Domodossola station features a straightforward layout, making it relatively easy to navigate for first-time visitors. The station primarily functions as a through station for standard-gauge international and regional trains, while also serving as a terminus for the narrow-gauge Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway. Think of the station as having two distinct zones: the main ground-level platforms for standard mainline trains and a separate, underground area for the Centovalli line.
The main station handles the essential Simplon line routes connecting Italy and Switzerland. These mainline trains—including EuroCity, InterRegio, and RegioExpress services—typically arrive and depart from the standard-gauge platforms at street level. If you are arriving from or departing to Brig, Milan, or other major Swiss and Italian cities, you will be using these primary tracks. Because the station is compact, you can generally navigate between these main platforms in just a few minutes, even with luggage, by using the station’s underpass.
The primary point of confusion for first-time visitors is the location of the Centovalli Railway, which connects Domodossola to Locarno. These platforms (numbered 31 and 32) are located one level below the main tracks. To reach them, look for signage marked "Valle Vigezzo Centrovalli Locarno." You will need to take the stairs or an elevator down to the underground area, which is situated toward the southern end of the station building. Do not expect to find these tracks alongside the main standard-gauge platforms; they are physically separated to accommodate the different track gauge.
Because Domodossola is a relatively small station, you do not need to worry about the long walking times found in larger European hubs. A transfer between the main platforms and the underground Centovalli area typically takes only 5–10 minutes, even at a leisurely pace. If you have a tight connection, simply follow the clear signage toward the underpass. As with any international hub, arriving 20–30 minutes before your departure is recommended to familiarize yourself with the platform displays and ensure a stress-free transition between your connecting services.