Cradling the shores of Lake Maggiore, Locarno has Switzerland’s warmest climate and a Renaissance old town radiating from the Piazza Grande. But here’s the real secret: stay overnight and you’ll get free public transport across the entire Ticino region. Yes, a travel bargain in Switzerland.
The Ticino Ticket transformed my four days in Locarno into a remarkably affordable base for exploring medieval castles, Italian-Swiss towns, botanical islands and even Lake Como. Here’s exactly how I did it.
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Quick Planning Guide
- Best for: First-time visitors to Swiss Ticino, solo travellers, budget-conscious Switzerland trips
- When to go: April-October (best weather, full boat services)
- Budget: CHF 80-120/night accommodation + Ticino Ticket discounts = exceptional value
- Getting there: Train from Zurich (3hrs), Milan (2hrs), or Bellinzona (25min)
What is the Ticino Ticket?
Here’s Switzerland’s best-kept secret: book accommodation at any participating hotel, hostel or campsite in Ticino and you’ll receive a Ticino Ticket for the duration of your stay.
This gives you completely free travel on all public transport throughout the region, including trains, buses and most local funiculars. You’ll also get significant reductions on cable cars, boat trips and attractions.
I stayed at Aparthotel Al Lago and used my Ticino Ticket every single day. The savings were extraordinary.
4-Day Locarno Itinerary
I spent four days exploring Locarno as a solo traveller on a two-week Interrail trip through Switzerland. Here’s how the itinerary unfolded:
Day 1: Locarno and Mountain Views
Morning: Ride up to Cimetta
From Locarno town centre, the Orselina funicular takes you up the hillside in minutes. The dashboard looks like something from a 1960s sci-fi film, all primary-coloured buttons and overhead cable harmonics.
At Oreslina, switch to the cable car for Cardara (1340m), then take the chairlift to Cimetta (1671m). Pack warm layers.
On clear days, the views are remarkable. Lake Maggiore spreads below while the Alps recede in layers to infinity. Several walking trails start from here, or simply enjoy coffee at the summit café.
Practical Info:
- Funicular runs every 15 minutes (April-October), every 30 minutes otherwise
- Ticino Ticket gives discounts on the funicular and cable car
- Check current timetables and fares
Afternoon: Santuario della Madonna del Sasso
Walk down from Oreslina to this sanctuary, founded in 1480 after the Virgin Mary appeared to a monk. The views over Locarno and Lake Maggiore are exceptional, and there’s no entrance fee.
From here, you can either walk back down to Locarno’s old town (about 20 minutes) or take the funicular.
Evening: Explore Locarno Old Town
Wander the cobbled streets around Piazza Grande, browse the designer shops and stop for an evening aperitif. The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
Day 2: Bellinzona and Lugano
Bellinzona (Half Day)
I was enchanted by friendly Bellinzona, Ticino’s capital. This laid-back town has attracted artists and writers for years, and once you’re in the Renaissance centre, you’ll understand why.
The cobblestoned Piazza Collegiata is lined with graceful buildings and lively cafes. Bells ring from the church of Santi Pietro e Stefano. If you visit on Saturday, you’ll catch the weekly market.
Bellinzona’s three medieval fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Castelgrande towers over the old town – take the lift from the concrete structure beneath the castle, walk the ramparts for views, then follow the path down to Piazza Collegiata.
The other two castles, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro, are further out but worth visiting if you have time.
Getting There: 25 minutes by train from Locarno (twice hourly, free with Ticino Ticket). The old town is a 10-15 minute walk from the station.
Lugano (Half Day)
Lugano’s train station perches on a hill with fantastic views. Take the path that winds through interconnecting piazzas down to Lake Lugano.
Stop at the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli to see Bernardino Luini’s enormous fresco portraying the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ. It’s powerful work in an unassuming former Franciscan monastery.
The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo by the lake is also worth visiting for its frescoes and baroque statues.
But the real pleasure in Lugano is simply wandering the cobbled streets, window-shopping designer boutiques, stopping for coffee or aperitivo, then strolling the flower-lined lakeside promenade with views of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvador.
Getting There: 25 minutes by train from Bellinzona to Lugano, 30 minutes back to Locarno (both free with Ticino Ticket). The Sassellina funicular connects Piazza Cioccaro in the old town to the train station in under two minutes.
