ZURICH TO DAVOS · TRAVEL GUIDE
Getting to Davos
Everything international delegates need to know about travelling to Switzerland and Davos — from arrival airports and transport options to visa requirements and Alpine packing essentials.
Transport Guide
Zurich to Davos
Three ways to reach Davos from Zurich Airport — each balancing speed, comfort, and spectacle differently. GS Hospitality coordinates all options on request.
Private Transfer
Door-to-door chauffeur service from Zurich Airport in executive-class vehicles. GS Hospitality coordinates meet-and-greet, luggage handling, and direct delivery to your Davos property.
- →Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, or armoured SUV
- →Available 24/7 throughout the week
- →Security-cleared chauffeurs
- →Fleet of 20+ vehicles on standby
Scenic Train
Switzerland's iconic Rhaetian Railway through the Alps. GS Hospitality can book private compartments or full first-class carriages for delegations. Arrives at Davos Platz, 5 min from the conference centre.
- →Zurich HB → Landquart (EuroCity or IC, ~1h 15m)
- →Landquart → Davos Platz (Rhaetian Bahn, ~1h 10m)
- →Private compartment or full carriage available
- →Swiss Travel Pass accepted
Helicopter Charter
The most dramatic and time-efficient arrival. Fly over the Alps and land directly in Davos. GS coordinates permits, landing slots, and ground security. Preferred by ministers and senior executives.
- →Direct from Zurich Airport or city helipad
- →Up to 5 passengers per aircraft
- →GS handles all permits and slots
- →Subject to weather — book 6+ weeks ahead
International Connections to Zurich
Heathrow / Gatwick to Zurich: ~2h · Multiple daily flights · Then 35 min helicopter or 2.5h train
Direct to Zurich: ~7h · Emirates, Etihad, flydubai · Consider Geneva too (4h to Davos by road)
Mumbai / Delhi to Zurich: 9–10h · SWISS, Lufthansa · Book 4+ months ahead for January.
Entry Points
Arrival Airports
Zurich Airport
Primary · ~2.5 hrs to Davos
Switzerland's main international hub with direct connections from all major cities worldwide. Transfer to Davos by private car (2.5h), train from Zurich HB (2.5h), or helicopter (35 min).
Key Connections
- ·London Heathrow — 2h (multiple daily)
- ·Dubai — 7h (Emirates, Etihad)
- ·New York JFK — 9h (SWISS direct)
- ·Mumbai/Delhi — 9–10h (SWISS, Lufthansa)
Geneva Airport
Alternative · ~4.5 hrs to Davos
Good alternative from Western Europe, West Africa, and North America. Transfer via Geneva HB then direct train to Davos, or a private road transfer (approx. 4 hours through the Alps).
Key Connections
- ·Paris CDG — 1h 15m
- ·London Heathrow — 1h 45m
- ·New York — 9h (SWISS direct)
- ·Casablanca — 3h (Royal Air Maroc)
Local Transport
Getting Around Davos
Davos is compact but the Annual Meeting venues are spread over 2 km of Promenade. Plan your inter-venue logistics in advance.
Chauffeur Service
GS Hospitality provides on-call chauffeurs throughout Davos week. Available from 05:00–02:00 daily for point-to-point transfers between venues, hotels, and private events.
Local Taxis
Davos taxis are efficient but in high demand during the Annual Meeting. Pre-book through your accommodation concierge or use the Taxi Davos app. Fares run on meter.
Public Bus
Davos has an excellent local bus network (lines 1–9) connecting the Platz, Dorf, and congress areas. Free with the guest card from your hotel. Runs every 10–15 minutes.
On Foot
The main Promenade is walkable (1.5 km). Use proper winter footwear — pavements can be icy. Allow extra time between early-morning meetings when temperatures are lowest.
GS Hospitality On-Call Chauffeurs: For the smoothest week, our clients have priority access to our fleet of executive vehicles stationed throughout Davos. One message on WhatsApp and your car is on its way — typically within 8 minutes.
Entry Requirements
Visas & Entry
Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area. Entry requirements vary by nationality. Always verify with the Swiss Embassy in your country of residence.
EU/EEA citizens enter Switzerland with a national ID card or passport. Free movement applies.
Recommended: travel with both passport and national ID. Health insurance card advised.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Valid passport required (not expired within 6 months of entry).
