The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Locarno
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
3 h 12 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Locarno is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Locarno will cost around $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Of the 4 trains that leave Basel for Locarno on Fri, Nov 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 12 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 4 h 24 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.








Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Basel to Locarno
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Locarno among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €30. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, and a flight costs an average of €50.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€75 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €185 Average price |
4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 21m Average total duration 8h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Locarno train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Locarno trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:33 AM Basel | 3h12 | 10:45 AM Locarno | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:03 AM Basel | 4h24 | 12:27 PM Locarno | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:06 AM Basel | 3h39 | 12:45 PM Locarno | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:03 AM Basel | 3h12 | 2:15 PM Locarno | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Locarno by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Locarno
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 12m |
First train 04:35 |
Last train 21:45 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Basel to Locarno start from as low as $45 (€37) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $92 (€75) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Locarno trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Locarno from $37 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Locarno
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Locarno
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Via della Stazione.
- Ristorante Sensi
- Osteria Chiara
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Ibis Locarno
- Hotel Belvedere Locarno
- Hotel Garni Muralto
- Located in the main hall
- 240 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for trains to regional and international destinations
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Regional and international connections
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Locarno
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