- 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
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
84 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milan to Locarno is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milan to Locarno will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
It's difficult to get from Milan to Locarno without transferring at least once.
Regionale 10240 · S30 TRENORD 25382
Regionale TRENORD 25302 · Autobus TRENORD 8962A
Regionale 10228 · S30 TRENORD 25370
Regionale TRENORD 10234 · Regionale TRENORD 25336 · Autobus TRENORD 8978A
Regionale TRENORD 10214 · Regionale TRENORD 25316 · Autobus TRENORD 8958A
Regionale 10240 · S30 TRENORD 25382
Regionale 10228 · S30 TRENORD 25370
Regionale TRENORD 10234 · Regionale TRENORD 25336 · Autobus TRENORD 8978A
Regionale TRENORD 10214 · Regionale TRENORD 25316 · Autobus TRENORD 8958A
Regionale TRENORD 10230 · Regionale TRENORD 25332 · Autobus TRENORD 8974AOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milan to Locarno among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 52 miles (84 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Milan to Locarno:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milan to Locarno costing on average $16 (€13).
Other travel options to Locarno take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 49m.
The journey is about 3m faster (1h 49m by train vs 1h 52m by car) and roughly $79 (€64) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($16 (€13) vs $94 (€77)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Trenord.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Milan to Locarno trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale TRENORD 25302 · Autobus TRENORD 8962A | 8:05 AM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 3h31 | 11:36 AM Pino-Tronzano | 1 transfer | |
Regionale TRENORD 10220 · S30 TRENORD 25322 · Autobus TRENORD 8966A | 9:40 AM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 3h56 | 1:36 PM Pino-Tronzano | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 10228 · S30 TRENORD 25370 | 1:40 PM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1h50 | 3:30 PM Pino-Tronzano | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 10232 · S30 TRENORD 25374 | 3:40 PM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1h50 | 5:30 PM Pino-Tronzano | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 10236 · S30 TRENORD 25378 | 5:40 PM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1h50 | 7:30 PM Pino-Tronzano | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 10240 · S30 TRENORD 25382 | 7:40 PM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1h50 | 9:30 PM Pino-Tronzano | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Milan to Locarno run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:55, the last at 20:28. The fastest train covers the 52 miles (84 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 52 miles (84 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 50m |
First train 5:55 AM |
Last train 8:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 70 days |
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 Milan 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 Milan to Locarno trains use the Milano Porta Garibaldi to Pino-Tronzano station pair. Use this guide to compare Milan and Locarno train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Milano Porta Garibaldi is 2 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Porta Garibaldi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Caffeteria Panni Caldi, Princi, Burgez, Bricco Café, U! Come tu mi vuoi, Autogrill, Culto
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the main hall.
Available at Milano Porta Garibaldi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Porta Garibaldi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Porta Garibaldi: Accessible facilities such as ticket machines, toilets, and ramps and additional assistance as needed from 07:45 to 22:30.
Nearby hotels include Hotel NH Milano Palazzo Moscova, AC Hotel by Marriott Milano, Tocq Hotel.
Milano Centrale is 2 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Venchi, Panzera Coffee, Burger King, Bar Motta, Caffè Napoli, VyTA Boulangerie, Spontini, Starbucks, Dispensa Emilia, McDonald's, & many more
Free WiFi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:50 - 22:20. Information desks are located next to the ticket office on the ground floor in the shopping gallery.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Luigi di Savoia. It is open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Milano Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Centrale: Station is wheelchair accessible, has elevators and the Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is next to Platform 4.
Nearby hotels include Glam Hotel Milano, NYX MIlan, iQ Hotel Milano.
Milano Bovisa Politecnico is 4 km from Milan city centre. Public transport options include:
Milano Bovisa Politecnico has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Trattoria Casa Fontana, Osteria del Treno
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Milano Bovisa Politecnico. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Milano Bovisa Politecnico. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Milano Bovisa Politecnico: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Milano Bovisa Politecnico: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milano Bovisa Politecnico: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Sunflower, Hotel Valganna, Hotel Ares Milano.
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.
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