Station Board
New Railstation Bulding Landquart
Photo: Bobo11, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons (cropped)

First-time traveler guide

Landquart

Landquart, Switzerland

6 platformsThrough

Quick answers

The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.

From the airport

From the Airport

  • Most international visitors arrive via Zurich Airport (ZRH).
  • There is no direct train; you will travel via Zurich Main Station (Zürich HB).
  • The Route: Take any frequent S-Bahn or InterCity train from the airport station to Zürich HB (approx. 10–15 minutes). From there, transfer to an InterCity (IC) or InterRegio (IR) train heading toward Chur and disembark at Landquart.
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Tickets and apps

Download the SBB Mobile App: This is your absolute lifeline. It provides real-time platform information, schedules, and allows you to buy tickets instantly. Don't rely on paper schedules; the app is far more reliable for late-breaking changes.

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Luggage lockers

Luggage lockers are located in the underpass and are a lifesaver if you have a few hours to spare. For currency, there is an ATM available at the station.

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Lifts and step-free access

Use the elevators rather than the escalators if you have heavy luggage. The station is well-connected, but navigating escalators with bulky bags is a common mistake that can be easily avoided.

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Toilets

Toilets: Be prepared with Swiss Franc coins. Station toilets typically cost CHF 1.00, and they often do not accept credit cards. Always keep a few coins handy in your pocket for this exact reason.

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Find your platform

Type the number from your ticket or the departure board to see what this guide says about it.

Enter a platform number to see what this guide says about it.

Getting there

How to Get to Landquart

Landquart is a key rail hub in the Swiss canton of Grisons, served by both the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the Rhaetian Railway (RhB).

From the Airport Most international visitors arrive via Zurich Airport (ZRH). There is no direct train; you will travel via Zurich Main Station (Zürich HB).

  • The Route: Take any frequent S-Bahn or InterCity train from the airport station to Zürich HB (approx. 10–15 minutes). From there, transfer to an InterCity (IC) or InterRegio (IR) train heading toward Chur and disembark at Landquart.
  • Journey Time: Total travel time is typically 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, depending on your connection.
  • Cost: A one-way standard ticket costs approximately €30–€60 (prices fluctuate based on booking time).
  • Pro Tip: Download the SBB Mobile app—it is essential for checking live schedules, platform changes, and purchasing digital tickets.
  • Tickets: Purchase tickets at blue-and-yellow SBB machines (select the English flag on the touchscreen; all accept major credit cards) or via the SBB app. You do not need specific "zone" tickets for this intercity journey; simply buy a point-to-point ticket from "Zurich Flughafen" to "Landquart."

From the City Center Landquart is a compact town, and the station is centrally located.

  • Walking: If you are staying at a central hotel, the station is likely within a 10–20 minute walk.
  • Local Bus: Regional PostBus services connect the town center to the station. Check the SBB app for the specific line serving your stop, as frequencies vary by location.

By Taxi

  • Availability: Taxis are available outside the main entrance of Landquart station.
  • Cost/Time: A short trip within the town center takes about 5–10 minutes. Expect to pay approximately €15–€25, though prices vary by distance and traffic.

Platforms and station layout

Landquart station serves as a vital gateway to the Swiss Alps, acting as the primary junction between the standard-gauge Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network and the narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway (RhB). Because of this intersection, the station’s layout is designed to facilitate quick transfers between these two distinct rail systems. It is a straightforward, compact station featuring six active tracks, making it manageable even for those visiting for the first time.

Think of the station layout as a single, unified row of platforms rather than a complex multi-level maze. You will find the platforms numbered sequentially, but it is essential to distinguish between the operators. Platforms 2, 3, and 4 are primarily used by SBB for standard-gauge regional and long-distance trains heading toward destinations like Zurich, St. Gallen, or Chur. Platforms 5, 6, and 8 serve the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) narrow-gauge trains, which connect you eastward into the Prättigau valley toward Klosters, Davos, and the Engadin region. Note that platform numbering skips 1 and 7, which are not currently used for passenger service, so do not be concerned if you do not see them on the signage.

