Tours & experiences
Lugano to St. Moritz — private day trip by taxi
This private day trip carries you from Lugano to glamorous St. Moritz — about 130 kilometres and roughly 2 hours 30 minutes each way, skirting Lake Como through a scenic corner of Italy before climbing the Maloja Pass into the Engadin. The whole day comes at one fixed fare agreed before you leave, with your own driver waiting throughout.
Your itinerary
Your day begins with the drive itself: the climb over the Maloja Pass, the hairpins and the first wide views of the Engadin, with photo stops along the way wherever the lakes and peaks call for one.
In St. Moritz you have the chic resort village to explore — the luxury boutiques, the grand hotels such as Badrutt's Palace, and a stroll along the shore of Lake St. Moritz (St. Moritzersee). The town is also the starting point of the famous Bernina Express scenic railway, should you want to build that in.
What you do is led by the season: snow and winter sports when the valley is white, the lakes, gentle walks and mild days in summer. Throughout, your driver waits and adapts to your pace — linger over lunch, add a viewpoint, change the plan — and then brings you comfortably back to Lugano.
Your journey
The classic line covers about 130 kilometres and takes roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, and on this route the drive is the day out. We follow Lake Lugano's northern shore through Valsolda and slip into Italy just past Gandria, reaching Porlezza and then Menaggio on Lake Como. The road runs north along the water, on to Chiavenna and back into Switzerland at Castasegna, where the Val Bregaglia begins — and then the Maloja Pass, a famous stack of hairpins that lifts you onto the high Engadin plateau in one sustained climb.
You cross the border twice, and both crossings are normally a matter of moments — just carry a valid passport or identity card. It is a small price for two lakes, the granite walls of the Val Bregaglia and the Maloja's sweeping views. St. Moritz itself sits at around 1,800 metres, so the air is cool and bright even in summer, and we stop for photographs wherever the view deserves it. Prefer to stay on Swiss roads? An all-Swiss alternative runs via the San Bernardino and the Julier Pass — about 190 kilometres and around 3 hours — on request.
Vehicle & capacity
For the drive up into the Engadin you travel in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, seating up to six with room for day bags and camera kit, so a family or small group makes the trip together. Child seats are fitted on request. Because St. Moritz sits high in the Alps it stays cool even when Lugano is warm, so bring a layer or two whatever the season. If you need step-free or assisted access, tell us when you book and we'll arrange it.
Your fixed fare for this route
One price for the whole journey, agreed and locked when you book — no meter, no surge, no surprises.
Tell us your pickup point and travel time and we'll confirm your fixed fare:
Fixed surcharges
| Early or late timingApplies to very early departures and late returns. | Confirmed on request |
|---|---|
| Sundays & public holidaysApplies to day trips on Sundays and on Swiss public holidays. | Confirmed on request |
| Extra stopsApplies when you add a stop beyond the agreed itinerary. | Confirmed on request |
Questions about this route
How long is the drive from Lugano to St. Moritz?
About 130 kilometres and roughly 2 hours 30 minutes each way — lake and valley roads to Chiavenna, then the climb over the Maloja Pass. The drive is part of the experience, so we build in time for photo stops rather than rushing.
Which route do you take, and do we cross a border?
The classic line follows Lake Lugano into Italy through Porlezza and Menaggio, runs up the shore of Lake Como to Chiavenna, then re-enters Switzerland at Castasegna and climbs the Maloja Pass into the Engadin. You cross the border twice; both crossings are normally quick, but bring a valid passport or identity card. If you would rather avoid the border altogether, an all-Swiss alternative runs via the San Bernardino and the Julier Pass — about 190 kilometres and around 3 hours — available on request.
What is there to do in St. Moritz?
Plenty. Wander the chic resort village and its luxury boutiques, see the grand hotels such as Badrutt's Palace, walk by Lake St. Moritz, or board the Bernina Express scenic railway. In winter it is snow and winter sports; in summer the lakes and gentle walks. We keep the day flexible around what you fancy.
Will the driver wait and bring us back the same day?
Yes. This is a private day trip: your driver stays with you, waits while you explore, adapts to your pace and drives you back to Lugano the same day. There is no need to find your own way home.
When is the best time of year to go?
Both seasons are rewarding in different ways. Winter brings snow, skiing and the festive Engadin; summer brings the alpine lakes, hiking and mild, bright days at altitude. Tell us when you would like to travel and we plan the day to suit the conditions.
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Book this day trip
Call or message us with your pickup point, date and what you'd like to see. We'll confirm your fixed fare and plan the day around you.