- Recommended
Museo civico e archeologico
Main local museum inside the Visconti castle, with archaeology and city history collections in a strong medieval setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Locarno
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 27 Oct
Cheapest price on 27 Oct
£53
Average ticket price on 27 Oct
£72
Fastest journey on 27 Oct
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 27 Oct
3 h 11 m
Trains on 27 Oct
16
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Locarno will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
On Tue 27 Oct, we found 16 trains from Basel to Locarno, including 2 direct services.
These 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 .
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.
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 · B 4 4026 | 40268:333h17Basel SBB11:50Locarno£531One-way3 changes- IR 26 2315 | 23158:044h23Basel SBB12:27Locarno station£581One-way0 changes
- IR 26 2311 | 23116:044h23Basel SBB10:27Locarno station£591One-way0 changes
- IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 256459:043h11Basel SBB12:15Locarno station£621One-way1 change
- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 256418:043h11Basel SBB11:15Locarno station£631One-way2 changes
- IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 256459:043h11Basel SBB12:15Locarno station£621One-way1 change
- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 256418:043h11Basel SBB11:15Locarno station£631One-way2 changes
- IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 256336:043h11Basel SBB9:15Locarno station£641One-way2 changes
- IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 256377:043h11Basel SBB10:15Locarno station£651One-way1 change
- IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 · S 20 25647 | 256479:333h12Basel SBB12:45Locarno station£671One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Locarno
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from Basel to Locarno run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:55, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 38m.
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
Coach from £27
Distance 180 km |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 38m |
First train 0:55 |
Last train 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Coach from £27
Frequently asked questions about your Basel to Locarno trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Basel to Locarno.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Locarno can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £79.
The train journey from Basel to Locarno covers a distance of 180 km and takes approximately 2h 38m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Basel to Locarno is 180 km.
The first train from Basel to Locarno leaves at 0:55.
The last train from Basel to Locarno departs at 21:45.
Trains from Basel to Locarno run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Locarno. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by SBB.
Live departures
Basel to Locarno train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Locarno trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 27 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 3h11 | 9:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 · B 4 4016 | 4016 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 3h16 | 9:20 Locarno, Debarcadero | 3 changes | |
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 4h23 | 10:27 Locarno station | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 · B 4 4018 | 4018 | 6:33 Basel SBB | 3h17 | 9:50 Locarno, Debarcadero | 3 changes | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 6:33 Basel SBB | 3h12 | 9:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 7:04 Basel SBB | 3h11 | 10:15 Locarno station | 1 change | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 · B 4 4020 | 4020 | 7:04 Basel SBB | 3h16 | 10:20 Locarno, Debarcadero | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 31 | 31 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 7:33 Basel SBB | 3h12 | 10:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 31 | 31 · S 20 25639 | 25639 · B 4 4022 | 4022 | 7:33 Basel SBB | 3h17 | 10:50 Locarno, Debarcadero | 3 changes | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 3h11 | 11:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 4h23 | 12:27 Locarno station | 0 changesdirect | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 · B 4 4024 | 4024 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 3h16 | 11:20 Locarno, Debarcadero | 3 changes | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 · B 4 4026 | 4026 | 8:33 Basel SBB | 3h17 | 11:50 Locarno | 3 changes | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 | 8:33 Basel SBB | 3h12 | 11:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 · S 20 25645 | 25645 | 9:04 Basel SBB | 3h11 | 12:15 Locarno station | 1 change | |
| IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 · S 20 25647 | 25647 | 9:33 Basel SBB | 3h12 | 12:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Basel to Locarno trains with Omio?
SBB as well as Trenitalia offer trains services from Basel to Locarno.
Omio is the only official third party seller for SBB tickets.
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 Trenitalia 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 train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basel to Locarno.
