Public Transportation: Chur

System Overview & Hubs

Chur's public transport system mainly consists of city buses operated by Chur Bus (Busbetrieb Chur) and regional trains operated by the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). The system operates with high efficiency and reliability. Its integrated nature allows for seamless transfers between buses and trains.

Chur Bus: This network covers the entire city area and extends to surrounding villages. Buses offer convenient access to different neighborhoods, attractions, and the gondola station for Brambrüesch.

Transport Hubs

Chur Main Station (Chur Bahnhof): Central hub for all train and most city bus lines, just outside the Old Town.
Postplatz: Major bus hub in the city center, close to the Old Town, for easy transfers.
Bus route maps are available at stops, tourist office, and online.
Rhaetian Railway (RhB): Narrow-gauge railway connecting Chur to wider Graubünden, including scenic routes (Arosa Line, Bernina Express, Glacier Express segments).

Tickets & Fares

Purchase single tickets from machines or bus drivers. Day Passes and Multi-day Passes (Graubünden Pass) are options. The Swiss Travel Pass covers all public transport.

Operating Hours

City buses operate from early morning (~5:00 AM) until late evening (~midnight), with reduced weekend service. Trains operate frequently by line; check SBB/RhB timetables.

Accessibility

Swiss public transport is generally very accessible. Modern buses often have low-floor design and ramps. Train stations and trains are increasingly designed for accessibility. Assistance can be pre-arranged with SBB.

Navigation Tips

Digital Tools

The SBB Mobile App is indispensable for real-time schedules, platform info, and ticket purchases.
Google Maps offers excellent public transport routing.
Many hotels provide guests with a free ChurCard upon check-in, including free city bus use.

Practical Advice

Validate your ticket before boarding if necessary, or purchase before travel. Fines for invalid tickets are steep.
Swiss public transport is punctual. Arrive a few minutes early at the stop or platform.
The RhB is an attraction in itself, known for its picturesque routes and impressive engineering.

Travel Passes

Single Tickets

For one-off journeys.

Day Passes

Unlimited travel within zones for a day.

Graubünden Pass

Unlimited travel on trains/PostBuses within Graubünden.

Swiss Travel Pass

Covers all public transport throughout Switzerland.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a convenient, though often expensive, option for local travel in Chur. Ride-sharing services also operate in the city.

Taxi Information

Identification: Licensed taxis are typically beige or black, marked with a "Taxi" sign and an inside meter.
Hailing: Hail on the street in some areas, find at designated taxi stands (e.g., Chur Main Station), or call a local taxi company.
Fares: Relatively expensive. Fares are metered (base fare + per-kilometer charge), with surcharges for night/weekend travel. A short ride might cost CHF 15-25.
Payment: Most taxis accept cash (CHF) and major credit cards. Confirm with the driver prior to starting the journey.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Uber: Operates in Chur. It can be an alternative to traditional taxis, often at a slightly lower price. Availability can vary.
Other Apps: Local taxi companies may have their own apps. Uber is the most globally recognized.
Safety (Licensed Taxis): Generally very safe. Drivers are regulated, and vehicles undergo regular inspections.
Safety (Ride-Sharing): Generally safe. Use reputable apps like Uber, which offer tracking and driver information. Always confirm driver and vehicle match app details.

Airport/Station Taxi Arrangements

Chur Main Station: A designated taxi stand sits directly outside the main entrance for easy access.
Zurich Airport: Taxis are outside the arrivals hall. However, a taxi from Zurich Airport to Chur is very expensive (potentially CHF 250-400+).
The train is a much more economical choice for airport transfers to Chur.

Know your destination address or hotel name.
Have your payment method ready before reaching the destination.
Consider pre-booking taxis for early morning departures.

Cost Comparison: Taxi vs. Train Zurich Airport to Chur

Taxi Cost Estimate

CHF 250-400+

Train Cost Estimate

CHF 30-50 (single ticket)

Travel Time

Taxi: 1h15m (variable with traffic) / Train: 1h15m (consistent)

Rental Options

For those preferring independent travel or access to more remote areas, rental options are available in Chur.

Car Rental

Requirements: Minimum age 21 (sometimes 25 for certain car categories). Valid driver's license from home country. International Driving Permit (IDP) is useful if your license is not in a common European language or lacks a photograph. Major credit card in driver's name for deposit.
Companies: Major international rental companies operate (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) with offices at airports and larger train stations, including Chur.
Booking: Recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, for availability and better rates.
Vignette: Rental cars in Switzerland usually come with the motorway vignette already affixed.

