- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$71
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$92
Fastest journey on Sep 17
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
3 h 11 m
Trains on Sep 17
14
Distance
180 km
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 $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 14 trains from Basel to Locarno, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 11 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 12 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.
IR 26 2323 | 2323
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · S 20 25657 | 25657
IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · S 20 25657 | 25657 · B 4 4040 | 4040
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643
IC 21 675 | 675 · S 20 25661 | 25661
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · S 20 25657 | 25657
IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643Omio 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 an average ticket price of $62 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, while a flight costs an average of $665.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $665 Average price | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Locarno:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basel to Locarno costing on average $113 (€92).
A bus is $603 (€491) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Basel to Locarno costing on average $665 (€541).
Other travel options to Locarno take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 55m.
Bus takes on average 4h 45m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (3h 12m by train vs 3h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $113 (€92) compared to roughly $112 (€91) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Südostbahn.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Locarno trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 4h23 | 12:27 PM Locarno station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h12 | 11:45 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 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 | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 4h23 | 4:27 PM Locarno station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · S 20 25657 | 25657 · B 4 4040 | 4040 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 3h16 | 3:20 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
IC 3 591 | 591 · EC 21 | 21 · S 20 25659 | 25659 · B 4 4042 | 4042 | 12:33 PM Basel SBB | 3h17 | 3:50 PM Locarno | 3 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
Trains from Basel to Locarno run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:55, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 2h 38m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
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 Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Locarno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Locarno trip today.
Locarno's main museum inside the Visconti castle, presenting archaeology, local history, and period collections in a landmark setting.
Important modern and contemporary art museum in the old town, known for quality exhibitions and works linked to Swiss and international artists.
House museum in nearby Brissago devoted to painter and writer Raffaele Leoncavallo, offering insight into regional artistic life.
Locarno's lively main square is framed by arcades and historic buildings and is essential for strolling, events, and people-watching.
The lakeside promenade offers palms, mountain views, and a relaxed walking route ideal for sunsets, photos, and easy access to central Locarno.
Charming old town streets with arcades, boutiques, and historic houses, perfect for wandering and discovering Locarno's everyday urban character.
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.
Slow-braised beef cooked in Ticino Merlot until tender. A classic festive dish in the region, often served with polenta.
Creamy cornmeal polenta, a staple of Ticino mountain cooking. It is traditional comfort food and often paired with cheese, stew, or mushrooms.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining with refined Ticino and Italian influences in a polished lakeside setting at Villa Orselina above Locarno.
Historic grotto-style venue known for traditional Ticino dishes, hearty polenta, local wine, and a relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
Well-known restaurant at Hotel Belvedere serving seasonal cuisine with regional products, plus panoramic views over Locarno and the lake.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Locarno railway station -> Piazza Grande
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.

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.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
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 options include: Ristorante Sensi, Osteria Chiara
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Locarno. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Locarno. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Locarno: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Locarno: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Ibis Locarno, Hotel Belvedere Locarno, Hotel Garni Muralto.
Locarno, Debarcadero has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Locarno, Debarcadero.
San Martino is 2 km from Locarno city centre. Public transport options include:
San Martino has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Martino.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need