Locarno

How to Get to Locarno

Locarno is well-connected by Switzerland’s efficient rail network. Most international visitors fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Zurich (ZRH).

From Airport

• From Milan Malpensa (MXP): Take the train from the airport station to Locarno. Journeys take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. Prices vary by booking time but start around €35–€45. Direct connections exist, but some routes require a change in Mendrisio or Bellinzona.
• From Zurich (ZRH): Take the train from the airport station to Locarno via a transfer at Zurich HB and usually a second in Bellinzona. The journey takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours. Prices start from approximately €45–€60 when booked in advance.
• Important: Download the SBB Mobile app—it is the gold standard for Swiss travel. It provides real-time platform info, schedules, and digital tickets.
• Buying Tickets: Purchase tickets via the SBB app or at station machines (English language option available). Machines accept major credit cards and debit cards; avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pro Tip: If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or campsite in the region, you will receive the Ticino Ticket upon arrival, granting you free travel on all public transport throughout the canton for your entire stay.

From City Center

• Local Buses: The local bus network, operated by FART and PostBus, connects the train station to the city center and lakeside. Buses run frequently (every 10–15 minutes).
• Funicular: To reach the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary or the cable car to Cardada, take the funicular from the city center. It takes approximately 5 minutes.
• Walking: Locarno’s center is compact and pedestrian-friendly; most hotels are within a 10–15 minute walk from the main station.

By Taxi

• Taxis are available at the station but are expensive. A ride within the city center typically costs €15–€25 and takes about 5–10 minutes depending on traffic.

Locarno station features a straightforward layout that is easy to navigate once you understand its two-part structure. Think of the station as having two distinct "worlds" located on different levels: the surface-level station for standard Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) trains and the underground station for the specialized FART (Centovalli) line.

The surface-level station is the primary hub, featuring three standard-gauge tracks that serve regional and national routes, including connections to Bellinzona, Lugano, and beyond. These platforms are where you will arrive if you are traveling on the major Swiss rail network. Because there are only three primary platforms here, the layout is very intuitive; you simply walk from the station building directly onto the platform.

The underground station, known as Locarno FART, is physically separate and serves the scenic metre-gauge Centovalli Railway that runs toward Domodossola. Navigating between these two levels is the most common point of confusion for first-time visitors. If you arrive on a mainline SBB train and need to transfer to a FART train, do not look for the FART platforms in the main row. Instead, head toward the end of your SBB platform—specifically the rear of the train if you are arriving from the north—where you will find clearly marked stairs, escalators, and elevators leading down to the underground level.

The underground platforms, typically numbered 31 and 32, are located directly beneath the mainline tracks. While the station is compact, allow yourself at least 5–10 minutes to make this transfer if you are traveling with heavy luggage, as you will need to navigate from the surface level down to the subterranean concourse.

In summary, the station is not a complex maze. Its simplicity is its greatest strength: surface-level platforms handle all your standard regional and national arrivals and departures, while a single, dedicated underground area serves the specific Centovalli scenic route. By keeping this "top and bottom" mental map in mind, you will find navigating Locarno station to be a stress-free experience, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful lakeside atmosphere of the surrounding area.

Locarno station is a charming, manageable hub, but navigating a new transit system can be stressful. Don't worry—here is the insider knowledge I wish someone had shared with me to ensure your arrival goes smoothly.

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile App: This is essential. It provides real-time platform information, schedules, and allows you to buy tickets instantly. It’s far more reliable than waiting in line at a ticket machine.
• Ticket Strategy: Avoid buying tickets on board, as this often incurs an extra surcharge or a fine on regional trains. If you aren't using a Swiss Travel Pass, buy your ticket on the SBB app or at the station machines before boarding.
• Understand the Station Layout: Locarno station is split into two components: standard gauge SBB trains at surface level and the underground FART station for the scenic Centovalli line. Check your ticket carefully to see which part of the station you need.

At the Station

• Facilities: Free SBB WiFi is available throughout the station. Toilets cost CHF 1 (coins only), so keep a few Swiss francs handy.
• Food & Essentials: For cheaper, high-quality snacks and drinks, skip the station kiosks and head to the Avec shop or nearby supermarkets like Coop or Migros in the city center, just a short walk away.
• Luggage: The station has lockers for storage. If you have heavy bags, look for the elevators—they are clearly marked and much easier than navigating stairs with luggage.
• ATM: There is a PostFinance Postomat available at the station for your cash needs.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Changes: Don't assume your platform is fixed hours in advance. Check the digital departure boards or the SBB app 20–30 minutes before your train leaves; platform changes can happen.
• Ticket Zone Errors: If you are buying local tickets, ensure you are in the correct Arcobaleno fare zone. Buying the wrong zone is a common error that can lead to an on-the-spot fine of over CHF 100.
• Payment Issues: While cards are widely accepted, some older machines may struggle with certain international cards. Always have a backup, such as a debit card or a small amount of Swiss cash, just in case.

Terminus station serving Locarno, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1874, the station remains a vital transport hub for the Ticino region. In 1990, the facility underwent a significant reconfiguration, separating standard-gauge and narrow-gauge operations to improve efficiency. Today, the station consists of two distinct parts: an above-ground terminal for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) regional and local trains, and an underground station for the scenic Centovalli narrow-gauge line.

First-time visitors may wonder if this station is large or confusing, but you will find it manageable and straightforward. Because it serves as a regional terminus, the layout is compact, and all passenger areas are well-signposted with clear English-language displays. The standard-gauge and underground sections are physically connected, making transfers between lines logical and easy to navigate.

As with any Swiss rail hub, keep in mind that platform assignments for specific departures are typically finalized 30 to 60 minutes before your train arrives. It is always wise to check the digital departure boards upon arrival to confirm your track. The station is fully accessible and designed for smooth transitions, so you should have no trouble navigating your journey, even if you are traveling with luggage. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to enjoy the lakefront surroundings near the station building before your departure.