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.
For evening events, it is advisable to stay overnight at the location of the event.
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:
The panorama train Vigezzo Vision and the Centovalli Express have large windows, and the traditional compositions have sliding windows.
A supplement of CHF/EUR 1.50 is charged for the panorama train, and this is payable on board provided it is not already included in the ticket.
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.
Click here further information on travel and the health of animals.
Dogs of any size travelling in passenger carriages or luggage vans must always pay second-class half fare or the stipulated minimum fare (1-day travelpass for dogs, GA travelcard for dogs) if there is one.
Exception: small dogs up to 30 cm high at the top of their shoulder blades can travel with you free of charge as carriage hand luggage provided they are in a carrier, basket or other suitable container
Dogs can only be put on seats when in suitable carriers. You must buy a half price 2nd class ticket for each seat occupied in this way.
In Italy, only people who hold a relevant ID issued by the state (e.g. Carta Blu) may travel as passengers with reduced mobility. Regional or local IDs do not confer entitlement to use services for passengers with reduced mobility.
Persons accompanying passengers with a valid ID travel free of charge. Guide dogs also travel free.
A person with reduced mobility travelling alone requires a valid train ticket.
Each Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli train composition has a wheelchair space. On coaches with steps, our staff assist wheelchair users with boarding and alighting using a lifting ramp. This service is available at the stations in Domodossola, Santa Maria Maggiore and Locarno. To use the assistance service, please register at least 48 hours before starting the journey, either via e-mail at info@vigezzinacentovalli.com or by telephone on +39 0324 242055.
Only prior registration will ensure the assistance service and the subsequent journey.
In Switzerland, passengers with reduced mobility must hold a relevant ID card for travellers with a disability, and this must be shown upon request, in order to use the associated services. Passengers with reduced mobility may also bring their guide dog free of charge in 1st or 2nd class.
A person with reduced mobility travelling alone requires a valid train ticket.
Every Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli train composition has a wheelchair space.
Switzerland
Headquarters
Via Galli, 9 – 6600 LOCARNO
+41 91 7518731
servizioclienti@centovalli.ch
Railway station
Piazza Stazione – 6600 LOCARNO-MURALTO
Italy
Headquarters
Via Mizzoccola, 9 – 28845 DOMODOSSOLA (VB)
+39 0324 242055
info@vigezzinacentovalli.com
Railway station
Piazza Matteotti – 28845 DOMODOSSOLA (VB)
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