- 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 20
$57
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$84
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 10 m
Trains on Sep 20
26
Distance
134 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Locarno is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Locarno will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 26 trains from Zurich to Locarno, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 134 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 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 46 2409 | 2409
S 9 18919 | 18919 · IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 · B 4 4016 | 4016
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633
IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Locarno among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $82, while a train costs an average of $82.
Distance: 83 miles (134 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The journey is about 23m faster (2h 13m by train vs 2h 36m by car) and roughly $16 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($82 vs $98). 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 Südostbahn.
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 Zurich to Locarno trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 46 2429 | 2429 | 4:05 PM Zurich HB | 3h22 | 7:27 PM Locarno station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 46 2429 | 2429 · EC 173 | 173 · S 20 25669 | 25669 | 4:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 6:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IR 46 2429 | 2429 · EC 173 | 173 · S 20 25669 | 25669 · B 4 4052 | 4052 | 4:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h15 | 6:20 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
S 9 18961 | 18961 · IC 2 1479 | 1479 · S 20 25671 | 25671 | 4:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 6:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18961 | 18961 · IC 2 1479 | 1479 · RE 80 25828 | 25828 | 4:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h52 | 7:08 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1479 | 1479 · S 20 25671 | 25671 · B 4 4054 | 4054 | 4:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 6:50 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1479 | 1479 · S 20 25671 | 25671 | 4:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 6:45 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 1479 | 1479 · RE 80 25828 | 25828 | 4:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h35 | 7:08 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 6 18663 | 18663 · IC 2 881 | 881 · S 20 25673 | 25673 | 4:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 7:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 881 | 881 · S 20 25673 | 25673 | 5:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 7:15 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 881 | 881 · S 20 25673 | 25673 · B 4 4056 | 4056 | 5:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h15 | 7:20 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18965 | 18965 · EC 25 | 25 · S 20 25675 | 25675 | 5:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 7:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 25 | 25 · S 20 25675 | 25675 · B 4 4058 | 4058 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 7:50 PM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
EC 25 | 25 · S 20 25675 | 25675 | 5:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 7:45 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 6 18667 | 18667 · IR 46 2433 | 2433 · IC 21 683 | 683 · S 20 25677 | 25677 | 5:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 8:15 PM Locarno station | 3 transfers | |
IR 46 2433 | 2433 · IC 21 683 | 683 · S 20 25677 | 25677 | 6:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 8:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IR 46 2433 | 2433 · IC 21 683 | 683 · S 20 25677 | 25677 · B 7 7213 | 7213 | 6:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h14 | 8:19 PM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
S 9 18969 | 18969 · EC 27 | 27 · S 20 25679 | 25679 | 6:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 8:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 27 | 27 · S 20 25679 | 25679 | 6:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 8:45 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 6 18671 | 18671 · IC 2 885 | 885 · S 20 25681 | 25681 | 6:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 9:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 885 | 885 · S 20 25681 | 25681 | 7:05 PM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 9:15 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 9 18973 | 18973 · EC 29 | 29 · S 20 25683 | 25683 | 7:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 9:45 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 29 | 29 · S 20 25683 | 25683 | 7:33 PM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 9:45 PM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 6 18675 | 18675 · IR 46 2437 | 2437 · IC 21 687 | 687 · S 20 25685 | 25685 | 7:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 10:15 PM Locarno station | 3 transfers | |
S 6 18679 | 18679 · IC 2 889 | 889 · S 20 25689 | 25689 | 8:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 11:15 PM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18919 | 18919 · IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 | 5:46 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 8:15 AM Locarno station | 3 transfers | |
IR 46 2409 | 2409 | 6:05 AM Zurich HB | 3h22 | 9:27 AM Locarno station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 | 6:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 8:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 · B 4 4012 | 4012 | 6:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h15 | 8:20 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
S 9 18921 | 18921 · EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 | 6:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 8:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 | 6:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 8:45 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 · B 4 4014 | 4014 | 6:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 8:50 AM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
S 6 18623 | 18623 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 6:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 9:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 7:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 9:15 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 · B 4 4016 | 4016 | 7:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h15 | 9:20 AM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18925 | 18925 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 7:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 9:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 9:45 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 · B 4 4018 | 4018 | 7:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 9:50 AM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
S 6 18627 | 18627 · IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 7:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 10:15 AM Locarno station | 3 transfers | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 3h22 | 11:27 AM Locarno station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 10:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 · B 4 4020 | 4020 | 8:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h15 | 10:20 AM Locarno | 3 transfers | |
S 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 8:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 10:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
S 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · RE 80 25812 | 25812 | 8:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h52 | 11:08 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
EC 301 | 301 · RE 80 25812 | 25812 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h35 | 11:08 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 · B 4 4022 | 4022 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h17 | 10:50 AM Locarno | 2 transfers | |
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 8:33 AM Zurich HB | 2h12 | 10:45 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 6 18631 | 18631 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 | 8:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 11:15 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 | 9:05 AM Zurich HB | 2h10 | 11:15 AM Locarno station | 1 transfer | |
S 9 18933 | 18933 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 | 9:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 11:45 AM Locarno station | 2 transfers | |
S 6 18635 | 18635 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645 | 9:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 12:15 PM Locarno station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Zurich to Locarno run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 83 miles (134 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 83 miles (134 km) |
Average train duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 Zurich 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 Zurich to Locarno trains use the Zürich HB to Locarno station pair, with some services arriving at Locarno, Debarcadero. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Locarno train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Oerlikon is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Oerlikon 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: Negishi Sushi Bar, Le Muh
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Oerlikon: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Courtyard Zurich North, Swissotel Zurich, Hotel Sternen Oerlikon.
Zürich Altstetten is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Altstetten 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: Restaurant Markthalle, Restaurant LaSalle
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Altstetten. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Altstetten. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Altstetten: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Altstetten: Elevators.
Nearby hotels include Placid Hotel Zurich, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten, H+ Hotel Zürich.
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