In Switzerland, whenever you travel between towns and cities, you are in for a treat; every corner of the country is blessed with highly scenic routes with distinct landscapes as the background. Likewise, the car trip from St. Moritz to Zurich is a 124 miles (204 km) journey of going through the magnificent Alps, deep dark forests, and crystal clear lakes. Your route from St. Moritz to Chur is called Julier Pass, one of the major mountain passes in Switzerland. This part will be the most dramatic and thrilling one throughout your trip since the road is narrow and winding.
Once you arrive in Chur, you’ll have been descended from the Alps and the landscape will begin to flatten out. But don’t just pass Chur; stop here to explore the oldest town in Switzerland, with a deep history reaching 5000 years back. Walk through the car-free cobblestone streets in the center, and definitely have a drink in the most remarkable bar you’ll see, Giger Bar, designed by H. R. Giger himself, best known for his creative work in the movie Alien.
From Chur, you’ll be traveling through the A3 motorway towards Zurich. This portion of the trip is a more relaxed one compared to the mountainous terrain you’ve just left behind. From here on until you arrive in Zurich, you’ll enjoy a comfy ride with green scenes all around you.
About Zurich
After your luxurious getaway surrounded by mountains and lakes, it will be exciting to return to St. Moritz and its dynamic atmosphere. One or two days might not be enough to explore this sophisticated metropolis; there is just so much to explore and learn about Zurich!
Let’s start with the basics: Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and a global financial hub. It is home to numerous financial institutions and banking giants, so it stands out as a city of economic prowess.
Zurich is alive with a diverse culture buzzing with art and history. In the old town, medieval buildings, narrow streets, and wide squares display centuries of history. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the Grossmünster, an iconic twin-towered church, and the Fraumünster, famous for its stained-glass windows, when you are strolling around here.
Alongside its historical buildings, Zurich is also rich in museums and galleries, with over 50 museums and more than 100 galleries. Definitely spend some hours in the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus Zurich to get to know more about Swiss cultural history and admire the impressive art collections they preserve.
When it comes to nature, scenic views, and outdoor activities, Zurich is definitely not falling short. It is set on the shores of Lake Zurich and the River Limmat, and the background is nothing other than the majestic snow-capped Alps on the horizon. This amazing canvas of natural beauty is not only to look at. It provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, swimming, and hiking.
From St. Moritz to Zurich: travel tips
Traveling from St. Moritz to Zurich with Daytrip is an exceptionally comfortable and convenient journey, especially when compared to the other modes of transportation. But there are always some things to make sure of before you set off, so take a look at our tips to be fully prepared for your trip:
### Add stops to your itinerary
Use one of the best advantages of Daytrip to the fullest: flexibility to explore on the way! Choose the stops you’d like to take and add them to your itinerary. Consider visiting Vaduz in Liechtenstein or Rapperswil-Jona and its medieval castle. Both locations have delightful spots for a quick stroll or a leisurely lunch.
### Personalize your experience
Another advantage of traveling with Daytrip is that your trip from St. Moritz to Zurich can be tailored completely to your preferences; you can choose the vehicle, onboard needs and wants, and refreshment stops. Request any specific needs or preferences you might have, such as child seats or extra luggage space. Ask your driver for insightful commentary about the areas you are passing through.
### Be well-prepared for the trip
The route from St. Moritz to Zurich involves different weather conditions and temperatures, especially as you descend from the high altitudes of the Alps. Dress in layers and bring appropriate accessories like sunglasses for sunny days and a jacket for cooler mountain temperatures. Also, since the journey can take several hours, bring along snacks and water.
How to get from St. Moritz to Zurich
You can travel from St. Moritz to Zurich in various ways, including driving, taking a train, or booking a seat with a private car service like Daytrip. Review your preferences and choose the option that suits you the most.
### St. Moritz to Zurich by car
You can drive from St. Moritz to Zurich by car rental or your private vehicle. The drive takes around two and a half to three hours and you would travel via A13 and A3 highways, passing through Chur and pretty landscapes. Although driving gives you flexibility and control over your schedule, the route has quite dramatic vistas, especially during the first half of the drive, before transitioning to the highways closer to Zurich.
### St. Moritz to Zurich by train
It is possible to get from St. Moritz to Zurich by train through different transfers, train expresses and routes. The most common one is the route operated by Swiss Railways once every hour. With this train, you would travel around three hours and 40 minutes with one transfer in Chur. You can also get to Chur by a Swiss PostAuto bus to take the Zurich-bound train. Another option involves the scenic railway route by Glacier Express, again changing to a regular train in Chur. Glacier Express offers its famous panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Check the timetable here.
### St. Moritz to Zurich by private car service
Getting from St. Moritz to Zurich by a private car service like Daytrip is pretty much the most direct, stress-free, and enjoyable mode of travel. With your English-speaking and local driver, you’ll have no problem with communicating and arranging your trip exactly the way you want. Without worrying about the strict timetables, transfers, or driving through sharp vistas, you’ll get to enjoy the scenic Swiss roads.
