Arosa sits at the end of a road that climbs out of Chur through a series of hairpins — a drive that is spectacular in summer and demanding in winter. Since the Urdenbahn opened, it also shares a lift network with Lenzerheide, which turned two medium resorts into one of the largest ski areas in Graubünden.
Getting there from Zurich Airport
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | 2 h 16 | CHF 728 E-Class · CHF 814 V-Class | Door to door, fixed, equipment included |
| Train | 2 h 50 | Per person | Two changes, ending on the Arosa line from Chur |
| Hire car | ~2 h 16 | Rate + fuel + parking | The Chur–Arosa road is not for nervous drivers in snow |
Full grid for the 172 km: CHF 728 E-Class, CHF 814 V-Class, CHF 986 S-Class, CHF 1294 Sprinter. Per vehicle, 10 % off a return booked together.
The road, and why it matters here
The final section from Chur to Arosa climbs roughly 1,000 metres in under thirty kilometres, through a long sequence of tight bends and short tunnels. In good conditions it is simply slow. After snowfall it demands winter tyres, chains in the boot and someone comfortable with mountain driving in the dark.
This is the resort on this site where we would most strongly discourage a hire car for a visitor unfamiliar with Alpine roads. Either take the train, which runs on its own line and is unaffected, or book a driver who does that road every week in season.
Arosa Lenzerheide
The two resorts were linked by the Urdenbahn, a cable car that crosses the Urden valley between them. One pass now covers both sides, which gives a network large enough to ski for a week without repeating yourself.
Arosa’s own side is high — the village sits at around 1,775 m — with terrain that suits intermediates particularly well. Lenzerheide’s side is broader and lower. Crossing between them takes a few minutes on the link and is the sort of thing that makes a week here feel bigger than either resort alone.
Arosa is also known for its bear sanctuary above the village, which is unusual enough to be worth knowing about if you are travelling with children.
Practical notes
1,775 m in the village
High enough for reliable snow through the season, and cold enough that the nights bite well into spring.
Chur to Arosa
Around 1,000 m of climb in under 30 km, with a long series of hairpins. Slow in the best conditions.
Unaffected by the road
The Arosa line runs from Chur on its own track. When the road is difficult, the railway is not.
Urdenbahn to Lenzerheide
One pass, two resorts. Check it is running before planning a day on the far side.
Where to go next
Davos →Six ski areas and a real town, CHF 736.
All ski destinations →Every resort compared by road and by rail.
All fixed prices →The full grid with real road distances.
Zurich Airport to Arosa — FAQ
How far is Arosa from Zurich Airport?
172 km by road, about two hours and fifteen minutes. The final thirty kilometres from Chur climb roughly a thousand metres through hairpins, which is what makes the journey longer than the distance suggests.
How much is a transfer from Zurich Airport to Arosa?
CHF 728 in an E-Class, CHF 814 in a V-Class for up to seven, CHF 986 in an S-Class and CHF 1294 in a Sprinter. Per vehicle and fixed in advance.
Should I hire a car to drive to Arosa?
Not if you are unfamiliar with Alpine roads in winter. The Chur–Arosa road is the most demanding approach covered on this site. The train runs on its own line and is unaffected by road conditions, and a booked driver does that route weekly in season.
How long is the train from Zurich Airport to Arosa?
About two hours fifty with two changes, the last leg being the narrow-gauge line up from Chur. It is only around thirty-five minutes slower than the road and considerably less stressful in bad weather.
Is Arosa connected to Lenzerheide?
Yes, by the Urdenbahn cable car across the Urden valley. One pass covers both resorts, which together form one of the largest networks in Graubünden.
How high is Arosa?
The village sits at around 1,775 m, which gives it reliable snow cover through the season and a long winter.