Overall7.3/10Easier to reach than about 70% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- Winter road conditions (November–April): Alpine passes can close temporarily; snow tires mandatory. Train routes offer reliable year-round access regardless of weather.
- Glacier Express closure: The train does not operate mid-October through early December due to snow on the Oberalp and Furka passes. Plan around this gap if traveling in autumn.
- Train journey beauty: Locals and travel guides strongly recommend the train from Zurich despite taking 1.5 hours longer than driving—the Rhaetian Railway scenery through UNESCO World Heritage lines is considered one of Europe's most spectacular journeys.
- Car rental deposits: Security deposits in St. Moritz can exceed 8,000 CHF; check rental terms carefully before booking.
- Station elevation: St. Moritz railway station (1,775 m / 5,823 ft) is the highest urban railway station in Switzerland; arrive early for panoramic trains as seats fill quickly.
- Reservation required: Glacier Express and Bernina Express require mandatory seat reservations; do not board without one.
- Swiss Travel Pass advantage: If traveling frequently within Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass covers regional trains and local buses, making multi-day rail exploration cost-effective.
- Alpine pass routes: The Julier Pass (north) and Maloja Pass (south) are the two main driving approaches; Maloja is lower and easier but approaches from Italy. Both are scenic.
Airports
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Distance Km
- 230
- Drive Time Minutes
- 165
- Notes
- Switzerland's largest airport with excellent intercontinental connections. Primary choice for most visitors.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Distance Km
- 180
- Drive Time Minutes
- 180
- Notes
- Shorter drive via lower Maloja Pass, via Lake Como and Chiavenna in Italy.
Engadin Airport (Samedan)
- Distance Km
- 15
- Notes
- Private jet, charter flight, and air taxi services only. No scheduled commercial flights.
Local Transit
Engadin Bus Network
- Coverage
- Local and regional buses throughout Upper Engadin valley (Pontresina, Celerina, Silvaplana, Sils, Maloja)
- Notes
- Frequent service. Swiss Travel Pass valid.
Rhaetian Railway (RhB) Local Trains
- Coverage
- Connects St. Moritz to Celerina, Samedan, Pontresina
- Notes
- Hourly service on Albula and Bernina lines.
PostBus
- Coverage
- Regional coach service (yellow buses)
- Notes
- Connects to surrounding villages and val d'Italy.
Taxis
- Availability
- Station and hotel ranks
- Notes
- Licensed taxis available at train station and major hotels.
Day Trip Access
Full Day (8 Hours Travel Plus Time in Zermatt)
- Destination
- Zermatt via Glacier Express
- Notes
- Possible but better as overnight excursion to enjoy both resorts properly.
Full Day
- Destination
- Tirano, Italy via Bernina Express
- Notes
- One-way or round-trip options. UNESCO heritage railway descent to Italian culture and cuisine.
3 Hours by Train
- Destination
- Chur (regional hub)
- Notes
- Gateway to many Alpine destinations, starting point for Glacier Express alternative routes.
Approximately 4 Hours
- Destination
- Lugano, Switzerland
- Notes
- Via Palm Express PostBus route over Maloja Pass, through Bergell, Lake Como, and lakes near Lugano.
Regional Access
Bus/Coach
- From
- Various Swiss & Italian cities
- Notes
- Flixbus, Megabus, and regional PostBus services connect St. Moritz to Chur, Zurich, Milan, Chiavenna, Tirano, and other Alpine towns. Engadin Bus network provides local service.
Drive Via Julier Pass (2,284m)
- From
- Northern Switzerland
- Notes
- From Chur via Thusis, Albula, Savognin, and Bivio. Main Swiss road access.
Drive Via Maloja Pass (1,815m)
- From
- Italy/Lake Como area
- Notes
- Lowest and easiest Alpine pass access from Milan direction, via Chiavenna. About 1 hour by car from Chiavenna to St. Moritz.
Ground Transport
Private Transfer/Taxi
- Cost
- CHF 400
- From
- Zurich Airport
- Duration Minutes
- 165
- Notes
- Most direct option. Price varies by season (peak weekends more expensive). Alpine winter conditions may add 30 minutes in winter months.
Public Train
- Cost
- CHF 113
- From
- Zurich Airport
- Duration Minutes
- 255
- Notes
- Requires 2-3 transfers (via Zürich HB and Chur). Scenic, highly recommended by locals despite longer travel time. Rhaetian Railway offers UNESCO World Heritage route experience.
Car Rental
- Cost
- CHF 30
- Notes
- Per day rental cost. Winter tires mandatory November-April. Swiss highway vignette (40 CHF) required. Security deposits can be very high (up to 8,000 CHF in St. Moritz). Parking can be difficult in town.
Rail Connections
Glacier Express
- Route
- Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Features
- 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, UNESCO World Heritage line. One-seat journey through Swiss Alps. Panoramic windows, onboard dining available.
- Distance Km
- 291
- Travel time
- 8 hours
- Seat Reservation
- Mandatory
- Notes
- Called 'slowest express train in the world.' Excellence Class available with premium service.
- Operational Note
- Does not run mid-October to early December 2026
Bernina Express
- Route
- St. Moritz to Tirano (Italy)
- Features
- UNESCO World Heritage Albula/Bernina lines. Spiral tunnels, high viaducts, scenic descent to Italian palmtrees.
- Travel time
- Approx 4
Regional Trains (Rhaetian Railway/RhB)
- Route
- Chur to St. Moritz via Albula Pass
- Travel time
- 3 hours
- Notes
- From Zurich main station, take train to Landquart, then regional train to St. Moritz (some routes via Klosters)
Passes And Tickets
Swiss Travel Pass
- Validity
- Included or discounted on Glacier Express and Bernina Express
- Local Coverage
- Valid on all Engadin Bus and local St. Moritz buses, Rhaetian Railway trains
Engadin St. Moritz Mountain Railways and Public Transport Pass
- Coverage
- Unlimited travel on Engadin Bus, St. Moritz local buses, PostAuto coaches, Rhaetian Railway trains throughout Upper Engadin (Maloja to Cinuos-chel and Alp Grüm to Spinas). Certain trains and wagons subject to surcharge.
- Validity
- 3, 7, or 14 days
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
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More About St. Moritz
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.