Have you ever dreamed of a high‑mountain town where snowy peaks, lakes, scenic lifts, and charming streets become your daily backdrop? That’s Davos, Switzerland — a world‑famous alpine destination with activities in every season, from skiing in winter to hiking or panoramic cable car rides in summer.

Davos is scenic, structured, and ready to welcome adventurers — but it’s also known for being one of Switzerland’s pricier travel spots, so planning ahead really helps.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

We find that the best time to visit Davos depends on what we want to do:

- Winter (mid‑Nov to early Apr): Peak snow season with skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and winter events.

- Spring & Fall (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Fewer crowds, cool weather, great for hiking and peaceful walks.

- Summer (Jun–Sep): Lakeside fun at Lake Davos, cable car rides, mountain biking, scenic trails.

Seasonal tip: Summer weather changes quickly. Dressing in layers helps even on sunny days.

Transport: How We Get Around

Train from Zurich:

- Most common route is train from Zurich to Landquart, then scenic connection to Davos Platz.

- Duration: about 2.5–3 hours depending on transfer times.

- Pricing: Swiss train prices vary widely; railcards like Swiss Half Fare Card can cut fares in half. Booking earlier usually gives better rates.

Local Transport in Davos:

- Davos is walkable, but buses link villages and key spots.

- Local single bus tickets are usually around $3–7 per journey.

- Taxis are available but pricier — around $33–55 for short rides within town areas.

Ski & Lift Tickets — Exact Prices

During winter, ski lifts are a big part of Davos:

Regional Ski Pass (access to many slopes across Davos Klosters Mountains):

- 1‑day full‑price ticket: ~$102

- 2‑day full‑price ticket: ~$186

- 3‑day full‑price ticket: ~$251

- Children (6‑12) roughly half the price of a full‑price ticket

Morning / Afternoon Tickets (shorter skiing windows, cheaper):

- Morning lift pass (valid until ~13:00) approx $99–105 per person

- Afternoon lift pass starts ~12:15 (lower price) — ideal for flexibility

Funicular & Mountain Railways (Schatzalp, Rinerhorn & more):

- Single ride around $11 per person

- Full day lift for panoramic trips ~$40–50 depending on age and season

Accommodation — What We Pay

Davos hotel costs vary a lot by season (ski season and big events like the World Economic Forum can push prices much higher):

Budget / Mid‑Range Options:

- Classic hotel rooms around $100–165 per night in summer or shoulder season

- Mid-range hotels with more amenities: $150–175 per night

Higher‑End / Premium:

- Premium or internationally styled hotels often reach $330–550+ per night in peak season

Tip: Booking early, especially for winter and July–August, helps secure better rates.

Dining & Food Costs — Daily Practical Budget

Food in Davos ranges from budget-friendly to pricier alpine meals:

Self‑Catered / Supermarkets:

- Grocery meals: about $22–39 per day if we cook or buy simple supermarket fare

Casual Dining:

- Sandwich or café lunch: ~$9–17

- Casual dinner in local restaurant: ~$20–33

- Mountain cafe meal on a peak or ski area: ~$28–44 depending on menu

- Coffee / small snack: ~$6–11 is common

Budget tip: Eating lunch at a café or from supermarkets saves money for activities.

Practical Tips to Save Money

- Seasonal Tourist Card: Many hotels provide a Premium Card that offers free local buses and reduced cable‑car prices in summer — this can significantly lower transport costs.

- Train Discounts: Consider a Swiss rail youth or half‑fare card to reduce train prices by about half.

- Off‑Peak Travel: Visiting outside winter peak weeks (Dec–Feb) often means quieter streets and lower accommodation prices.

- Advance Booking: Lift tickets & hotel rooms are often cheaper if booked months in advance, especially around winter holiday weeks and mid‑season breaks.

Why We Love Davos?

Davos is more than a snowy alpine postcard — it’s a well‑organized destination with clear travel costs and options for every budget, from simple stays and self-cooked meals to premium hotels and scenic lift experiences. With this guide, we feel more prepared and confident to explore. We can spend our mornings skiing on world-class slopes, afternoons riding cable cars for breathtaking mountain views, and evenings strolling along the calm shores of Lake Davos.

Thoughtful planning makes every moment in this alpine town truly memorable, and we leave with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty.