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Few road trips in the Alps match the drive from Zurich to St. Moritz. In roughly three hours, the journey takes you from Switzerland’s largest city past mirror-like lakes and historic towns, up into high mountain valleys and finally to the Engadin, home to one of the world’s most famous resorts. The train is a popular way to make the trip, but a car gives you something no timetable can: the freedom to stop wherever the view demands, to choose your own route and to arrive in style. With a luxury car rental in Zurich, the drive itself becomes part of the vacation. Below, we look at the two main routes, the stops worth making along the way and what awaits when you arrive.

Choosing Your Route

Both main routes begin the same way. From Zurich, the A3 highway heads southeast along the shore of Lake Walen, with the limestone cliffs of the Churfirsten rising steeply above the water, before continuing up the Rhine valley to Chur. Covering a little over 200 km in total, the drive to St. Moritz takes about three hours without stops. Most of the scenery, however, is concentrated in the second half, once you leave the highway behind and start climbing into the mountains of Graubünden.

The most direct option continues from Chur through the resort of Lenzerheide and over the Julier Pass, which reaches 2,284 meters before dropping down to Silvaplana and the lakes of the Upper Engadin. As the main road into St. Moritz, the Julier remains passable in every season, which makes it the natural choice in winter. On snowy days, a powerful all-wheel-drive car such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, or an Audi RS6 Avant with room for skis, gives you the confidence to enjoy the climb rather than worry about it.

In summer, the Albula Pass offers a more adventurous alternative. Usually open from June to October, it climbs through the villages of Filisur, Bergün and Preda, following the UNESCO-listed Albula railway with its viaducts and spiral tunnels, before descending to La Punt in the Engadin. The road is narrower and quieter than the Julier, with tighter bends and fewer trucks, making it ideal for an open-top car like the Ferrari F8 Spider or the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. If you have the time, consider driving one pass on the way there and the other on the way back.

Stops Worth Making Along the Way

The first natural break comes at Chur, often described as the oldest town in Switzerland. Its car-free old town is a maze of narrow lanes, painted facades and small squares, crowned by a cathedral that has stood for around 800 years. It’s an easy place to park, stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee or an early lunch before the road begins to climb. If you set off early from Zurich, you’ll have plenty of time to explore before continuing south. On the Julier route, Lenzerheide and its lake make another relaxed stop, with mountain views from the lakeside terraces.

On the Albula route, the highlight is the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur, the symbol of the Rhaetian Railway, where a curved stone bridge leads trains straight into a tunnel in the cliff face. Several viewing platforms let you watch the red trains cross the gorge, and timing your visit to see one pass is well worth the effort. A few minutes further on, Bergün is a charming village of traditional Engadin-style houses, with a railway museum that tells the story of how the line was built.

The final stretch is the most beautiful of all. Coming down from the Julier, the road reaches the Upper Engadin at Silvaplana, where a string of lakes lines the valley floor between high peaks. If you have half an hour to spare, turn west for a short detour to Lake Sils and the village of Sils Maria before heading on to St. Moritz. In the late afternoon, when the light softens and the mountains are reflected in the water, it’s an unforgettable way to end the drive.

Arriving in St. Moritz

In winter, St. Moritz is at its most famous. The Corviglia ski area rises directly above the town and is reached by funicular, while Corvatsch and Diavolezza offer even more terrain nearby. The frozen lake becomes a stage for some of the most unusual events in the sporting calendar, including the Snow Polo World Cup in late January and the White Turf horse races on three Sundays in February, a tradition dating back to 1907. Car enthusiasts should also look out for The I.C.E., a concours of elegance held on the frozen lake, where classic and collectible cars take center stage.

Summer shows a different side of the valley. The lakes of the Upper Engadin are perfect for walks, boat trips and picnics, and Lake Silvaplana is one of Europe’s best-known spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the reliable Maloja wind that picks up on most days. Hiking trails lead from the valley to mountain lakes, glaciers and high viewpoints, and the long evenings are ideal for a drive over one of the region’s passes.

Whichever season you choose, the car should match the setting. In winter, an SUV with all-wheel drive, such as the Range Rover Sport, makes daily trips to the slopes effortless and carries skis, boots and luggage with ease. In summer, a grand tourer like the Bentley Continental GT or the BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet suits both the drive from Zurich and evening outings to the lakes. Many of the town’s hotels offer private or valet parking, which is worth confirming when you book, since street parking in the center is limited.

The drive from Zurich to St. Moritz is short enough to complete in a morning, yet rich enough to fill a whole day if you let it. Check which passes are open before setting off, leave room in your schedule for unplanned stops and plan the return trip on a different route to see even more of Graubünden. If this is your first time behind the wheel in the Alps, our complete guide to luxury car rental Switzerland covers what to expect on Swiss roads. When you’re ready, start your journey by renting a luxury car in Zurich and let the mountains do the rest.