Train companies: SBB, Trenitalia from Basel to Locarno trainsSBB, Trenitalia trains will get you between Basel and Locarno from £27. 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 SBB Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest SBB Price
£47
SBB frequency
9 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
Trenitalia
About
Trenitalia is not only Italy's national railroad company but also the country's largest train operator. Trenitalia’s fleet of trains ncludes the high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains as well as intercity, regional and night trains. Bathrooms and WiFi access are standard on long-distance routes. In most cases, the trains also provide barrier-free access. Trenitalia offers different tickets, which vary in price and flexibility: Base, Economy, Super Economy and Ordinaria. You can even use Trenitalia discount cards on Omio. Make sure to look out for the latest offers from Trenitalia on Omio to score special deals!
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trenitalia Duration
6h 13m
Cheapest Trenitalia Price
£117
Trenitalia frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage per passenger included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, and spaces between seat backs
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car on high-speed trains, trolley service with snacks and beverages, vending machines on some trains
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation, costs extra except on high-speed trains where it's mandatory and included
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance service available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Basel and Locarno
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Basel to Locarno.
Yes, there is a night train from Basel to Locarno.
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
Museo Casa Rusca
Museum on the lakeside devoted to modern art in the Casa Rusca. It hosts changing exhibitions and is a strong stop for culture lovers.
- Recommended
Fondazione Ghisla Art Collection
Contemporary art space in a restored industrial building at Muralto station area. Visit for ambitious temporary exhibitions and architecture.
- Must visit
Piazza Grande
Locarno’s main square, framed by arcades and historic buildings. It is the city’s social heart and a base for events, markets and strolls.
- Recommended
Lungolago Giuseppe Motta
Elegant lakeside promenade with palms, flowerbeds and open views across Lago Maggiore. Ideal for a relaxed walk near the centre.
- Recommended
Parco delle Camelie
Headland and park area with one of Locarno’s best lake panoramas. Popular for sunset walks, photography and a quieter atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Polenta ticinese
Polenta from Ticino maize, often served creamy or set, traditionally paired with braised meat or cheese. It is a staple of local alpine and rural cooking.
- Gluten-free
Brasato al Merlot
Slow-cooked beef braised in Merlot, the signature red wine of Ticino. It reflects the canton’s strong wine culture and hearty home-style cuisine.
- Gluten-free
Carne secca
Air-dried beef from the southern Alps, sliced thin and served as an antipasto. It is prized for its intense flavour and mountain preservation tradition.
Ristorante Eden Roc Ascona
Refined lakeside dining in Ascona near Locarno, known for polished seasonal cuisine, seafood and an elegant setting for a special meal.
Grotto Broggini
Traditional grotto-style venue above Locarno serving Ticino classics, local wine and hearty dishes in a rustic hillside atmosphere.
Ristorante Sensi
Well-known pizzeria and Italian restaurant in central Locarno, popular for reliable pizzas, pasta and a lively casual atmosphere.
Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
Locarno is expensive versus many European towns: hotels, dining and local transport cost more, though supermarkets and simple lunches help control spending.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 70+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- CHF 3.50-5 for a coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up bills or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Round up small taxi fares and leave small change in cafés if service is good.
SBB Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.40
- Day pass
- CHF 6.80
To the city centre
Locarno FART -> Piazza Grande, Locarno
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Buy your ticket before boarding; Swiss public transport generally requires a valid ticket before departure.
- SBB Mobile supports ticket purchase and EasyRide. On many regional buses and trains, contactless bank card payment is not the primary fare method, so buy in the app or at a machine first.
Plan your visit to Locarno
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Locarno.
Yes, the train journey from Basel to Locarno is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside, including the rolling hills, charming villages, and the stunning scenery around Lake Maggiore as you approach Locarno.
FAQs: Basel to Locarno train
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.
Booking trains from Basel to Locarno in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Locarno.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Locarno
Most Basel to Locarno trains use the Basel SBB to Locarno station pair. 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 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 Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus30 · 11m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · £3 · every ~20 min
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Which Locarno station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Trains from Basel to Locarno arrive at Locarno. Locarno is from Locarno city centre.
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.
Train stations for Basel to Locarno
Check train stations information for Basel and Locarno, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Basel that goes to Locarno is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Locarno.
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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