What is the cheapest way to get from Basel to Locarno?

The cheapest way to get from Basel to Locarno is to bus which costs SFr 28 - SFr 70 and takes 5h 31m.

What is the fastest way to get from Basel to Locarno?

The fastest way to get from Basel to Locarno is to drive which takes 2h 50m and costs SFr 40 - SFr 65.

Is there a direct train between Basel and Locarno?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Basel SBB and arriving at Locarno. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 4h 23m.

How far is it from Basel to Locarno?

The distance between Basel and Locarno is 249 km. The road distance is 256.2 km.

How do I travel from Basel to Locarno without a car?

The best way to get from Basel to Locarno without a car is to train via Bellinzona which takes 3h 16m and costs SFr 22 - SFr 230.

How long does it take to get from Basel to Locarno?

It takes approximately 3h 16m to get from Basel to Locarno, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Basel to Locarno train from?

Basel to Locarno train services, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), depart from Basel SBB station.

Train or bus from Basel to Locarno?

The best way to get from Basel to Locarno is to train via Bellinzona which takes 3h 16m and costs SFr 22 - SFr 230. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs SFr 28 - SFr 70 and takes 5h 31m.

Where does the Basel to Locarno train arrive?

Basel to Locarno train services, operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), arrive at Bellinzona station.

Can I drive from Basel to Locarno?

Yes, the driving distance between Basel to Locarno is 256 km. It takes approximately 2h 50m to drive from Basel to Locarno.

How do I get a train ticket from Basel to Locarno?

Book your Basel to Locarno train tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Locarno?

There are 3019+ hotels available in Locarno.

Basel to Locarno - 4 ways to travel via train, bus, and car

There are 4 ways to get from Basel to Locarno by train, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train via Bellinzona
best
1. Take the train from Basel SBB to Bellinzonatrain Ic21 / ...
3h 16m
CHF 22–229
Bus
1. Take the bus from Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) to Luganobus BlaBlaCar Bus
5h 31m
CHF 29–70
Drive 256.2 km
1. Drive from Basel to Locarnocar 256.2 km
2h 50m
CHF 42–61
Train
1. Take the train from Basel SBB to Locarnotrain Ir26
4h 23m
CHF 75–120

Basel to Locarno by train

121Weekly Trains

3h 16mAverage Duration

CHF 22Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Basel to Locarno.

Launch map view

Distance: 249.4 km
Duration: 3h 16m

What companies run services between Basel, Switzerland and Locarno, Switzerland?

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) operates a train from Basel SBB to Bellinzona every 3 hours. Tickets cost CHF 75–230 and the journey takes 2h 38m. Two other operators also service this route. Alternatively, BlaBlaCar Bus operates a bus from Basel, Meret Oppenheim-Strasse (Bahnhof SBB) to Lugano 5 times a day. Tickets cost CHF 19–35 and the journey takes 4h.

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around Switzerland

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.