Chur

How to Get to Chur

Chur is the capital of Graubünden and a major rail hub. Most international visitors arrive via Zurich Airport (ZRH).

From Zurich Airport (ZRH)

• Train: The most efficient way to reach Chur is by train. From the airport station, take any train to Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB) (15 minutes), then transfer to an InterCity (IC) or InterRegio (IR) train heading to Chur.
• Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours total, including the transfer.
• Cost: A standard one-way second-class ticket is approximately €40–€45 (prices fluctuate slightly with exchange rates).
• Tickets & Payment: Do not worry about "zones" for this journey—simply purchase a point-to-point ticket from "Zurich Flughafen" to "Chur." Buy tickets at the red SBB ticket machines (select the English flag) or via the SBB Mobile app. Both accept major credit cards and debit cards; machines also accept cash.
• Tip: If you plan on doing more travel, check if a Swiss Travel Pass provides better value.

From City Center (Chur)

• Walking: The historic Old Town (Altstadt) is pedestrian-friendly and largely car-free. Most hotels and major attractions are within a 10–15 minute walk from the train station.
• Bus: For destinations further afield, the yellow PostBus network is the backbone of local transit. Buses depart directly from the station terminal.
• Frequency: Urban buses run frequently throughout the day. Check the SBB app for real-time schedules.

By Taxi

• Cost & Time: A private taxi from the airport is expensive, often costing €300+. The drive takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Taxis are available at the airport, or you can use the Uber app for estimates. For most travelers, the train is significantly faster and more reliable.

Chur station is a straightforward, manageable transport hub that serves as the primary gateway to the Graubünden region. Despite its status as a critical junction for both standard-gauge Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) trains and the narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway (RhB), the station features a compact layout with only six main passenger platforms. Think of it as a clean, linear facility where the most important thing to remember is the separation between the local Arosa line and the rest of the network.

The station operates primarily at-grade, meaning you generally do not need to navigate complex multi-level changes to reach your train. Platforms 1 and 2 are unique; they are dedicated exclusively to the Chur–Arosa line. These are located at the front of the station, directly on the Bahnhofplatz forecourt, making them very easy to find if you are heading into the mountains for a scenic trip.

Platforms 3 through 6 handle the majority of SBB and RhB regional and long-distance services. These platforms are reached via a pedestrian underpass that connects the main station building to the tracks. Because the station is relatively small, you will find it quite intuitive. Even with luggage, you can comfortably move between the furthest platforms in about 3 to 5 minutes. All platforms are equipped with elevators and ramps, ensuring full accessibility for travelers with heavy bags or reduced mobility.

The most common point of confusion for first-timers is simply knowing whether your train departs from the specialized Arosa platforms (1–2) or the main through-tracks (3–6). Always check the large digital departure boards in the main concourse or the underpass upon arrival. If you are transferring from an international ICE or InterCity train to a scenic RhB route, follow the signs for "RhB" or the specific platform number displayed. The station is integrated with a large bus terminal located directly above the tracks under a striking glass dome, so if you are transferring to a PostBus, look for signs leading you "up" toward the bus station level. This clear, integrated design makes Chur a very stress-free station to navigate, even on your first visit.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I wish someone had told me that the station in Chur is actually quite straightforward—it’s a major hub, but don’t let the size intimidate you. It is well-signed, and you will find it easy to navigate once you know the basics.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile App: Do this before arriving. It is essential for checking real-time platform changes and train schedules. It is far more accurate than any third-party international apps.
• Don't Stress About Tickets: You do not need to buy tickets weeks in advance. Prices for point-to-point tickets in Switzerland are fixed, so there is no cost advantage to booking early. You can easily buy them at the station machines on the day of travel.

At the Station

• Facilities: Free WiFi is available throughout the station. Toilets are located on-site and cost CHF 1; keep coins handy, as they may not accept cards.
• Food & Essentials: For cheaper snacks, look for the Coop Pronto or other kiosks within the station complex; they are much more budget-friendly than sit-down restaurants. Luggage carts are free to use.
• Accessibility: The station is fully accessible with elevators and ramps, making it easy to manage luggage.
• ATM: You will find ATMs conveniently located in the main hall.

Common Mistakes

• The "American Express" Trap: Do not rely solely on an American Express card. Many ticket machines and smaller shops in Switzerland do not accept them. Always carry a Visa, Mastercard, or a debit card, and have some Swiss Francs (CHF) for backup.
• Platform Confusion: Platforms can change, but don't check them hours ahead of time. Check the departure boards or your SBB app about 20–30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart to ensure you are waiting at the correct spot.
• Pronunciation: Avoid the "Chore" mistake. It is pronounced "Core" (like "roar"). Getting the name right helps immensely if you need to ask station staff for directions.

Through station serving Chur, Switzerland. Opened in 1858, this facility serves as the primary railway junction for the canton of Graubünden. The station underwent significant redevelopment between 2000 and 2007, modernizing its infrastructure while preserving its historical core. It functions as a critical interchange between the standard-gauge lines of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the narrow-gauge network of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB), which provides access to scenic mountain routes.

Is this station huge and confusing? For first-time travelers, the layout is straightforward and well-signposted. The station features six main platforms, with specific tracks dedicated to the Chur–Arosa line located on the station forecourt. While the station is efficient, it remains a busy hub for regional and local train services.

To ensure a smooth experience, allow extra time to navigate between platforms if you are transferring between different rail gauges. Digital displays in English provide clear, real-time updates regarding departures and arrivals. Be aware that platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure; always verify your train information on the electronic boards or the SBB mobile app upon arrival. The station is fully accessible, featuring elevators and an integrated bus terminal for seamless onward travel.