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Trains from Varese to Locarno

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Varese to Locarno

About the train journey from Varese to Locarno

Want to travel from Varese to Locarno by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Varese to Locarno usually takes 1 hour 31 minutes on average to travel 25 miles (40 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 1 hour 21 minutes. You can expect to find 33 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Varese and Locarno, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Locarno. SBB are the main train operator on this route and will whisk you to Locarno in no time.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Varese to Locarno in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Locarno, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Trains to Locarno from Varese

First train

05:00

Last train

21:06

Departure stationVarese
Arrival stationLocarno
Journey time

From 1h 21m

Distance

25 miles (40 km)

Frequency

33 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS, Trenord

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Varese to Locarno?

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

How do I travel from Varese to Locarno?

You can get from Varese to Locarno by train in 1 hour and 31 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 1 hour and 21 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Varese to Locarno take?

The average journey time by train between Varese and Locarno is 1 hour and 31 minutes, with around 33 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Varese and Locarno by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Varese to Locarno is 1 hour and 21 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Varese to Locarno?

No, there are no direct train services from Varese to Locarno. Travelling from Varese to Locarno by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What are the train times from Varese to Locarno?

Check out the next trains departing from Varese to Locarno for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:0610:381h 32m, 1 change
09:3611:081h 32m, 1 change
10:0611:381h 32m, 1 change
10:3612:081h 32m, 1 change
11:0612:381h 32m, 1 change
11:3613:081h 32m, 1 change
12:0613:381h 32m, 1 change
12:3614:081h 32m, 1 change
13:0614:381h 32m, 1 change
13:3615:081h 32m, 1 change

SBB and Trenord trains from Varese to Locarno

You can travel from Varese to Locarno on SBB and Trenord 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.

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

Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.

More information

What Intercity and Trenord classes are there from Varese to Locarno?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Trenord when travelling from Varese 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.

  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • PlugPlugPower sockets
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • ChildPassengerChildPassengerFamily area
  • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
  • LuggageLuggageExtra luggage
  • SeatSeatFold-down table
  • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet 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).

    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • PlugPlugPower sockets
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • ChildPassengerChildPassengerFamily area
    • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
    • LuggageLuggageExtra luggage
    • SeatSeatFold-down table
    • QuietZoneQuietZoneQuiet area

      Second Class

      Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat – just sit back and enjoy the views around you.

      • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
      • PlugPlugPower sockets

        First Class

        You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.

        • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
        • PlugPlugPower sockets

          What are the onboard services on Intercity and Trenord?

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

          LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

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

          RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

          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.

          WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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

          ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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.

          ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

          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.

          PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

          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.

          WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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

          InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

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

          LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
          • You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
          • You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
          RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

          At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

          WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

          Trenord 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.

          ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
          • Children under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap.
          • Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
          ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
          • Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm are allowed on board free of charge.
          • If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last coaches of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
          PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
          • Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
          • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
          • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
          • Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
          WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

          Passengers with disabilities can:

          • Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
          • Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
          • Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)

          To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.

          How do I find cheap train tickets from Varese to Locarno?

          If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

          1. Book in advance

          The price of train tickets from Varese to Locarno starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

          2. Be flexible with your travel times

          If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

          3. Buy a rail pass

          If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

          4. Choose a slower or connecting train

          On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

          5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

          Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

          6. Take a night train

          Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

          For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

          §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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