Things to do when you get to Zurich
Once you get from St. Moritz to Zurich, the city will be buzzing with the lively energy of all the interesting places and activities it preserves. Here are some of our favorites:
### Dive into art at Rietberg Museum's Non-Western collections
While many flock to the Kunsthaus, the Rietberg Museum deserves special attention for its impressive collection of non-Western art. Located in the serene Rieterpark, the museum presents a diverse array of artifacts and artworks from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Its exhibitions are thoughtfully curated to provide insights into different cultures and histories, often juxtaposed with contemporary perspectives that challenge and expand the viewer’s understanding of non-Western art.
### Take a walk at Sihlwald
Have a short trip from the city center, to have a lovely nature experience at Sihlwald. This area is part of Switzerland's first natural forest park, and opens a window into what the pre-alpine landscapes might have looked once. The park is excellent for hiking, bird watching, and simply enjoying the untouched forest scenery. The Sihlwald Visitor Centre also organizes various guided tours and educational workshops concerning the forest’s ecology.
### Have a bite at Markthalle im Viadukt
Head to the Markthalle im Viadukt in the Zurich-West district for a tasty trip. This market hall is built into the arches of an old railway viaduct, and being there alone is a unique architectural experience. Unlike the more famous Bahnhofstrasse, the Viadukt focuses on local, sustainable, and artisanal food products. From freshly baked bread to handcrafted cheeses and organic produce, you’ll enjoy a taste of Zurich's local flavors.
When is the best time to visit Zurich
The ideal time to get from St. Moritz to Zurich is during the summer when the city enjoys its best weather and cultural scene, alive with outdoor festivals and activities. With temperatures reaching up to 86°F (30°C) in July and August, conditions are perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying boat tours on Lake Zurich or the Limmat River.
The city comes alive with nearly 18 hours of daylight, hosting events like Zurich Pride, Zurich Art Weekend, Street Parade, and Zurich Open Air. Meanwhile, winter, particularly December through February, is a special time of quintessential Swiss experience with snowy scenes and Christmas markets. Winter is popular for skiing enthusiasts who use Zurich as a base before venturing into the nearby Swiss Alps.
Flying directly from St. Moritz to Zurich is not possible as St. Moritz does not have a commercial airport equipped for such flights. The best way to travel between St. Moritz and Zurich is by road or rail. Also, getting to a city that has an airport makes the journey quite long so it is not recommended.
The train journey from St. Moritz to Zurich lasts approximately three to four hours. This duration includes possible transfers, usually in Chur, depending on the train service. The train ride is a scenic travel experience through the Swiss Alps, which is why it is a popular choice for both tourists and locals.
The distance between St. Moritz and Zurich is around 124 miles (200 km). It usually takes two and a half to four hours to travel by car or train. St. Moritz and Zurich are connected through scenic routes that traverse the Swiss Alps, which is a beautiful but slightly lengthy journey between the upscale resort town and the bustling city.
Don’t leave Zurich without visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland's most important art museums, which houses an impressive collection from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. Also, explore the quirky and creative side of Zurich by wandering through the trendy district of Zurich-West, famous for its converted industrial spaces, and street art.
To get from St. Moritz to Zurich by taxi involves a lengthy and potentially expensive journey, taking about three hours depending on road conditions. This option provides a direct and private means of travel, though it's significantly more costly compared to trains or buses.
Hotel prices in Zurich are generally on the higher side, which reflect the city's status as a major financial center and tourist destination. Accommodation costs vary widely by location, time of year, and hotel class, with prices increasing during peak tourist seasons and around special events or festivals.
沿途参观这些景点
阿尔布拉铁路博物馆
Multimedia displays teach visitors the history of this UNESCO protected rail-line, right down to demonstrations of the tunneling methods. Boring’s not Boring
圣马丁教堂
The medieval painted ceiling in this serene alpine church is the only one in the world in such a perfectly preserved condition. More than a Ceiling
库尔
Settled for 5000 years, this ancient alpine crossroad’s car-free Old Town is full of quiet streets and scenic squares. Switzerland's Oldest Town
瓦杜兹
The post stamp-sized capital of post stamp-sized Liechtenstein is quiet, clean, and ironically has a postage stamp museum. Complete your Collection
拉珀斯维尔-约纳
A beautiful lake, historic castle and tens of thousands of roses make this charming medieval town a breath of fresh air. The Town of Roses
"Dumitru was fantastic and provided excellent service for me and my S.O.
I look forward to using his service on my next trip since I fell in love with Switzerland"
Jeffrey L.
United States
2022年6月27日
"Our trip from St Moritz to Zurich with our driver is highly satisfactory. Our driver was punctual and arrived perfectly on time. He was also courteous and helped us with our luggages. We were comfortable throughout the trip. Your company is highly recommendable. "
Vilma M.
United States
2022年3月20日
"We were very pleased with Daytrip. The price was fair, the driver was very friendly, the car arrived well on time and got us to the airport at the anticipated time as well. Five stars! We would certainly use Daytrip again. My only suggestion would be to say up front on your website that you accept payment via Paypal, which is a very convenient payment method."
Dianne H.
Namibia
2022年1月11日
"The experience was perfect. Jan was PERFECT. As a young company, you should be very proud. I could not have been happier,
"
Mark D.
United States
2019年10月2日
"We used DayTrip on five occasions and found each and every driver, punctual, flexible and courteous. Marian, our last driver from St. Moritz to Zurich was the best. He was outgoing, polite and delightful conversationalist. We would use DayTrip on future occasions as each experience was perfect. "
