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Trains from Zürich to Locarno

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

Taking the train from Zürich to Locarno in 2 hours 10 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Zürich to Locarno? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 2 hours 23 minutes to travel the 84 miles (136 km) from Zürich to Locarno by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 10 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 35 trains per day running on this route. You won’t need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available. You can travel with SBB trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.

Train tickets from Zürich to Locarno are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Locarno? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Trains to Locarno from Zürich

First train

06:05

Last train

20:05

Departure stationZürich
Arrival stationLocarno
Journey time

From 2h 10m

Distance

84 miles (136 km)

Frequency

35 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS

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

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

How do I get from Zürich to Locarno?

You can travel from Zürich to Locarno by train in about 2 hours and 23 minutes. With around 35 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Zürich to Locarno?

On average, the train journey from Zürich to Locarno takes around 2 hours and 23 minutes, with 35 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

What is the fastest train from Zürich to Locarno?

The fastest trains from Zürich to Locarno can cover the distance of 84 miles (136 km) in as little as 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Zürich to Locarno?

Yes, you can travel on a direct train between Zürich and Locarno. There are usually 6 per day that are direct.

What are the train times from Zürich to Locarno?

Check out the next trains departing from Zürich to Locarno for Tuesday 2nd September 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:3311:452h 12m, 1 change
10:0512:152h 10m, 1 change
10:3312:452h 12m, 1 change
11:0513:152h 10m, 2 changes
11:0514:273h 22m, direct
11:3313:452h 12m, 1 change
12:0514:152h 10m, 1 change
12:3314:452h 12m, 1 change
13:0515:152h 10m, 2 changes
13:0516:273h 22m, direct

SBB trains from Zürich to Locarno

You can travel from Zürich to Locarno on SBB 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

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

The price of train tickets from Zürich to Locarno starts at one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

1. 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 Zürich to Locarno by booking early.§

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

§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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