Basel to Locarno train with SBB

Sat, Dec 13
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Locarno

Showing times and prices for Dec 17

Cheapest price

$82

Average price

$104

Fastest journey

4 h 24 m

Average duration

4 h 24 m

Trains per day

2

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 $104 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Basel for Locarno on Wed, Dec 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 17 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 24 m .

On Wed, Dec 17 the slowest trains will take 4 h 24 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

SBB
08:03AM4h24
Basel
12:27PMLocarno
$821One-way
0 transfers
SBB
02:03PM4h24
Basel
06:27PMLocarno
$1261One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Basel to Locarno

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Locarno among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €50.

Distance: 111 miles (180 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€75

Average price

€43

Average price

Cheapest

€185

Average price

4h 14m

Average total duration

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 21m

Average total duration

8h 21m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Basel to Locarno train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Locarno trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:00 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
sbb8:03 AM Basel
4h24
12:27 PM Locarno0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Locarno by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23

Why should you book Basel to Locarno trains with Omio?

SBB as well as Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) and Südostbahn offer trains services from Basel to Locarno. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basel to Locarno.

Why book with Omio vs SBB?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for SBB, but also compare tickets for the likes of Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) and Südostbahn to find the best option for your trip from Basel to Locarno.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare SBB with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Locarno.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While SBB tickets can be bought on SBB's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) and Südostbahn to help you choose the right option for your journey from Basel to Locarno.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Basel to Locarno.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Locarno

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Locarno run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) but you can travel from only $38 (€30) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 3h 12m.

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 $38 (€30)
Distance
111 miles (180 km)
Average train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 12m
First train
04:35
Last train
21:45
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 $38 (€30)

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Locarno trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Locarno from $38 (€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
3h 12m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
SBB frequency
14 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 Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest Price
$162 (€129)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
5 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 24m
Südostbahn frequency
7 a day

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.

FAQs
There is no high speed train available from Basel to Locarno.
The distance by train from Basel to Locarno is 111 miles (180 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Locarno allows visitors to explore its main attractions, including the Piazza Grande, Madonna del Sasso, and the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore, while also enjoying local cuisine and culture.
The first train from Basel to Locarno leaves at 4:35 AM.
A day trip from Basel to Locarno is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 12m. The distance is 111 miles (180 km), and there are 15 train trips available per day.
The last train from Basel to Locarno leaves at 9:45 PM.
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.
Train ticket prices from Basel to Locarno can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $46 (€37), while the average price is around $94 (€75).
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Locarno is by bus, with a cost of around $38 (€30).
The train from Basel to Locarno takes 3h 12m and runs 15 per day.
The train station in Basel that goes to Locarno is Basel SBB, which connects to Locarno station.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Basel to Locarno.
Yes, you can take the train 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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Basel to Locarno

Basel
Locarno
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Locarno.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Da Roberto
  • Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Victoria
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
  • Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
  • Hall 3: shopping and services area
Public transit options for Basel SBB
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available
Basel, Brausebad
information
Basel St JohannParkingDiningATMTaxisWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 52 places, covered

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