Each January, Davos becomes the center of the world. During the World Economic Forum (WEF), Switzerland’s most exclusive event, thousands of world leaders, business executives, and global decision-makers gather to discuss the future of the planet — and getting there on time is just as important as being there.
We sat down with Dumitru Cotovanu, Founder and CEO of Express Transfer GmbH, to learn how his company prepares for this extraordinary week and why their chauffeur services have become a trusted choice for VIPs, corporate delegations, and government officials attending WEF Davos 2026.
Why is the World Economic Forum such an important event for your company?
The World Economic Forum in Davos is one of the most important weeks of the year for us. It brings together leaders, decision-makers, and global business figures — people who expect absolute reliability, comfort, and discretion. For our company, it’s not just about transportation; it’s about representing Swiss precision and hospitality at the highest level. Every client during WEF is special, and we treat each transfer as a personal mission.
How does your company prepare to serve such a big event like the World Economic Forum in Davos?
Preparation starts months in advance. We review every detail — from vehicle maintenance and winter readiness to route planning, communication with hotels, and coordination with local authorities. Our chauffeurs are trained specifically for WEF week: they know the routes, checkpoints, and security protocols inside out. We also ensure additional support staff are available 24/7, so everything runs seamlessly no matter how busy it gets.
When do you start planning for WEF week, and what are the biggest challenges?
We usually start planning in early autumn. The biggest challenges are logistics and timing — Davos becomes an entirely different city during WEF. Roads are often closed, traffic is heavily regulated, and weather conditions can change quickly. But these are challenges we know well, and our experience helps us anticipate and solve problems before they happen.
How does transportation in Davos during WEF differ from normal operations?
During WEF, everything operates under strict security and access rules. Only vehicles with official WEF permits can enter certain areas or approach hotels directly. The schedules are tighter, the expectations higher, and the traffic more complex. It’s not a normal week — it’s a week where every second counts and every detail matters. That’s why preparation and communication are key.
What kinds of transfer services will Express Transfer offer for WEF 2026?
We’ll offer private transfers from Zurich Airport and Zurich City to Davos, as well as from Basel and St. Gallen during the WEF period. Clients can also book a chauffeur for the full day or even for several days. Many of our guests prefer having a dedicated driver throughout the event — someone who is always on standby, ready to adapt to their schedule. We also coordinate with hotels, restaurants, and private security teams to make sure everything runs smoothly.
How do you manage so many bookings and keep things running smoothly during such a busy week?
Experience, planning, and communication. We work with a detailed booking system, real-time tracking, and a professional coordination team. Every chauffeur knows their client’s itinerary and backup routes in case of delays or security closures. We also maintain direct contact with clients through phone, WhatsApp, or email — quick communication makes all the difference.
You mentioned that your vehicles have official WEF access permits — what does that mean for your clients?
It means convenience and exclusivity. These permits, issued by the Swiss authorities, allow our vehicles to enter restricted areas in Davos that are off-limits to regular transport companies. In practice, it means our clients don’t have to walk from security checkpoints to their hotels — we can take them directly to the entrance, safely and comfortably. It’s one of the main reasons VIP clients and delegations choose us.
How do these permits make travel easier or faster during WEF week?
Without these permits, vehicles must stop outside the restricted zones, which can add 15–30 minutes of walking or waiting in the cold. With the permit, our clients avoid all that — they’re driven straight to the hotel or meeting location. It saves time, offers privacy, and provides the level of service people expect during such an important event.
What kind of vehicles will be part of your fleet for WEF 2026?
Our fleet includes luxury sedans, SUVs, and vans — mainly Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Tesla, and Volvo models, all less than five years old. For WEF 2026, we’ll also have several First Class vehicles such as the Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, and BMW 7 Series. Every car is winter-ready, fully insured, and equipped with comfort features like Wi-Fi, water, and phone chargers.
You’ve added the new Mercedes EQE 350+ — why did you choose this car?
The Mercedes EQE 350+ is part of our move toward sustainable luxury. It offers silent, smooth rides with zero emissions, without compromising comfort or style. Many of our clients appreciate environmentally responsible options, especially during events like WEF where sustainability is a key theme. It’s our way of combining innovation with responsibility.
What are your main goals for WEF Davos 2026?
Our goal is to provide the most reliable and luxurious chauffeur experience during WEF 2026 — one that exceeds expectations. We want our clients to feel safe, relaxed, and taken care of from the moment they land in Zurich until they leave Davos. It’s about creating a service so smooth and trustworthy that people remember it and return to us year after year.
How do you see Express Transfer growing in the future?
We’re expanding both our fleet and our network of professional chauffeurs. Our long-term goal is to become the leading premium chauffeur service in Switzerland — not just for WEF, but for every high-level event and corporate client. Quality, safety, and trust will always be at the core of what we do.
What would you like to say to people thinking about booking their WEF transfer with Express Transfer GmbH?
If you’re attending WEF 2026, my best advice is: book early and travel with professionals who truly know Davos. At Express Transfer, we don’t just drive — we take care of every detail so you can focus on what matters. From the first message to the final drop-off, you’ll feel the difference in precision, comfort, and reliability. We look forward to welcoming you in Davos.
As Dumitru Cotovanu explains, success at WEF Davos is all about preparation, precision, and personal care. For Express Transfer GmbH, it’s not just about driving clients from Zurich to Davos — it’s about providing a smooth, secure, and comfortable journey that reflects Swiss excellence.
With official WEF permits, a luxury fleet, and highly trained chauffeurs, Express Transfer stands ready to deliver a seamless travel experience during one of the world’s most high-profile events.