Because the station is relatively small, you do not need to worry about long transit times between platforms. Navigating from the SBB side (tracks 2–4) to the RhB side (tracks 5–8) typically takes only two to three minutes on foot. The entire station is accessible, with underpasses connecting the platforms, ensuring that you can move between connections without navigating stairs if you have heavy luggage. Elevators and ramps are clearly marked, providing easy access from the main entrance and station hall to all boarding areas.

The main station building houses the ticket office, travel center, and waiting areas. If you are arriving by train and transferring, simply follow the signs for your connecting platform number. If you find yourself needing assistance, the SBB Travel Centre is centrally located to help with any ticketing or itinerary questions. Since the station is compact, you will find it intuitive to navigate once you step onto the platform and locate your designated track. Just keep an eye on the digital departure boards, which clearly distinguish between the SBB and RhB services.

Practical tips

Arriving at Landquart station for the first time can feel overwhelming, but a little insider knowledge goes a long way. I wish someone had told me these practical tips to make my transition through this busy hub much smoother.

Before You Arrive

  • Download the SBB Mobile App: This is your absolute lifeline. It provides real-time platform information, schedules, and allows you to buy tickets instantly. Don't rely on paper schedules; the app is far more reliable for late-breaking changes.
  • Ticket Strategy: Buy your tickets via the SBB app or website well in advance. While machines are available, they can have queues, and navigating them under pressure while people wait behind you is stressful. Ensure you select the correct fare (e.g., "Half Fare" only if you actually hold the Swiss Half Fare Card) to avoid heavy fines.

At the Station

  • Facilities: Luggage lockers are located in the underpass and are a lifesaver if you have a few hours to spare. For currency, there is an ATM available at the station.
  • Food and Drink: Avoid the expensive sit-down restaurants if you are on a budget. Look for the kiosks or shops within the station building for snacks and drinks. They are far more cost-effective for a quick bite.
  • Toilets: Be prepared with Swiss Franc coins. Station toilets typically cost CHF 1.00, and they often do not accept credit cards. Always keep a few coins handy in your pocket for this exact reason.
  • Accessibility: Use the elevators rather than the escalators if you have heavy luggage. The station is well-connected, but navigating escalators with bulky bags is a common mistake that can be easily avoided.

Common Mistakes

  • The "Wrong Class" Fine: Pay close attention to the signage on the outside and inside of train cars. Sitting in a "1st Class" carriage with a "2nd Class" ticket will lead to an immediate, hefty fine from conductors.
  • Platform Changes: Never assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Check the digital display boards or your SBB app 20–30 minutes before your departure. Platforms can change, and you don’t want to be stranded on the wrong side of the station when your train arrives.

About this station

Through station serving Landquart, Switzerland. Opened in 1858, this station is a vital junction where travelers transition between the standard-gauge Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network and the narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway (RhB). It serves as a primary hub for regional and local trains, connecting passengers to destinations across the Grisons canton, including Davos, Klosters, and St. Moritz. A multi-stage, comprehensive modernization project has been underway since 2018 to enhance the station's infrastructure and facilities.

Is this station huge and confusing? Not at all. For first-time visitors, Landquart offers a straightforward layout that is well-signposted with clear digital displays. The station features six tracks, with SBB services typically occupying tracks 2, 3, and 4, while RhB services utilize tracks 5, 6, and 8.

Travelers should find the navigation manageable, but it is wise to allow extra time for transfers if you are unfamiliar with the area. As with many stations in Switzerland, be aware that final platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always check the station’s overhead electronic boards or the SBB mobile app upon arrival to confirm your specific platform. The station is designed for efficiency, ensuring that even during busier periods, you can navigate between regional and local lines with confidence.