- Recommended
Museo Civico e Archeologico, Castello Visconteo
Locarno's main museum inside the Visconti castle, presenting archaeology, local history, and period collections in a landmark setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Locarno
Showing times and prices for Aug 03
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
3 h 11 m
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
180 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Locarno is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Locarno will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Basel to Locarno without transferring at least once.
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · S 20 25649 | 2564910:04 AM3h11Basel SBB1:15 PMLocarno station$781One-way2 transfers- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 256418:04 AM3h11Basel SBB11:15 AMLocarno station$831One-way2 transfers
- IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 256459:04 AM3h11Basel SBB12:15 PMLocarno station$841One-way1 transfer
- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 · B 4 4024 | 40248:04 AM3h16Basel SBB11:20 AMLocarno$861One-way3 transfers
- IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645 · B 4 4028 | 40289:04 AM3h16Basel SBB12:20 PMLocarno$871One-way2 transfers
- IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · S 20 25649 | 2564910:04 AM3h11Basel SBB1:15 PMLocarno station$781One-way2 transfers
- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 256418:04 AM3h11Basel SBB11:15 AMLocarno station$831One-way2 transfers
- IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 256459:04 AM3h11Basel SBB12:15 PMLocarno station$841One-way1 transfer
- IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 153 | 153 · S 20 25647 | 256479:33 AM3h12Basel SBB12:45 PMLocarno station$1241One-way2 transfers
- IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 256438:33 AM3h12Basel SBB11:45 AMLocarno station$1241One-way2 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Locarno
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from Basel to Locarno run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:55, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 2h 53m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€30)
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 12:55 AM |
Last train 9:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€30)
Live departures
Basel to Locarno train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Locarno trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 · B 4 4016 | 4016 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 9:20 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 9:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 · B 4 4018 | 4018 | 6:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 9:50 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 6:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 9:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 · B 4 4020 | 4020 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 10:20 AM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 10:15 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 10:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 301 | 301 · RE 80 25812 | 25812 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h35 | 11:08 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 · B 4 4024 | 4024 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 11:20 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 11:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 · B 4 4026 | 4026 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 11:50 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 11:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645 · B 4 4028 | 4028 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 12:20 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 12:15 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 153 | 153 · S 20 25647 | 25647 | 9:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 12:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 153 | 153 · S 20 25647 | 25647 · B 4 4030 | 4030 | 9:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 12:50 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · S 20 25649 | 25649 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 1:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · S 20 25649 | 25649 · B 4 4032 | 4032 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 1:20 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| TGV 9203 | 9203 · EC 19 | 19 · S 20 25651 | 25651 · B 4 4034 | 4034 | 10:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 1:50 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| TGV 9203 | 9203 · EC 19 | 19 · S 20 25651 | 25651 | 10:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 1:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 671 | 671 · S 20 25653 | 25653 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 2:15 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
| IC 21 671 | 671 · S 20 25653 | 25653 · B 4 4036 | 4036 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 2:20 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
| EC 151 | 151 · S 20 25655 | 25655 | 11:07 AM Basel SBB | 3h38 | 2:45 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
| EC 151 | 151 · S 20 25655 | 25655 · B 4 4038 | 4038 | 11:07 AM Basel SBB | 3h43 | 2:50 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 569 | 569 · EC 151 | 151 · S 20 25655 | 25655 | 11:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 2:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 569 | 569 · EC 151 | 151 · S 20 25655 | 25655 · B 4 4038 | 4038 | 11:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 2:50 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
| IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · S 20 25657 | 25657 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 3:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 591 | 591 · EC 21 | 21 · S 20 25659 | 25659 | 12:33 PM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 3:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 21 675 | 675 · S 20 25661 | 25661 | 1:04 PM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 4:15 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
| TGV 9211 | 9211 · EC 37 | 37 · S 20 25663 | 25663 | 1:33 PM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 4:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IR 26 2327 | 2327 · IC 2 877 | 877 · S 20 25665 | 25665 | 2:04 PM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 5:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 575 | 575 · EC 123 | 123 · S 20 25667 | 25667 | 2:33 PM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 5:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Locarno trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Locarno from $37 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Price
$75 (€61)
SBB frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Price
$174 (€142)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
5 a day
Südostbahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 23m
Südostbahn frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Locarno
Things to do in Locarno
Discover the best of Locarno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Locarno trip today.
- Recommended
Pinacoteca Comunale Casa Rusca
Important modern and contemporary art museum in the old town, known for quality exhibitions and works linked to Swiss and international artists.
- Recommended
Casa Anatta
House museum in nearby Brissago devoted to painter and writer Raffaele Leoncavallo, offering insight into regional artistic life.
- Must visit
Piazza Grande
Locarno's lively main square is framed by arcades and historic buildings and is essential for strolling, events, and people-watching.
- Must visit
Lungolago Giuseppe Motta
The lakeside promenade offers palms, mountain views, and a relaxed walking route ideal for sunsets, photos, and easy access to central Locarno.
