 kilometers via the A3 and A13 highways, a drive that typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours without stops. But this route is more than a simple transit: it follows the path of the ancient Viamala Gorge, a crucial passage since Roman times that challenged travelers until the 19th century when engineers blasted tunnels through its granite walls.

The drive crosses the cantons of Zurich, St. Gallen, and Graubünden, climbing from the lowlands at 400 meters to Davos at 1,560 meters. The famous Landwasser Viaduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies just off the main route—a stunning limestone arch that spirals into a tunnel. For those wondering is it worth driving Zurich to Davos, the answer is an emphatic yes: the changing landscapes, from glacial valleys to alpine meadows, reward every kilometer.

If you want to uncover more than the typical highway stops, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for a deeper approach to road trip discovery.

The drive unfolds through three distinct geographic zones: the Swiss Plateau, the Rhine Valley, and the Alps. Leaving Zurich, the landscape is a patchwork of farmlands and forests. After Sargans, the gorge narrows, and you enter the Rhine Valley, flanked by steep wooded hillsides.

• Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) near Ilanz offers viewpoint hikes; the Landwasser Viaduct on the A13 is a must-photo stop; and the Flüela Pass can be detoured for alpine scenery.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Albula/Bernina railway line (including the Landwasser Viaduct) is a World Heritage site. A short detour to Filisur gives a stunning view of the viaduct.
• Culinary Infrastructure: Local specialties like Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and Capuns (chard rolls) are best sampled at restaurants in Chur (e.g., Restaurant Zunfthaus zur Rebleuten). In Davos, try the fondue at Stübli.
• Local Commerce & Culture: Davos is famous for the World Economic Forum. Chur’s old town boasts the oldest city in Switzerland with charming shops. The Walser culture in Davos is known for its distinctive wooden houses.

For unique souvenirs, stop at a local cheese dairy (Käsehaus in Seewis) or a woodcarving workshop in Brienz. The region is dotted with small farms selling fresh produce. Things to do between Zurich and Davos include visiting thermal baths in Bad Ragaz, the Sahara Museum in Maienfeld, or a quick walk through the medieval streets of Chur.

The primary route from Zurich to Davos uses the A3 toward Sargans, then the A13/E43 through the Rhine Valley to Chur. From Chur, the H28 highway climbs into the mountains to Davos. Tolls are covered by the Swiss vignette (40 CHF for 1 year), but remember: Graubünden requires winter tires from November to April, and chains may be mandatory in snow.

• Road Quality: Excellent asphalt on A3 and A13; H28 is well-maintained but narrow with sharp turns after Klosters.
• Petrol Stations: Frequent along the A3/A13 (Shell, BP, Agrola). In the mountains, fill up in Chur as stations become scarce past Klosters.
• EV Charging: Fast-chargers at Chur (Ionity, Tesla Supercharger) and Davos (multiple 50 kW stations).
• Best Time: June–October for dry roads and clear views; winter for snow-covered landscapes but slower driving.

For those asking how long to drive Zurich to Davos, the pure driving time is 2.5 hours, but plan 4–5 hours with stops to fully experience the highlights. The route is extremely scenic, especially the stretch from Chur to Davos, which is listed as one of Switzerland’s top driving roads. Keep an eye on the best stops Zurich to Davos to break up the journey.

Road safety on this route is excellent, but the H28 mountain road requires attention: it has tight bends, potential wildlife crossings (deer, chamois), and sudden weather changes. Graubünden has strict speed limits (80 km/h on highways, 50 km/h in towns). Fines are heavy for speeding (up to 300 CHF).

• Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: Guardrails are present on most sections. Avalanche galleries protect the road near Davos. Winter driving requires caution; check road conditions on the TCS app.
• Family and Child Suitability: The Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne is a 1-hour detour. Closer to the route, the Vindonissa Legionary Path in Windisch and the Technorama science center in Winterthur are great for kids. The rope park in Flims offers adventure.
• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most Swiss petrol stations and rest stops welcome dogs. In Davos, hikes like the Flüela Esel path are dog-friendly. Check accommodation in advance for pet policies.
• Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: A3 has rest areas every 20 km (e.g., Zürich-Wettswil, Mels). On H28, the Flüela Pass summit has a restaurant and parking. Recommended stops: Chur for lunch, Klosters for coffee, and Davos for relaxation.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Just 2 km off the A13, the village of Valendas has an ancient covered wooden bridge and a traditional bakery. Near Chur, the Bergwild workshop in Scharans crafts emmental cheese the old way. The trail to the Cavaglia Glacier Gardens (15 km from Davos) reveals glacial potholes and rare landscapes.