Chur Switzerland Travel Guide
Switzerland's largest airport, approximately 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Chur. It represents the most common gateway for international visitors. Zurich Airport offers extensive global connections. Major airlines globally service Zurich, including SWISS, Edelweiss Air, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, France's National airline, Aa, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) is approximately 220 km (137 miles) to the northwest of Chur. It serves Basel in Switzerland, Mulhouse within France, and Freiburg inside Germany, offering connections mainly to European destinations. Airlines like SWISS, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Wizz Air service Basel. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Italy, is approximately 200 km (124 miles) south of Chur. This airport is accessible via the scenic San Bernardino Pass (seasonal) or through train connections, offering another international option.
A direct train station is located beneath the Arrivals Hall, offering excellent train connections throughout Switzerland, making onward travel seamless.
Car rental services are available at airports. Travel time by car from Zurich Airport is about AN hour 15 minutes. DiscoverCars.com can assist with bookings.
This option is expensive but offers a direct transfer. Expect high costs for long distances from airports to Chur.
Zurich Airport (ZRH) has one main terminal complex with three airside piers (A, B/D, E).
The airport has a wealth of shops, restaurants, and duty-free outlets.
Car rental desks, currency exchange services, ATMs, luggage lockers, free Wi-Fi, plus lounges are available. Several accommodations are directly has a connection to the airport.
Switzerland boasts an excellent land transportation network, with trains since it's the backbone of travel. Chur is well-integrated into this system.
PostBus (PostAuto), Switzerland's iconic yellow buses, complement the train network by serving routes where trains do not go, especially in mountainous and non-urban areas. PostBus connects Chur to a lot of villages and towns within Graubünden. While not as prevalent as trains, international bus services like FlixBus offer connections to and from a few European municipalities to larger Swiss cities, from where you can connect to Chur by train.
You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is useful if your license is not in a common European language or lacks a photograph. The minimum driving age is 18. A highway vignette (annual sticker) is necessary for all vehicles using Swiss motorways (CHF 40). Most rental cars in Switzerland already include it. Switzerland has an excellent road network. Mountain passes can be challenging, with winding roads, steep gradients, and numerous tunnels.
Swiss roads are very safe and well-maintained. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Generally, limits are: 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on semi-motorways, 80 km/h (50 mph) outside built-up areas, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas. Some specific zones, like residential or school areas, have limits of 30 km/h (19 mph) or 20 km/h (12 mph).
Chur is an inland city, tucked into the Alps. It does not offer sea or major river port arrivals for international travel. While the Rhine River flows through Chur, it is not navigable for large passenger ships in this part of the country.
Lake cruises on nearby larger lakes connect to other Swiss towns. For any travel involving waterways, these would typically be local excursions from other Swiss cities rather than direct routes to Chur. Chur's main access routes are via air and extensive land transportation networks, especially trains.
Chur's main travel access points are through its well-run train and road networks.
Being an Alpine city, Chur does not offer any direct sea or ocean access.
Focus on train, bus, or car travel when planning your journey to Chur.
There are no specific departure taxes or exit fees for tourists leaving Switzerland by air, train, or road. These costs are typically included in your ticket price. You will not face unexpected charges at departure.
Knowing what to expect at airports or train stations simplifies the process.
Offers extensive facilities: numerous shops, restaurants, lounges. Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Prayer rooms and family services are also present.
Features kiosks, cafes, and waiting areas. Luggage lockers are available for temporary storage. The SBB travel center provides tickets and information for onward travel.
If you have eligible purchases, process your VAT refund at customs Before passing through security at the airport. Look for "Tax Free" or "VAT Refund" signs. Offer goods, receipts, and passport ready.
