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Travelling from Lausanne to Locarno by train
Looking to travel from Lausanne to Locarno by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 5 hours 38 minutes to travel from Lausanne to Locarno by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 4 hours 35 minutes though. You'll usually find 35 trains per day running along the 106 miles (171 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 1 change during the journey to Locarno, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll probably be hopping onto a SBB train to get to Locarno, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Lausanne to Locarno.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Locarno by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Lausanne to Locarno
Want to know more about your journey from Lausanne to Locarno? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the distance between Lausanne and Locarno by train?
Who runs the trains from Lausanne to Locarno?
Can you travel from Lausanne to Locarno without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Locarno from Lausanne?
What time is the first train from Lausanne to Locarno?
What time is the last train from Lausanne to Locarno?
How often do trains go from Lausanne to Locarno?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Lausanne to Locarno?
Is there a return trip from Lausanne to Locarno?
SBB trains from Lausanne to Locarno
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity classes from Lausanne to Locarno
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when travelling from Lausanne to Locarno.
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lausanne to Locarno.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.
You can take your bicycle onboard SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
Cheap train tickets from Lausanne to Locarno
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lausanne to Locarno by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.