Zurich to Locarno train with SBB

Sat 12 Sept
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SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Locarno

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • SBBIR 46 2409 | 2409
    6:053h22
    Zurich HB
    9:27Locarno station
    £431One-way
    0 changes
  • SBBIR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629
    6:052h10
    Zurich HB
    8:15Locarno station
    £601One-way
    2 changes
  • SBBIR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 · B 4 4012 | 4012
    6:052h15
    Zurich HB
    8:20Locarno
    £631One-way
    3 changes
  • SBBEC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639
    8:332h12
    Zurich HB
    10:45Locarno station
    £671One-way
    1 change
  • SBBIR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637
    8:052h10
    Zurich HB
    10:15Locarno station
    £671One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Zurich to Locarno

Omio 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

Compare train with

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

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Locarno is a coach with an average price of £18.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Locarno is by coach with an average journey time of 2h 35m.

Other travel options to Locarno take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 47m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Zurich and Locarno including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Zurich to Locarno train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
SBBIR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 256296:05 Zurich HB
2h10
8:15 Locarno station2 changes
SBBIR 46 2409 | 24096:05 Zurich HB
3h22
9:27 Locarno station0 changesdirect
SBBIR 46 2409 | 2409 · IC 21 659 | 659 · S 20 25629 | 25629 · B 4 4012 | 40126:05 Zurich HB
2h15
8:20 Locarno3 changes
SBBS 9 18921 | 18921 · EC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 256316:16 Zürich Oerlikon
2h29
8:45 Locarno station2 changes
SBBEC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 25631 · B 4 4014 | 40146:33 Zurich HB
2h17
8:50 Locarno2 changes
SBBEC 11 | 11 · S 20 25631 | 256316:33 Zurich HB
2h12
8:45 Locarno station1 change
SBBS 6 18623 | 18623 · IC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 256336:51 Zürich Oerlikon
2h24
9:15 Locarno station2 changes
SBBIC 2 861 | 861 · S 20 25633 | 256337:05 Zurich HB
2h10
9:15 Locarno station1 change
SBBS 9 18925 | 18925 · EC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 256357:16 Zürich Oerlikon
2h29
9:45 Locarno station2 changes
SBBEC 13 | 13 · S 20 25635 | 256357:33 Zurich HB
2h12
9:45 Locarno station1 change
SBBS 6 18627 | 18627 · IR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 256377:51 Zürich Oerlikon
2h24
10:15 Locarno station3 changes
SBBS 7 18729 | 18729 · IC 10363 | 10363 · IC 1455 | 14558:03 Zürich Oerlikon
2h54
10:57 Locarno station2 changes
SBBIR 46 2413 | 24138:05 Zurich HB
3h22
11:27 Locarno station0 changesdirect
SBBIR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 256378:05 Zurich HB
2h10
10:15 Locarno station2 changes
SBBIR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663 · S 20 25637 | 25637 · B 4 4020 | 40208:05 Zurich HB
2h15
10:20 Locarno3 changes
SBBS 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · IC 1455 | 14558:16 Zürich Oerlikon
2h41
10:57 Locarno station2 changes
SBBS 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 256398:16 Zürich Oerlikon
2h29
10:45 Locarno station2 changes
SBBIC 10363 | 10363 · IC 1455 | 14558:17 Zurich HB
2h40
10:57 Locarno station1 change
SBBEC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 256398:33 Zurich HB
2h12
10:45 Locarno station1 change
SBBEC 301 | 301 · IC 1455 | 14558:33 Zurich HB
2h24
10:57 Locarno station1 change
SBBEC 301 | 301 · S 20 25639 | 25639 · B 4 4022 | 40228:33 Zurich HB
2h17
10:50 Locarno2 changes
SBBS 6 18631 | 18631 · IC 2 865 | 865 · S 20 25641 | 256418:51 Zürich Oerlikon
2h24
11:15 Locarno station2 changes
SBBS 9 18933 | 18933 · EC 15 | 15 · S 20 25643 | 256439:16 Zürich Oerlikon
2h29
11:45 Locarno station2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Locarno by coach or train

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.

Sat
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Locarno

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

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.

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 £18
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
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 £18

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Zurich to Locarno trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Zurich and Locarno from £18. 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 10m
Cheapest SBB Price
£35
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

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Price
£104
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
13 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Südostbahn Duration
3h 22m
Südostbahn frequency
3 a day

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 civico e archeologico

Main local museum inside the Visconti castle, with archaeology and city history collections in a strong medieval setting.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Zurich to Locarno train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Locarno can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from Zurich to Locarno covers a distance of 134 km and takes approximately 2h 10m. Trains run 24 per day.
The train distance from Zurich to Locarno is 134 km.
The first train from Zurich to Locarno leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Zurich to Locarno departs at 23:05.
Trains from Zurich to Locarno run approximately 24 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Zurich to Locarno.
Yes, there is a direct train between Zurich and Locarno. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Südostbahn.
To get from Zurich to Locarno, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Zurich to Locarno.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Locarno is Zurich HB, and it arrives at Locarno station.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Locarno is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Zurich to Locarno in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Zurich to Locarno is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside, lakes, and mountains, particularly as it passes through the Gotthard Base Tunnel and along the shores of Lake Maggiore.
A day trip from Zurich to Locarno is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 10m. However, there are 23 train trips available per day, making it possible to plan an extended visit.
For a fulfilling experience in Locarno, spending 2 to 3 days allows you to explore its main attractions, enjoy the scenic beauty, and partake in local activities.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Locarno.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Locarno

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.

Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Locarno

Which Zurich station do trains to Locarno leave from?

Trains from Zurich to Locarno leave from Zürich HB. The station is 2 km from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre

Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS, 9 · 3m · £3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · £0.90 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · £2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · £2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min

Zürich HB train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.

Zürich OerlikonOerlikon, Zurich, Switzerland+41 900 300 300WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich Oerlikon from Zurich city centre

Zürich Oerlikon is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS8, S2, S24, Ir36, S14, Re48, S19, S, Ir13, Ic1, S21, S15, S9, Sn8, Ir, N1 · 4m · £2 · every ~31 min
9, S · 12m · £4 · every ~3 min
BusE · 13m · £3
N10 · 14m · £3
Tram10, 11, 17, 50, 51, 8 · 12m · £3 · every ~19 min

Zürich Oerlikon train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Negishi Sushi Bar, Le Muh

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich Oerlikon. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich Oerlikon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Oerlikon: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Courtyard Zurich North, Swissotel Zurich, Hotel Sternen Oerlikon.

Zürich AltstettenZürich Altstetten railway station, Altstetten, Zurich, SwitzerlandWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Zürich Altstetten from Zurich city centre

Zürich Altstetten is 5 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS5, S11, S12, Sn1, Sn5, Sn11, Sn · 12m · £3 · every ~14 min
Bus31 · 14m · £3 · every ~16 min
N17, N1 · 18m · £3
31 · 22m · £3 · every ~16 min
Tram51 · 14m · £3 · every ~16 min

Zürich Altstetten train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Markthalle, Restaurant LaSalle

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Zürich Altstetten. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Zürich Altstetten. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Zürich Altstetten: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Zürich Altstetten: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Altstetten: Elevators.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Placid Hotel Zurich, Best Western Hotel Spirgarten, H+ Hotel Zürich.

More options for your journey from Zurich to Locarno

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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