St. Moritz

How to Get to St. Moritz

For international travelers, the most reliable and scenic way to reach St. Moritz is by train.

From Zurich Airport (ZRH) Zurich is the primary gateway. There is no direct train; you will typically take an S-Bahn or InterCity train to Zürich HB (Main Station) and transfer to a regional train headed toward Chur, then transfer again to the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) for the final scenic leg to St. Moritz.

• Journey Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Cost: Prices vary significantly based on booking time. Expect to pay between €60 and €90 for a one-way standard ticket if booked in advance.
• Tickets & Payment: Purchase tickets via the SBB Mobile app or at SBB station machines. Both accept major credit cards and offer an English language option. Avoid buying on the train to prevent surcharges.
• Tip: Download the SBB app before arrival for real-time platform updates and connection alerts.

From City Center (St. Moritz Station) The train station is located down by the lake. St. Moritz is built on a hill, so the town center is elevated above the station.

• Bus: The Engadin Bus network connects the station to the town center and surrounding villages. Use lines like 601 for quick access to the main village area.
• Escalators: For a pedestrian-friendly route, use the public escalators located on Via Serlas, just west of the train station, to reach the town center in minutes.

By Taxi or Private Transfer

• Journey Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours from Zurich, depending on mountain pass road conditions.
• Cost: Expect to pay €600–€900 for a private car service. This is a convenient option for groups or those with heavy luggage, but it is substantially more expensive than the highly efficient rail network.

St. Moritz railway station is a straightforward, compact terminal station that serves as the iconic gateway to the Engadin luxury resort region. Unlike large metropolitan hubs with multiple levels, this station features a simple, single-level layout with three main platforms. Because it is a dead-end terminus, all tracks come to a stop at the station buffers, meaning you do not have to worry about finding the correct side of a through-station platform.

Think of the station as a small, efficient hub where all lines converge. Platforms 1 through 3 are arranged side-by-side, directly accessible from the main station building. Whether you are arriving on the world-famous Glacier Express from Zermatt or the scenic Bernina Express from Tirano, you will pull into one of these three tracks. Because the station is quite small, walking from the furthest platform to the station exit or bus interchange takes less than two minutes, even with luggage.

First-time visitors sometimes feel a moment of hesitation due to the "system switch" nature of the station; because the Albula and Bernina lines use different power supplies, trains are sometimes positioned specifically to accommodate these technical requirements. However, the station is very small, and all departures are clearly displayed on the central digital boards inside the main hall. If you are transferring to a local bus or Postbus to reach your hotel in the Engadin valley, the bus interchange is located immediately outside the station entrance, just steps away from the platform buffers.

My best advice for a first-time visitor is to ignore any stress about complex navigation—there simply isn't any. Simply follow the signs for your train’s destination on the main departure board, walk to the corresponding platform, and keep an eye on the electronic displays to confirm your carriage class. The station is fully accessible, with step-free access and ramps available if you are traveling with heavy ski equipment or large suitcases. If you find yourself with extra time, the station hall itself offers basic amenities and a great vantage point to watch the mountain trains arrive.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

I wish someone had told me how seamless the Swiss rail system is, but it pays to be prepared. Don’t worry, but do take these steps to make your arrival in St. Moritz stress-free.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile App: This is your absolute essential. It provides real-time information for all trains and buses across Switzerland. You can buy tickets directly in the app, which is far more convenient than queuing at machines.
• Ticket Strategy: Don’t stress about booking point-to-point tickets months in advance; prices do not fluctuate like airline tickets. You can purchase them on the app or at station machines even minutes before departure. If you plan on doing multiple trips, look into the Swiss Travel Pass to save significant money.
• Know Your Station: St. Moritz station is compact and manageable, but it is a hub for both trains and buses. Familiarize yourself with the station layout via the SBB app so you know exactly where to go upon arrival.

At the Station

• Facilities: There are toilets located at the station, which cost CHF 1 to use. Keep some coins handy.
• Food and Essentials: For quick snacks or drinks, there is a Migrolino shop conveniently located at the station. It is much more budget-friendly than picking up items at upscale town kiosks.
• Luggage and Accessibility: The station is accessible with ramps and lifts. If you have heavy luggage, prioritize using the elevators rather than navigating stairs.
• Connectivity: While you shouldn't rely on finding free WiFi everywhere, the station area is well-serviced for travelers.

Common Mistakes

• The "Half-Fare" Trap: When buying tickets on the app or machines, ensure you don't accidentally select the "Half-Fare" discount unless you actually possess the Swiss Half Fare Card. Doing so will lead to a stiff fine if your ticket is checked.
• Wrong Class: Be mindful of the "1st" or "2nd" class markings on the train doors and headrests. Sitting in the wrong class will result in an on-the-spot fine.
• Don't Wait for the Ticket Collector: Unlike some other countries, you cannot buy a ticket from the conductor on local trains without incurring a heavy surcharge or fine. Always have your ticket valid before you board.

Terminus station serving St. Moritz, Switzerland. Opened in 1904, this facility is the highest urban railway station in the country, sitting at 1,775 meters above sea level. It serves as the southern terminus for the Albula line and the northern terminus for the Bernina line, operating primarily as a hub for regional and local trains, including the iconic Glacier Express and Bernina Express.

If you are a first-time visitor, you may be wondering if this station is huge and confusing. You can rest assured that it is not. The station features a straightforward layout with three platforms, making it easy to navigate. It is well-signposted, and digital displays provide information in English. While the station is not a massive international hub, it is a significant transit point for the Engadin region, so travelers should allow extra time during peak holiday seasons.

As a practical tip, platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always check the station’s digital boards upon arrival to confirm your track. The station is fully accessible, offering step-free access and assistance for those with reduced mobility, ensuring a smooth transition as you begin your journey through the Swiss Alps.