Day 3: Island Gardens and Ascona
Today combines a Lake Maggiore boat trip with two lovely destinations: the botanical gardens at Isole di Brissago and the lakeside town of Ascona.
Isole di Brissago
Set in the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore, these two islands are famed for their botanical gardens. Founded in 1885, it is home to more than 1700 plant species from five regions of the world.
It’s wonderfully peaceful. You’ll hear water lapping against rocks, the occasional vocal duck, and distant church bells. Take your time wandering the paths and finding quiet spots to sit.
Practical Info:
- I bought a day pass for the Navigazione Lago Maggiore boats (discounted with Ticino Ticket)
- Services are infrequent, so grab a timetable at Locarno harbour
- Gardens open March-November; entrance fee discounted with Ticino Ticket
Ascona
Unlike Locarno, Ascona has retained its village charm through careful conservation and sympathetic development. The pedestrianised waterfront, shaded by plane trees, is free from traffic.
Its narrow streets wind past antique shops, art galleries and craft boutiques. Perfect for a late lunch and Aperol Spritz while watching boats on the lake.
Day 4: Lake Como (Italy)
The Ticino Ticket extends to Chiasso on the Swiss-Italian border, making a day trip to Lake Como surprisingly affordable.
Como
Occupying a prime position on one of the southern tips of Lake Como, the small city of Como has a lively historic centre that opens onto the lake at Piazza Cavour.
The jewel in its crown is its magnificent Duomo, with its Gothic façade and striking rose window. Considered to be an architectural masterpiece, it is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.
But I preferred the more understated San Fidele, Como’s old cathedral. Look for the relief of souls fighting their way out of hell below a crucified Christ, left of the main altar.
But if monument-visiting isn’t your thing, simply wander Como’s cobbled streets and piazzas.
Lake Como Boat Trip
The journey across Lake Como is as good as any destination.
Pastel-coloured houses rise in terraces from sapphire water to forested hillsides. Small villages are marked by church steeples.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Villa del Balbianello, a filming location for Casino Royale (2006) and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (2002).
It’s impossibly romantic. Not even the sound of a Vespa can break its spell.
Bellagio
Bella Bellagio was everything I hoped that it would be.
Bellagio occupies one of Italy’s most scenic positions and manages to be both popular and dignified. Art galleries, jewellery stores, designer boutiques, craft shops and excellent restaurants line its streets.
If you have time, visit Villa Melzi, built for Napoleon’s assistant. The manicured grounds have prime lake views. Little Boney knew how to treat his staff.
Getting There:
- Train from Locarno to Como: 1hr 45min with a possible change
- Ticino Ticket valid to Chiasso; buy a ticket for the Chiasso-Como leg separately
- The easiest way to do this is on the Trenord app
- Lake boats: I took the ‘slow boat’ (2hrs) for a leisurely cruise. Fast service reaches Bellagio in 45 minutes for a supplement. Check timetables at the harbour
Where to Stay in Locarno
I stayed at Aparthotel Al Lago. The room was large with a balcony and kitchenette (handy for Switzerland’s prices), and the owner was incredibly friendly. It’s right on the lake and participates in the Ticino Ticket scheme.
If you prefer something more modern, try the highly-rated Hotel Lago Maggiore – Welcome!. This 4-star lakeside hotel is close to the centre and includes free bikes.
Getting to Locarno
Locarno has excellent train connections from Bellinzona and Lugano, or via the scenic Centovalli Railway from Italy or Western Switzerland. The closest airports are Milan and Zurich.
I travelled in Switzerland using a Global Interrail Pass. If you live outside Europe, the Eurail pass is the equivalent.
For Switzerland-focused trips, consider a Swiss Travel Pass, which includes extra benefits, or look at regional passes.
With the high cost of rail travel in Switzerland, an Interrail / Eurail Pass or a Swiss Pass (or regional travel pass) is a gift that keeps on giving.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is a superb destination for solo travellers, especially mature travellers or those taking their first solo trip. It’s dramatically beautiful and home to some of the planet’s most scenic train rides, including the famous Glacier Express.
Each region has its distinct identity and language. The Italian character of Ticino feels completely different from the dramatic Alpine vistas of the German region (where I did some great day trips from Bern). It’s like visiting three or four countries for the price of one.
The Ticino Ticket made this trip both affordable and flexible. I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own visit.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.