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How to travel from Nice to Locarno by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Nice to Locarno? Look no further.

There are around 18 trains per day running between Nice and Locarno, which usually take 11 hours 18 minutes to complete the 187 miles (300 km) journey. It can take as little as 7 hours 17 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Locarno from Nice, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca or SNCF, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Nice to Locarno if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Nice to Locarno by train

First train

07:50

Last train

21:33

Departure station

Nice

Arrival station

Locarno

Journey time

From 7h 17m

Distance

187 miles (300 km)

Frequency

18 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

SNCF Sud Azur SAS, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Trenord, SNCF, TGV Lyria, OUIGO

FAQs about the train journey from Nice to Locarno

Want to know more about your journey from Nice to Locarno? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Locarno from Nice?

To travel to Locarno from Nice, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 11 hours and 18 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 7 hours and 17 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Nice to Locarno?

Trains from Nice to Locarno take an average of 11 hours and 18 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 7 hours and 17 minutes. You'll usually find 18 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

Can I get a high-speed train from Nice to Locarno?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Nice to Locarno in as little as 7 hours and 17 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from OUIGO offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What is the quickest journey time between Nice and Locarno by train?

The quickest journey time between Nice and Locarno by train is 7 hours and 17 minutes.

Nice to Locarno train times

Check out the next trains departing from Nice to Locarno for Tuesday 24th June 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:1919:088h 49m, 5 changes
10:1919:389h 19m, 4 changes
12:5020:077h 17m, 3 changes
12:5020:387h 48m, 2 changes
14:5022:387h 48m, 2 changes
16:5006:3813h 48m, 4 changes
16:5007:3814h 48m, 2 changes
17:2008:0814h 48m, 4 changes
17:5008:3814h 48m, 3 changes
18:5109:3814h 47m, 4 changes

Trenitalia, OUIGO, TER and SNCF trains from Nice to Locarno

You can travel from Nice to Locarno on Trenitalia, OUIGO, TER and SNCF trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.

PhotoSmiley.toerist, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, TGV Lyria and Intercity classes from Nice to Locarno

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, TGV Lyria and Intercity when travelling from Nice to Locarno.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, TGV Lyria and Intercity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Nice to Locarno.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
  • Travellers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
  • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child). 
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
  • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call: the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power sockets you can find at your seat.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciabianca trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
  • You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment

At the moment, Frecciabianca trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
  • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
  • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciabianca trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
  • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciabianca trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Frecciabianca trains.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains:

Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket.
La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Families can reserve two different areas on the train:

The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair.
Club 4, which is also a set of 4 seats facing one another around a table.

You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.

 

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm).

PetPetPets

Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7.

Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair.

InfoInfoOther

You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

InfoInfoOther

There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.

Cheap train tickets from Nice 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 Nice 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.

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