Yes, the railway runs 365 days a year (with the exception of unforeseeable events that may prevent a journey).
The trip can be done in a single day, as it takes just under two hours on the outward journey and two hours on the return.
However, the length of the experience depends on the stops you wish to make along the way and the experiences you choose.
International trains leave every hour.
The journey from Domodossola to Locarno, or the reverse, takes around 2 hours.
We recommend being there at least 20 minutes before departure. It is not possible to wait for passengers due to the connections with regional and international trains from Switzerland and Italy.
Earliest train from Locarno: 6.49 a.m.
Earliest train from Domodossola: 8:25 a.m.
Last train from Locarno: 6:47 p.m.
Last train from Domodossola: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 7.00 p.m. ; Friday and Sunday: 08.25 p.m.
In Domodossola, there are free parking spaces in Via Piave (opposite the exit tunnel) or there is a pay-to-park multi-storey car park next to the post office at Piazza Matteotti.
In Locarno, there is a large multi-storey car park where charges apply. This is very close to Locarno Muralto station, and there is also one at Locarno S. Antonio station.
The railway goes up to a maximum altitude of 830 m; there are therefore no specific contraindications.
You will require a valid identity card to cross the border.
Online
You can buy your tickets at the following link. Tickets may be purchased with or without seat reservations (these can be made at a cost of EUR 4 per journey). If you hold a valid ticket you may add a seat reservation.
In Italy
A seat reservation can be made at the ticket counter in Domodossola which is open daily, or at the station at Santa Maria Maggiore. If the latter are closed, tickets may be purchased on the train.
Tickets for the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli can also be purchased at the tourist office in Domodossola, which is located directly next to the bus station.
In Switzerland
Tickets may be purchased at the FART ticket counter at Piazza Stazione in Locarno and at ticket machines in the stations. On the touchscreen, simply select the appropriate header: TURISTICO VALLE VIGEZZO (for Re, Santa Maria Maggiore and Druogno) or TURISTICO DOMODOSSOLA, and the option required (adults or children).
More information at the following link.
Individual travellers are recommended to book at times of high visitor numbers. Individual passengers are only required to book during the periods when the Christmas markets are being held and for the Raduno degli Spazzacamini (the international chimney sweep event) in Santa Maria Maggiore.
On the panorama trains, passengers are not permitted to travel without a seat for reasons of comfort. We therefore recommend you make a reservation, and this costs just EUR 4 per person per journey.
It is obligatory for groups (of 10 or more) to book.
It is obligatory to book and you must do so via e-mail:
International trains are more vintage and historic, panoramic trains have larger windows; panoramic plus trains are the brand new trains introduced this year on our line. Every train has its own charm!
On the international trains in Italy, a trolley buffet service is available for passengers (chargeable). However, you may also bring and consume your own provisions, as long as this does not inconvenience other passengers.
You may not travel without a seat on the panorama trains. It is therefore recommended that you reserve seats for periods when there are high passenger numbers.
On the standard trains it is possible to travel standing according to the regulations.
We welcome your four-legged friends. In Italy, it is obligatory for the dog to wear a muzzle or to be transported in a suitable bag.
More information at the following link
Click here further information on travel and the health of animals.
Small dogs, up to 30 cm at the withers, traveling in carriers, baskets, or other suitable containers, may be transported free of charge as carry-on baggage.
Dogs of any size that passengers take with them in passenger or baggage carriages must be paid exclusively at the ticket office, at half the second-class fare or the applicable minimum fare (dog travelcard, GA travelcard for dogs).
Exception: Small dogs, up to 30 cm at the withers, traveling in carriers, baskets, or other suitable containers, may be transported free of charge as carry-on baggage.
Dogs may only be placed on seats in suitable containers. For these types of seats, a second-class ticket at half price must be purchased.
Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility – unless already registered with other carriers – must indicate on the appropriate form at the bottom of the page, at least 24 hours before travel, which journeys they intend to take and on which routes.
Holders of a Disability Card bearing the letter “A” on the front, indicating that the holder requires an accompanying person or greater levels of assistance, can enjoy free travel for the accompanying person.
A guide dog for the blind also travels free of charge.
Locally issued cards do not entitle the holder to discounts for disabled passengers.
If the disabled person is traveling unaccompanied, they must have a valid ticket.
HOW TO BOOK ONLINE:
If an accompanied passenger in a WHEELCHAIR is traveling, select only one paying adult and complete the assistance request form.
For an accompanied disabled passenger occupying a seat, please select 1 adult and 1 child aged 0-6 to reserve a free seat for the accompanying person.
Please note that to request assistance, please indicate which journeys you intend to take and on which routes on the appropriate form at the bottom of the page, at least 24 hours before your trip.
ATTENTION!!
After completing the form, you must wait for confirmation from SSIF, which will be sent within 2 business days.
If SSIF does not provide written confirmation, the assistance service is not considered confirmed, and therefore, assistance may not be guaranteed for the selected journey.
If there are no available seats, SSIF will communicate availability on other journeys.
For a more comfortable journey, we recommend selecting the “panoramic plus” train type, which allows for easier boarding and ample space for a wheelchair.
Persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who hold a Companion Card can travel free of charge for their companion.
Travelers with disabilities may bring a guide dog for the blind, which travels free of charge.
If the person with disabilities is traveling unaccompanied, they must have a valid ticket.
For a more comfortable journey, we recommend selecting the “panoramic plus” train type, which allows for easier boarding and ample space for a wheelchair.
