Written from the iDavos team’s accommodation and logistics specialists.
Almost everyone arriving for the Annual Meeting comes through Zurich Airport (ZRH). Davos sits roughly 150 kilometres south-east, deep in the Graubünden Alps, and the final stretch is mountain road and rail. Here are the realistic options and how to choose between them.
Private transfer (car or limousine)
The most common choice for delegates is a private car or limousine direct from the terminal. Door to door, the journey takes around two to two and a half hours. The advantage is simplicity: you are met at arrivals, your luggage is handled, and you travel on your own schedule without changes. During WEF week, pre-booking is essential; transfers are not something to arrange on landing.
Train
Switzerland's rail network makes Davos reachable entirely by train, typically via Landquart with a change onto the scenic Rhaetian Railway. Plan for around two and a half to three hours depending on connections. It is comfortable, reliable, and often beautiful — the final leg climbs through the mountains — but you are managing your own luggage and changes, which is less appealing after a long-haul flight or with a full team.
If you are basing yourself in Chur rather than in Davos itself, the rail journey is shorter and simpler: trains reach Chur in around ninety minutes to two hours from the airport, with a single change in Zurich and no mountain leg at the end.
Helicopter
For the most time-sensitive arrivals, a helicopter transfer cuts the journey to roughly 30–40 minutes and removes the road entirely. It is weather-dependent and the most expensive option, but for principals on tight schedules it can be the difference between making an evening commitment and missing it. These are arranged well in advance and coordinated with ground transport at both ends.
The options at a glance
| Option | Journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer (car or limousine) | About 2–2.5 hours | Door-to-door simplicity on your own schedule |
| Train (via Landquart) | About 2.5–3 hours | Comfort and reliability when travelling light |
| Helicopter | About 30–40 minutes | Time-critical arrivals, weather permitting |
What changes during WEF week
The thing to plan for is demand: cars, drivers, and helicopter slots are booked out early, so the time to arrange transfers is when you book your accommodation, not the week before you fly. Access to certain zones around the Congress Centre is controlled during the meeting — see the security and logistics guide for how that works.
Our recommendation
For most delegates, a pre-booked private transfer is the right balance of comfort and reliability. If your schedule is unforgiving, layer in a helicopter option. Either way, coordinate arrival logistics with where you are staying so the two connect cleanly — the iDavos concierge team arranges transfers as part of the stay, timed around your flights and your first commitments.
Ready to plan your arrival? Get in touch with your flight details and we will handle the rest.