{"id":36251,"date":"2026-06-23T15:35:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/?p=36251"},"modified":"2026-07-20T20:05:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:05:25","slug":"ticino-without-a-car-traveling-by-train-to-the-italian-speaking-south-of-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/switzerland\/ticino\/ticino-without-a-car-traveling-by-train-to-the-italian-speaking-south-of-switzerland\/","title":{"rendered":"Ticino Without a Car: Traveling by Train to the Italian-Speaking South of Switzerland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Train to Ticino: Traveling to Southern Switzerland Without a Car<\/h1>\n\n

The best way to get to Ticino<\/a><\/strong> is to take your time getting there. First, Germany glides by the window; then the train climbs into the Alps; and suddenly (after a long tunnel), the rooftops are orange, there are palm trees on the platform, and you hear Italian. No rental car, no parking stress, no traffic jam at the Gotthard Pass. <\/p>\n\n

I traveled by train from the Netherlands and used only public transportation once I arrived. It works just fine, and it\u2019s more comfortable than it sounds. With the right app and pass, it\u2019s not expensive either. Here\u2019s how to do it. <\/p>\n\n

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\"By<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Vierwoudstreken<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Ascona<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Traveling to Ticino by Train: Your Options<\/h2>\n\n

There is no direct train from the Netherlands to Locarno or Lugano; you\u2019ll always have to change trains at least once along the way. But the journey itself is an experience. Three ways: <\/p>\n\n

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  • During the day, take the ICE through Germany. <\/strong>From Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Arnhem, you can travel via Frankfurt to Basel (about 7 hours) or Zurich (about 7.5 hours), with at least one transfer in Germany. There, you\u2019ll transfer to a train heading south via the Gotthard Pass; the total travel time to Locarno or Lugano is about nine to ten hours. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Overnight on the Nightjet. <\/strong>The \u00d6BB night train departs from Amsterdam in the evening (with stops in Utrecht and Arnhem) and arrives in Basel and Zurich in the morning. You can choose between a seat, a couchette, or a sleeper cabin; from there, you\u2019ll transfer to the connecting train to Ticino. If you sleep on the way, you\u2019ll save an entire day of travel. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Panorama Route. <\/strong>If you have the time, take the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lucerne: first by boat across Lake Lucerne (also known as Lake of the Four Forests), then by panoramic train over the Gotthard Pass to Bellinzona and Lugano (approx. 5.5 hours, daily except Mondays, mid-April through mid-October). Seat reservations are required. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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    \"Ticino,<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

    The easiest way to book is through NS International or Nightjet.com. An added bonus: the Swiss railways run largely on renewable energy, mainly hydropower. <\/p>\n\n

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    When is the best time to book to get the best deal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    For international trains, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is. The cheapest tickets (the Supersparpreis Europa fare) are limited in number, sell out quickly, and go on sale about half a year to a year in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    So book as soon as you know your date\u2014preferably online. That will save you booking fees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Traveling on a weekday or in the evening is often cheaper; for a weekend trip, it\u2019s better to choose Saturday, Sunday, and Monday rather than Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For the Swiss portion of the trip, buy Supersaver tickets as soon as they appear in the SBB app, preferably during off-peak hours. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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