Major city · Switzerland
Chur
Stay one night in Chur: old town in the evening, then the Albula line or a Brambrüesch walk next morning if the lift is running. Two nights only for an Arosa or Lenzerheide day.
Chur is the rail gateway to Graubünden: the junction where SBB mainline trains from Zurich meet the RhB narrow-gauge lines to Davos, St. Moritz and Arosa, plus PostBus routes into the side valleys. The car-free old town is small enough to walk in two hours, so most travellers use it as a night between Zurich and the mountains rather than a destination. Add a second night only for a mountain day on Brambrüesch, Arosa or Lenzerheide.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CHF
- Best months
- Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar
- avoid Nov (quiet, lifts closed), late Oct–early Dec
- Airport
- ZRH
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is in the Schengen area but not the EU: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is outside the EU customs area: allowances on meat, alcohol and tobacco are strict and checked at borders.
- Switzerland ↗Motorways need a vignette (sticker or e-vignette) before you drive on them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Chur117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chur, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).Switzerland-wide
- SIM or eSIMSwisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs (ID needed); Swisscom covers the most mountain terrain.Switzerland-wide
- Tap waterTap and fountain water is excellent.Switzerland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.Switzerland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/J. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Switzerland-wide
- SafetyChur is a low-risk town; the real issues are winter ice on old-town steps, fast e-bikes on the riverside path…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost CHF 1–2 (≈ US$2–3); restaurants and department stores are free for customers.Switzerland-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close early on Saturday in small towns and all day Sunday, except stations and airports.Switzerland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZRH Zurich Airport (Direct SBB trains to Chur, about 1 h 50 min; no change needed.).
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a caféCHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8)
- Sit-down mealMain course in an old-town restaurantCHF 28–45 (≈ US$35–60)
- Street or quick mealSupermarket sandwich or picnic lunchCHF 8–14 (≈ US$10–18)
- Beer0.5 l draught / supermarket canCHF 7–9 (≈ US$9–12)CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus single rideCHF 3–4 (≈ US$4–5) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCHF 45 (≈ US$60)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomCHF 200 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomCHF 380 (≈ US$500)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CHF 90 (≈ US$120) · Mid CHF 160 (≈ US$200) · High CHF 280 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZRH Zurich Airport (Direct SBB trains to Chur, about 1 h 50 min; no change needed.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Best
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Avoid*
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Care*
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep. Mixed: Dec. Avoid: Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (13 rain days), driest Feb (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Chur: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
8 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
13 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The old town is car-free and the station to cathedral is about 10 minutes on foot. City buses run five routes; buy a single ticket or a day pass from the machine. Trains reach Chur West and Chur Wiesental, and the Brambrüesch cable car base is a short bus or 20-minute walk from the centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Arosa
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
RhB train from Chur, about 1 h
Mountain village and lake; lifts run summer and winter.
Door to door: About 1 h
PostBus from Chur station via Churwalden, about 45 min
Bike park and hiking in summer, ski area in winter; no train, bus only.
Door to door: About 1 h 40 min
RhB train from Chur, about 1 h 30 min
Doable as a long day; better as an onward stop.
Door to door: About 2 h 15 min
RhB via the Albula line, about 2 h
The Albula railway is the point of the trip; sleep one night.
Klosters
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
RhB from Chur with a change at Landquart, about 1 h 15 min total
Quiet valley base on the Davos line; check the connection at Landquart.
Tujetsch
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
RhB to Disentis, then bus or train onward
Upper Rhine source country; too far for a return day.
Val Mesolcina
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 15 min
PostBus south via Thusis and the San Bernardino pass, about 2 h
Italian-speaking valley; sparse buses, check times before committing.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old town (Altstadt)
Car-free lanes, cathedral and restaurants on foot; quiet at night, few beds.
Bahnhofstrasse and station area
Shops, supermarkets and the platform for early trains; 5–10 min walk to the old town.
Welschdörfli
Bars and the hostel strip south of the centre; noisier on weekends.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CHF 90–130 (≈ US$120–170) excl. bed
- Mid
- CHF 150–230 (≈ US$190–300) excl. bed
- High
- CHF 250 (≈ US$350)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × CHF 200 | CHF 200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × CHF 160 | CHF 320 |
| SBB Zurich Airport → Chur, one way2 × CHF 40 · check | CHF 80 |
| Chur city bus day pass2 × CHF 8 · check | CHF 16 |
| Brambrüesch cable car, return2 × CHF 30 · check | CHF 60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CHF 20 | CHF 40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CHF 72 |
| Trip total≈ CHF 394 per person per day, bed included | CHF 788≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in Swiss francs; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a café | CHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Plate of Capuns or a bowl of soup | CHF 18–28 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Main course in an old-town restaurant | CHF 28–45 (≈ US$35–60) |
| Beer, 0.5 l draught / supermarket can | CHF 7–9 (≈ US$9–12) / CHF 2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Supermarket sandwich or picnic lunch | CHF 8–14 (≈ US$10–18) |
| City bus single ride | CHF 3–4 (≈ US$4–5) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Shops close on Sunday; buy food on Saturday.
- Old-town lanes are cobbled and steep in places: wheeled bags are awkward.
- Brambrüesch and mountain lifts close for maintenance outside season: check before you go up.
- Card is accepted almost everywhere, but small bakeries and market stalls may be cash only.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 118
- European emergency
- 112
- Rega air rescue
- 1414
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ChurChur
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bitte uf die AdrässeTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Ambulance144
- Fire118
- European emergency112
- Rega air rescue1414
Embassy
No embassies in Chur; the US and UK embassies are in Bern, most consulates-general in Zurich.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Zurich Airport → Chur, SBB: about CHF 40 (≈ US$50), about 1 h 50 min (check)
- Chur → Arosa, RhB: about CHF 15–20 (≈ US$19–25), about 1 h (check)
- Chur → St. Moritz, RhB via Albula: about CHF 40–50 (≈ US$50–65), about 2 h (check)
Say or show
- Grüezi — Hello (GRUE-tsi)
- Merci vilmal — Thank you (MER-si feel-mol)
- Exgüsi — Excuse me (ex-GUE-si)
- Was kostet das? — How much is it? (vas KOS-tet das)
- Cha ich mit Karte zahle? — Can I pay by card? (kha ikh mit KAR-te TSA-le)
- Wo isch de Bahnhof? — Where is the station? (vo ish de BAHN-hof)
Swiss German here is the Graubünden dialect; standard German is understood everywhere.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chur. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar · avoid Nov (quiet, lifts closed), late Oct–early Dec · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZRH: last direct SBB departure to Chur, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: station and Bahnhofstrasse, old town and cathedral, Welschdörfli, Brambrüesch base.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cathedral, Brambrüesch, Obere Au pools, RhB platforms) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialChur Tourism
- officialSBB — Swiss Federal Railways
- officialRhätische Bahn (RhB)
- officialZurich Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Chur, revision 5241776 (CC BY-SA 4.0)