- Recommended
Città Vecchia
Charming old town streets with arcades, boutiques, and historic houses, perfect for wandering and discovering Locarno's everyday urban character.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Risotto Al Merlot
Risotto made with Ticino Merlot wine, giving it a rich color and local character. It reflects the canton’s rice tradition and famous red wine.
- Gluten-free
Brasato Al Merlot
Slow-braised beef cooked in Ticino Merlot until tender. A classic festive dish in the region, often served with polenta.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Polenta
Creamy cornmeal polenta, a staple of Ticino mountain cooking. It is traditional comfort food and often paired with cheese, stew, or mushrooms.
Ristorante La Brezza
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with refined Ticino and Italian influences in a polished lakeside setting at Villa Orselina above Locarno.
Grotto Broggini
Historic grotto-style venue known for traditional Ticino dishes, hearty polenta, local wine, and a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Ristorante Fontana
Well-known restaurant at Hotel Belvedere serving seasonal cuisine with regional products, plus panoramic views over Locarno and the lake.
Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
Locarno is pricier than many nearby Italian towns. Hotels, dining, and local transport are typically Swiss-priced, though budget snacks and supermarkets help control costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 12-20 for fast food or simple takeaway.
- Mid-range
- CHF 25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- CHF 3.50-5.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Round up taxi fares and small cafe bills, but tipping is not obligatory.
Fairtiq
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.50
- Day pass
- : null
To the city center
Locarno railway station -> Piazza Grande
- Distance
- 450 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Buy Arcobaleno zone tickets before boarding buses; fares depend on zones, and Locarno urban trips are usually within local zones.
- Contactless card payment is not consistently available on buses, so use the FAIRTIQ app, ticket machines, or sales points.
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Locarno
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Locarno by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Locarno, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Basel to Locarno can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $75 (€61), while the average price is around $90 (€73).
The train from Basel to Locarno takes 2h 53m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Basel to Locarno is 111 miles (180 km).
The first train from Basel to Locarno leaves at 12:55 AM.
The last train from Basel to Locarno leaves at 9:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Locarno.
Yes, there is a direct train from Basel to Locarno. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by SBB, Südostbahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Locarno.
The train station in Basel that goes to Locarno is Basel SBB, which connects to Locarno station.
Yes, the train journey from Basel to Locarno is scenic, offering views of the Swiss countryside, picturesque towns, and the stunning landscapes of the Alps.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Locarno.
Popular day trips by train from Locarno include Milan, Lugano, Domodossola, Bellinzona, Andermatt.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Locarno, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist spots and public transport hubs. Scams involving overpriced taxi rides or unofficial tour guides are rare but worth noting. Overall, Locarno is considered a safe destination with low crime rates, but standard precautions like securing belongings and using licensed services are advised.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Locarno
Most Basel to Locarno trains use the Basel SBB to Locarno station pair, with some services arriving at Locarno, Debarcadero. Use this guide to compare Basel and Locarno train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Locarno
Which Basel station do trains to Locarno leave from?
Trains from Basel to Locarno leave from Basel SBB. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · $2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · $2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · $2 · every ~25 min
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel, Brausebad
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel, Brausebad from Basel city centre
Tram1, 2, 3 · 6m · $2 · every ~25 min
Basel St Johann4056 Basel, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel St Johann from Basel city centre
Basel St Johann is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus50 · 8m · $2 · every ~15 min
Tram1, 21, 3, 6, 8, 6457, 8190, 8280, 8298, 8312 · 5m · $2 · every ~15 min
Basel St Johann train station facilities and services
Basel St Johann has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Basel St Johann.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Basel St Johann.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel St Johann: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel St Johann: Bike Parking.
Which Locarno station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Trains from Basel to Locarno most often arrive at Locarno. Some services arrive at Locarno, Debarcadero, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Locarno arrival station.
LocarnoPiazza Stazione, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland+41 91 751 82 90
City-centre transport
Getting to Locarno from Locarno city centre
Bus1, 311, 312, 316, 3, 4, 7 · 4m · $2 · every ~38 min
Locarno train station facilities and services
Locarno has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Ristorante Sensi, Osteria Chiara
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Locarno. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Locarno. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Locarno: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Locarno: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Ibis Locarno, Hotel Belvedere Locarno, Hotel Garni Muralto.
Locarno, DebarcaderoPiazza Stazione, 6600 Muralto, Switzerland+41 848 446 688
Locarno, Debarcadero train station facilities and services
Locarno, Debarcadero has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno, Debarcadero.
San Martino6600 Locarno, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to San Martino from Locarno city centre
San Martino is 2 km from Locarno city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainR70 · 5m · $1 · every ~2 min
Bus370 · 12m · $4
7 · 18m · $2 · every ~9 min
San Martino train station facilities and services
San Martino has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Martino.
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Locarno
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Locarno and Basel
Most popular train connections to Locarno
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