- Recommended
Museo civico e archeologico
Main local museum inside the Visconti castle, with archaeology and city history collections in a strong medieval setting.
Cheapest price on 12 Sept
£43
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£67
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
2 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
2 h 11 m
Trains on 12 Sept
23
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Locarno will cost around £67 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
On Sat 12 Sept, we found 23 trains from Zurich to Locarno, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 134 km distance in an average of 2 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 10 m .
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
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 · B 4 4012 | 4012
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639
EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635Omio 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 coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. 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 coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 134 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £72 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 17m Average total duration 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m 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 |
![]() 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 Zurich to Locarno:
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Locarno costing on average £53.
Other travel options to Locarno take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 47m.
Tickets start at around £53 compared to roughly £72 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £19. The journey takes 2h 47m versus 2h 36m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Südostbahn.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Locarno trains for tomorrow, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 | 6:05 Zurich HB | 2h10 | 8:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
IR 46 2409 | 2409 | 6:05 Zurich HB | 3h22 | 9:27 Locarno station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 · B 4 4012 | 4012 | 6:05 Zurich HB | 2h15 | 8:20 Locarno | 3 changes | |
S 9 18921 | 18921 · EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 | 6:16 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 8:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 · B 4 4014 | 4014 | 6:33 Zurich HB | 2h17 | 8:50 Locarno | 2 changes | |
EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 | 6:33 Zurich HB | 2h12 | 8:45 Locarno station | 1 change | |
S 6 18623 | 18623 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 6:51 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 9:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 25633 | 7:05 Zurich HB | 2h10 | 9:15 Locarno station | 1 change | |
S 9 18925 | 18925 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 7:16 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 9:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 25635 | 7:33 Zurich HB | 2h12 | 9:45 Locarno station | 1 change | |
S 6 18627 | 18627 · IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 7:51 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 10:15 Locarno station | 3 changes | |
S 7 18729 | 18729 · IC 10363 | 10363 · IC 1455 | 1455 | 8:03 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h54 | 10:57 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 | 8:05 Zurich HB | 3h22 | 11:27 Locarno station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 | 8:05 Zurich HB | 2h10 | 10:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 · B 4 4020 | 4020 | 8:05 Zurich HB | 2h15 | 10:20 Locarno | 3 changes | |
S 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · IC 1455 | 1455 | 8:16 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h41 | 10:57 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
S 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 8:16 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 10:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
IC 10363 | 10363 · IC 1455 | 1455 | 8:17 Zurich HB | 2h40 | 10:57 Locarno station | 1 change | |
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 | 8:33 Zurich HB | 2h12 | 10:45 Locarno station | 1 change | |
EC 301 | 301 · IC 1455 | 1455 | 8:33 Zurich HB | 2h24 | 10:57 Locarno station | 1 change | |
EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 · B 4 4022 | 4022 | 8:33 Zurich HB | 2h17 | 10:50 Locarno | 2 changes | |
S 6 18631 | 18631 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 25641 | 8:51 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h24 | 11:15 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
S 9 18933 | 18933 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 25643 | 9:16 Zürich Oerlikon | 2h29 | 11:45 Locarno station | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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 24 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 134 km distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 134 km |
Average train duration 2h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
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.
Main local museum inside the Visconti castle, with archaeology and city history collections in a strong medieval setting.
Museum on the lakeside devoted to modern art in the Casa Rusca. It hosts changing exhibitions and is a strong stop for culture lovers.
Contemporary art space in a restored industrial building at Muralto station area. Visit for ambitious temporary exhibitions and architecture.
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.
Elegant lakeside promenade with palms, flowerbeds and open views across Lago Maggiore. Ideal for a relaxed walk near the centre.
Headland and park area with one of Locarno’s best lake panoramas. Popular for sunset walks, photography and a quieter atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
Refined lakeside dining in Ascona near Locarno, known for polished seasonal cuisine, seafood and an elegant setting for a special meal.
Traditional grotto-style venue above Locarno serving Ticino classics, local wine and hearty dishes in a rustic hillside atmosphere.
Well-known pizzeria and Italian restaurant in central Locarno, popular for reliable pizzas, pasta and a lively casual atmosphere.
Locarno is expensive versus many European towns: hotels, dining and local transport cost more, though supermarkets and simple lunches help control spending.
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.
Official public transport app
Locarno FART -> Piazza Grande, Locarno
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