Every January, the small mountain town of Davos turns into one of the busiest places in the world. Presidents, CEOs, journalists and thousands of helpers all arrive in the same week for the World Economic Forum (WEF). For one week, getting around becomes the hardest part of the trip.
This guide explains, step by step and in simple words, how to get to Davos for the WEF 2027 and how to move around once you are there. No long words, no marketing – just what you need to know.
WEF 2027: the quick facts
- Dates: 18 to 22 January 2027
- Place: Davos, Switzerland – a town at 1,560 metres in the Alps
- Main airport: Zurich (ZRH), about 150 km or 2 hours by car
- Main venue: the Congress Centre in Davos Platz
- Weather: cold, often snowy, usually below zero
- Best tip: book your hotel and your transport early
Step 1: Fly to the right airport
Davos has no airport of its own, so everyone lands somewhere else first. The easiest choice for almost all guests is Zurich Airport. It has flights from all over the world, and the drive to Davos takes about two hours.
Some people fly to Geneva because it has better connections from their country. That is fine, but remember that Geneva is on the other side of Switzerland – the trip to Davos takes four hours or more. Guests with a private jet often land at the small Engadin Airport near St. Moritz, which is closer, but the mountain roads in winter can make the drive slower than it looks on the map.
Step 2: Get from the airport to Davos
You have three main options. Here is a simple comparison:
| Option | Time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Private car with driver | about 2 hours | Business guests, families, lots of luggage |
| Train | about 2.5 hours, one change | Travellers with little luggage |
| Taxi from the airport | about 2 hours | Last-minute trips (price by meter) |
Private car with driver
This is the most relaxed way. A driver waits for you in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, carries your bags and drives you straight to your hotel door. You can sleep, make calls or simply look at the lakes and mountains on the way. Read more about the transfer from Zurich Airport to Davos.
Train
Swiss trains are clean and on time. From Zurich Airport you usually change once, in Landquart, and then take the small red mountain train up to Davos. It is a nice trip, but with big suitcases or ski bags, the change can be hard work. Davos has two stations: Davos Dorf and Davos Platz – check which one is closer to your hotel.
Taxi
You can take a taxi from the airport, but for a two-hour ride the price on the meter adds up fast. During the WEF it can also be hard to find a taxi that is willing to drive that far.
Step 3: Know what changes in Davos during the WEF
Davos is a long, narrow town with one main street, the Promenade. It runs from Davos Dorf to Davos Platz, where the Congress Centre is. Normally you can walk most of it. During the WEF, a few things are different:
- Security checks: the police check cars and bags on the roads into Davos, so allow extra time.
- Closed areas: the zones around the Congress Centre and some hotels are only open to people with the right badge.
- Busy streets: hundreds of cars move between hotels and meetings at the same time, especially in the morning and evening.
- Few taxis: free taxis are very rare in WEF week.
- Snow and ice: walking 15 minutes in business shoes on icy streets is no fun.
Step 4: Choose how to get around in town
Once you are in Davos, you need a plan for the week. Participants with a badge can use the official WEF shuttle buses, which run on fixed routes. They are useful for short trips along the main street, but they can be full at busy times and do not wait for you.
Many business guests prefer their own car with a driver for the whole week. The driver waits close to your meeting, knows where cars are allowed to stop and is ready the moment you come out. You can book this by the hour, for a full day or for all five days – see our chauffeur service in Davos or our WEF week packages.
Step 5: Think about where you sleep
Your hotel decides how much driving you will do. A hotel close to the Congress Centre means short trips. Many guests also stay in Klosters, a quieter village about 20 minutes away by car in normal traffic – during the WEF it often takes longer. Our guide on where to stay in Davos during the WEF explains the different areas.
Step 6: Plan for luggage and winter
A week in the Alps in January means heavy coats, warm boots and often a second suitcase for events. If you have a lot of luggage or boxes for a company event, a separate luggage transfer keeps your car free and gets everything to your hotel before you arrive.
- Pack shoes with a good grip for icy streets.
- Bring a warm coat that also works with a suit.
- Keep your badge, passport and phone charger in your hand luggage.
- Save your driver’s phone number before you land.
When to book what
- As soon as you know you are going: book your hotel – rooms sell out fast.
- October to November: book your car and driver for the week and your airport transfers.
- December: send your flight numbers and your meeting plan to your driver company.
- January: confirm last changes and save all contact numbers on your phone.
Your WEF 2027 transport checklist
- Flight to Zurich booked
- Airport transfer to Davos booked
- Hotel confirmed (Davos or Klosters)
- Car with driver or shuttle plan for the week
- Luggage plan for extra bags or event material
- Return transfer to the airport booked
Frequently asked questions
When is the WEF 2027?
The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2027 takes place in Davos from 18 to 22 January 2027.
What is the best airport for the WEF?
For most people it is Zurich Airport. It is about 150 km from Davos, which is around two hours by car.
Can I drive into Davos during the WEF?
Yes, the roads stay open. But there are police checks on the way into town, and some areas around the Congress Centre are closed to normal traffic.
When should I book my car and driver?
As early as possible. Many good cars and experienced drivers are booked months before January.
Do you have questions about your trip to the WEF 2027? Contact us – we are happy to help you plan your transport, even if you are not sure yet what you need.