Bicycle & Other Rentals

Bicycle Rentals: Rent a Bike (Rent-a-Bike.ch) is a nationwide program with pick-up/drop-off at Chur train station. Local sports shops also offer bike rentals. Costs range from CHF 30-60+ per day.
Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals: Less common for tourists in Chur. More available in larger cities or specialized shops. Specific licenses are needed.
Specialty Rentals: Ski/snowboard equipment is readily available for rent in nearby resorts.
Renting specialty equipment prevents the hassle of transport.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Rules

Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory. Headlights on at all times. Legal drink-driving limit: 0.05% BAC. Mobile phone use prohibited unless hands-free. Speed limits strictly enforced.

Be aware of speed cameras!

Road Conditions

Roads are of excellent quality and well-maintained. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. Many tunnels exist; turn headlights on.

Drive defensively in mountains.

Parking Information

Blue Zones: Free with parking disc (1-2 hrs). Discs at gas stations/police. White Zones: Paid parking (meters). Yellow Zones: Private. Parking Garages (Parkhaus): Recommended for longer stays in city center; expensive (CHF 2-4/hr, CHF 20-30/day).

Use Parkhaus for ease.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian Areas & Tours

Chur Old Town (Altstadt): Entirely pedestrianized, ideal for walking. Explore narrow alleys, historical buildings, charming squares.
River Rhine Embankment: Pleasant walking paths for scenic strolls.
City Parks: Fontanapark provides green space for leisurely walks.

Walking Tours & Trails

Guided Tours: Chur Tourism office offers historical tours of the Old Town for in-depth information.
Self-guided: Free city map from tourist office. "Chur City Trail" (blue arrows) guides visitors to historical sites.
Brambrüesch: Local mountain accessed by cable car, with numerous marked hiking trails.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

Infrastructure: Chur and Graubünden offer an extensive network of marked cycling routes, including dedicated bike paths.
Mountain Biking: Graubünden is a premier destination, with trails around Chur accessible via cable cars.
Safety: Helmets are recommended. Always follow road rules. Be aware of traffic outside dedicated paths.
No-go areas: No specific "no-go" areas for safety. High-speed motorways are off-limits for cyclists and pedestrians.

Certain challenging mountain trails may be unsuitable for novice hikers or cyclists.
Always check trail conditions and difficulty ratings, especially in adverse weather.
Ring your bell to alert pedestrians when cycling on shared paths.
Avoid wearing headphones that block out ambient sounds.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond standard options, Chur offers unique transport methods for mountain access and sightseeing.

Cable Cars & Funiculars

Brambrüesch Gondola: Direct transport from Chur to its local mountain, Brambrüesch, operating year-round. Access hiking, biking, skiing.
Chur-Dreibündenstein Cable Car: Connects Brambrüesch to other peaks (Feldis, Pradaschier), forming a larger recreational area for extended mountain exploration.
These systems offer spectacular panoramic views during ascent.
Tickets for cable cars can be purchased at their respective stations.

Other Options

Tour Buses/Hop-on-Hop-off: Not typically found as dedicated services in Chur due to its compact size and excellent public transport/walkability.
Tour operators may offer day trips from Chur using larger coaches for regional excursions.
Boat Taxis/Water Transport: Not relevant for Chur, which is not situated on a large navigable lake or river for passenger transport.
Accessibility Services: Swiss public transport is generally accessible for travelers with mobility needs. Contact SBB for assistance with train travel.

Mountain Accessibility

Cable cars and funiculars open up the alpine landscapes, offering diverse experiences.

Regional Tours

For exploring beyond Chur, specialized regional tour buses provide options.

Inclusive Travel

Swiss transport networks strive for accessibility for all travelers.

Accessibility Highlights

Train & Bus Access

Modern buses are often low-floor and equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.
Train stations and trains are increasingly designed for accessibility with lifts, ramps, and wider doors.
Assistance can be pre-arranged with SBB for travelers needing help with boarding or alighting trains.

Mountain Access

Many cable cars and gondolas are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Some mountain trails are designated as accessible, check local maps for details.
Many hotels offer accessible rooms for guests with mobility needs.

Choose Your Ride

Chur offers diverse transport options, from efficient public transit to unique mountain access.

Public Transportation