Deciding where to stay for Davos 2027 is the first real logistics call of WEF week. The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting runs from 18 to 22 January 2027, and a small Alpine town absorbs thousands of delegates, staff, media and security teams. Rooms near the Congress Centre disappear months ahead, so many attendees end up choosing between a much higher price in Davos and a longer commute from elsewhere.
This guide compares the main options and shows how each one affects your daily travel.
Why Rooms in Davos Are So Hard to Find
Davos sits at about 1,560 metres at the end of a mountain valley, roughly 150 km east of Zurich. Its normal population is around 11,000 people. During the Annual Meeting, visitor numbers far exceed that, and every hotel, chalet and apartment in the area comes under pressure.
Three things make it harder still:
- Early blocks: companies, governments and organisations reserve rooms and chalets many months ahead
- High rates: hospitality firms report prices several times higher than normal high-season rates
- Strict terms: many properties ask for full prepayment and refuse refunds after a set date
As a result, the right base depends on three questions. How senior is the traveller? How many days will they attend? And how much commuting can the schedule absorb?
Option 1: Davos Platz and Davos Dorf
The main venue, the Congress Centre, sits in Davos Platz near the Promenade, the town’s main street. Hotels in this area put you within walking distance of many sessions, side events and corporate houses. For CEOs, ministers and speakers with packed schedules, that convenience is often worth the cost.
Davos Dorf sits at the other end of town. It is still close, though you may need a short drive or shuttle to reach the Congress Centre. Some hillside hotels sit higher up, and at least one, Schatzalp, is car-free and reached by funicular from Davos Platz.
Staying in town has its own challenges. Security perimeters, badge checks and set drop-off points control access around the venues, and the Promenade becomes slow at peak times. Even a short trip needs a margin.
Option 2: Klosters, the Popular Alternative
Klosters sits about 12 km from Davos and has long served as the main overflow base. In normal conditions, the drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and a regular train service also connects the two towns.
Klosters offers a calmer setting and usually better availability than Davos. Many corporate teams base staff here and send senior leaders into Davos each morning. The trade-off is the daily commute, which grows longer at peak hours and in heavy snow.
The Klosters to Davos Transfer: Making the Daily Commute Work
A smooth Klosters to Davos transfer depends on a few simple habits:
- Leave early. Morning traffic builds as thousands of people head to the same venues.
- Keep one car and one chauffeur all week. The driver learns your hotel, your drop-off points and your schedule.
- Share accreditation details. Security teams set drop-off points each year, so your chauffeur needs to know which ones you can use.
- Plan evening returns. Receptions and dinners often run late, so book the return trip in advance rather than relying on taxis.
- Insist on winter equipment. Mountain roads in January need winter tyres, and chains should travel in the car.
Option 3: Towns Further Down the Valley
Towns such as Landquart, Chur and Bad Ragaz offer more rooms and lower prices. They also add distance. In good conditions, expect roughly an hour or more each way by road, and winter weather or event traffic can stretch that further.
These bases suit staff who attend for a day or two, teams on tighter budgets and delegates who mainly hold meetings outside the Congress Centre. Bad Ragaz, a spa town with large resort hotels, attracts some senior visitors who prefer quiet evenings away from the crowds.
Option 4: Commuting From Zurich
Some visitors stay in Zurich and travel in for the day. The drive covers about 150 km and usually takes around two to two and a half hours each way, and the train needs a change, often at Landquart. This works for a single visit, but it rarely makes sense for a full week.
Comparing the Main Bases
| Base | Typical travel time to Davos | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davos Platz | Walking or a short drive | Leaders and speakers with full schedules | Highest prices, security queues |
| Davos Dorf | Short drive or shuttle | Teams that want to stay in town | Still expensive, busy roads |
| Klosters | About 15 to 20 minutes in normal conditions | Corporate teams and support staff | Daily commute at peak hours |
| Landquart, Chur, Bad Ragaz | Roughly an hour or more | Short visits and tighter budgets | Long drives in winter conditions |
| Zurich | About 2 to 2.5 hours | One-day visits | Too far for daily travel |
How to Decide Where to Stay for Davos 2027
Start with the people, not the hotels. List each traveller, the days they will attend and the sessions or meetings they cannot miss. Then match them to bases:
- Principals and speakers should stay as close to the Congress Centre as budget allows
- Chiefs of staff and close support should stay near the principal, even in a smaller room
- Wider teams can base themselves in Klosters or further out
- Day visitors can stay in Zurich or a valley town and travel in
This approach keeps the most valuable people close to the action, while the rest of the team absorbs the commute.
Chalets and Apartments for Meeting Space
Many companies rent chalets or apartments for the week. These spaces double as meeting rooms, dining rooms and quiet offices between sessions. If you go this route, check access before you sign. Some chalets sit on steep or narrow roads that become tricky in snow, and parking is often limited. Plan vans for catering staff and equipment, and agree on where vehicles can wait while guests are inside.
Packing for a January Week in the Alps
Davos in January is cold, and snow often covers pavements and side streets. Pack a warm coat, gloves and boots with good grip, since many delegates walk between venues along icy paths. A small bag for indoor shoes helps too, because many venues have cloakrooms where you can change.
Altitude affects some visitors as well. At around 1,560 metres, the air feels thinner, so drink plenty of water and protect your sleep during a week of early starts and late dinners. Keep your phone charged, since cold weather drains batteries faster.
Booking Timeline for Davos 2027
The best rooms usually go nine to twelve months ahead. With the meeting about three months away, expect limited options and act quickly. Read cancellation terms closely, ask whether the rate includes breakfast and taxes, and confirm check-in times, since many delegates arrive on the Sunday before the meeting.
If Davos is full, look at Klosters next, then the valley towns. Book ground transport at the same time as rooms, because cars and drivers also run short in January.
Planning Transport Around Your Base
Wherever you stay, the drive into Davos shapes the day. You can read more about the Zurich transfer, winter driving and vehicle choice in our WEF Davos 2027 ground transport guide.
As part of its international network, KTC India coordinates chauffeur-driven ground transport in Switzerland for corporate teams and delegations. See luxury car rental in Switzerland for options, or explore car rental across Europe if your trip continues elsewhere. Larger groups can also look at VIP and delegation transport.
Still choosing your Davos base? Share your hotel or chalet, travel dates and daily schedule at enquiry@ktcindia.com or +91 11 425 88 888, and the team can suggest a transfer plan that fits your week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do people stay for the World Economic Forum in Davos?
Most senior delegates stay in Davos Platz or Davos Dorf, close to the Congress Centre. Others stay in Klosters or towns further down the valley and drive in each day.
How far is Klosters from Davos?
Klosters sits about 12 km from Davos. The drive usually takes 15 to 20 minutes in normal conditions, though WEF traffic and snow can add time.
How expensive are hotels in Davos during WEF?
Very expensive. Hospitality firms report rates several times higher than normal high-season prices, and many properties require full prepayment with strict cancellation terms.
When should I book accommodation for Davos 2027?
Ideally nine to twelve months ahead. If you are booking now, expect limited choice in Davos and look at Klosters or valley towns as well.
Can I stay in Zurich and commute to Davos?
Yes, but the drive takes about two to two and a half hours each way. It suits a single visit better than a full week.