Post-Brexit: passport must be valid on entry date. No Schengen stamp issues for business visits.
Up to 90 days. US passport valid for duration of stay required. ESTA does not apply to Switzerland.
Ensure onward travel documents are in order for multi-country trips through Schengen.
Apply at Swiss Embassy / VFS Global. Business visa category. Processing: 15–30 working days. Apply well in advance.
GS Hospitality provides invitation letters, accommodation proof, and itinerary documentation.
Required for most GCC nationals. UAE and Bahrain citizens may qualify for visa-free — verify current rules.
Diplomatic passport holders typically have different rules. GS provides country-specific guidance.
Apply via Swiss Embassy in your country. Strong invitation documentation is essential for approval.
GS provides a comprehensive documentation package: invitation letters, accommodation proof, and summit attendance evidence.
Need visa documentation support? Our travel advisory team has helped 60+ delegations obtain Swiss visas, providing comprehensive invitation letters, accommodation proof, and itinerary documentation.
Get Visa SupportDisclaimer: Visa requirements change. Always verify current entry requirements with the official Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) or your nearest Swiss Embassy before travel. GS Hospitality provides this information for general guidance only and accepts no liability for entry refusals.
January in the Alps
What to Pack for Davos
Davos in January is cold, Alpine, and formal. Pack for professional meetings by day and sub-zero temperatures outdoors. The temperature range is -12°C to -2°C.
Clothing Essentials
- ✓Heavy down parka — waterproof, knee-length
- ✓Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- ✓Merino wool mid-layer sweaters
- ✓Formal business suits (2–3 sets)
- ✓Waterproof ankle boots with grip soles
- ✓Insulated gloves, scarf, and beanie
- ✓Business casual for Promenade evenings
Business Essentials
- ✓Laptop + charger and Type J universal adapter
- ✓Power bank (phones drain fast in the cold)
- ✓Business cards in English + local language
- ✓Event pass holder and conference lanyard
- ✓Portable hotspot or Swiss SIM card
- ✓Noise-cancelling headphones
- ✓Small daypack for the conference centre
Health & Wellness
- ✓Prescription medications — 2-week supply
- ✓Lip balm and heavy moisturiser (very dry air)
- ✓Eye drops (heated rooms dry eyes)
- ✓Vitamin C supplements (January illness risk)
- ✓Hand warmers for outdoor walks
- ✓Blister plasters for ice/snow walking
- ✓Throat lozenges (speaking in dry air all week)
Altitude Note — 1,560m Above Sea Level
Davos is the highest town in the Alps. Visitors from sea-level cities often feel mild altitude effects for 24–48 hours: slight shortness of breath, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Drink more water than usual, avoid alcohol on your first evening, and allow for an early night. Our welcome briefing covers altitude acclimatisation in detail.
On the Ground
Practical Tips
Currency
Switzerland uses Swiss Francs (CHF). Major credit cards accepted everywhere in Davos. ATMs available at Davos Platz. Tip 5–10% for exceptional service.
Language
German is the local language. English is widely spoken throughout Davos during the Annual Meeting. French and Italian also understood.
January Weather
Davos averages -12°C to -2°C in January with snow and ice. Altitude 1,560m. Wind chill is significant. Pack layered, waterproof outerwear.
Mobile & Data
EU roaming plans work in Switzerland. Purchase a Swisscom or Sunrise SIM at Zurich Airport for best coverage. 5G available across Davos.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 117 · Fire: 118 · Ambulance: 144 · European Emergency: 112. Davos Hospital is located on Promenadenstasse.
Altitude
Davos sits at 1,560m above sea level. Mild altitude effects are common in the first 24–48 hours. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol on arrival, and rest early.
Power & Plugs
Switzerland uses Type J sockets (230V, 50Hz). Swiss plugs are unique — bring a universal adapter. Universal multi-adapters widely available at Zurich Airport.
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) during January. No DST change during Davos week. Dubai: UTC+4 (3h ahead). London: UTC+0 (1h behind). New York: UTC-5 (6h behind).
Healthcare
Switzerland has world-class healthcare. Davos Hospital is on-site during the Annual Meeting. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Expert Travel Advisors
Need Transport Arranged?
Questions about visas, transfers, packing, or anything else about travelling to Davos? Our travel advisory team has the answer — and we respond on WhatsApp within 2 hours.