During the World Economic Forum's annual meeting each January, Davos operates under some of the tightest security arrangements of any event in Switzerland, with road controls, restricted zones and accreditation for official venues. Davos is a long drive from Geneva, so arriving well prepared avoids losing time at the final hurdle. AirportsTransfers.ch drives participants from Geneva with chauffeurs who plan routes and drop-off points around the security set-up.
- Who is in charge: cantonal police, supported by federal authorities and the army
- Road access: controls on the approach roads into Davos
- Venue access: official accreditation and badges issued by the organisers
- Restricted zones: areas around key venues and hotels with limited vehicle access
- Golden rule: follow the current year's official guidance
Why security is so extensive
The annual meeting gathers heads of state and government, ministers, chief executives and leaders of international organisations in a small town at the end of a mountain valley. Protecting them requires a large operation. The canton of Graubünden leads the effort, with support from other cantons, federal agencies and the Swiss armed forces. Airspace over the region is restricted during the meeting, and security perimeters are set up around the Congress Centre and other sensitive locations.
For visitors, this translates into checkpoints, identity checks, queues at venue entrances and changing traffic arrangements. None of it is unusual for experienced participants, but it requires extra time and planning.
Accreditation and badges
Access to the Congress Centre and official sessions is limited to people holding accreditation issued by the World Economic Forum. Different types of badge give access to different areas, and some hotels used for official purposes also have controlled entrances. Side events hosted by companies and organisations along the Promenade usually have their own invitation and registration procedures. Keep your badge, invitation details and identity document on you at all times; you may be asked for them more than once a day.
- Collect accreditation early: follow the organisers' instructions on where and when
- Carry ID: a passport or identity card is essential
- Check side-event details: addresses and entrances can change at short notice
- Allow buffers: entry queues can be long at peak times
Road access and traffic
Davos is reached by a small number of roads: from Landquart and Klosters through the Prättigau in the north, and from the south via the Albula valley and Filisur. During the Forum, police may set up controls on these approaches, and some roads or lanes in town may be closed or reserved. Vehicle access to certain zones requires permits arranged in advance, and private cars without them are directed elsewhere. Traffic peaks when delegations arrive at the start and leave at the end of the week.
The roads themselves are mountain roads in January, with snow and ice possible. Combined with checkpoints, the final stretch into Davos can take much longer than normal.
Why experienced drivers matter
A driver familiar with Forum logistics makes a practical difference. Experienced chauffeurs know to check the latest traffic arrangements, plan permitted drop-off points close to your destination, and keep in touch with you when a session overruns or a meeting moves. They remain calm and courteous at checkpoints, keep the vehicle ready for inspection and know that waiting areas may be some distance from venues. In winter conditions, confident mountain driving adds safety and comfort.
Where your host organisation has arranged vehicle permits for specific zones, share the details with us in advance so that the chauffeur can follow them precisely.
Planning your arrival and departure
Arrive the day before your first commitment if you can, especially when travelling from Geneva. Leaving Davos at the end of the meeting is equally busy, so book your return early and allow extra time for a flight connection. If you stay in Klosters or elsewhere in the valley, plan daily commutes with margins for controls. The Mercedes V-Class and the Mercedes Sprinter minibus suit delegations who want to move as one group through checkpoints.
Booking with AirportsTransfers.ch
Book online and see the fixed price for your vehicle before you pay securely by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. AirportsTransfers.ch offers long-distance transfers from Geneva Airport or your Geneva address, return trips and chauffeurs by the hour for daily movements in the region, with invoices for companies. Pick-ups at Geneva Airport include flight tracking and a meet and greet with a name sign. To discuss Forum logistics, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77 at any time.
