It is called the “Valley of a Hundred Valleys” — and the train takes you right through the heart of it.
The Centovalli Railway connects sunny Locarno in Switzerland to Domodossola in Italy. In just under 2 hours, you cross 83 bridges, pass through 31 tunnels, and travel through wild, untouched valleys that most tourists never see.
No massive crowds. No expensive reservations. Just raw Alpine beauty and a train that feels like a secret.
Here is why the Centovalli Railway deserves more attention.
The Journey: Into the Wild Valleys
This narrow-gauge train takes you through some of the most remote and dramatic scenery in southern Switzerland.
Locarno → Ponte Brolla
- What You See: The train leaves Locarno and immediately begins climbing into the hills above Lake Maggiore. You get a final glimpse of the lake before diving into the mountains.
- Highlight: The Maggia River gorge. Deep, green, and wild.
Ponte Brolla → Intragna
- What You See: The valley opens up. The train crosses several stone viaducts high above the river.
- Highlight: The village of Intragna appears with its iconic church tower — the tallest bell tower in Ticino (65 meters). Perfect photo opportunity.
Intragna → Camedo (Swiss-Italian Border)
- What You See: This is the heart of the Centovalli. Dense chestnut forests cover the steep hillsides. Tiny stone villages cling to the mountains. Waterfalls pour down cliffs after rain.
- The Vibe: Remote. Mysterious. It feels like time stopped here 200 years ago.
- Pro Tip: Watch for the Isorno River bridge — a stunning arched viaduct surrounded by forest.
Camedo → Santa Maria Maggiore (Italy)
- What You See: You cross into Italy almost without noticing. The valley is now called Valle Vigezzo. The scenery softens — more meadows, more villages, more churches.
- Fun Fact: Valle Vigezzo is known as the “Valley of Painters” because of the many artists who lived and worked here.
Santa Maria Maggiore → Domodossola
- What You See: The train descends into the wider Ossola Valley. Mountains give way to vineyards and Italian towns.
- Highlight: Arriving in Domodossola feels like arriving in a different world — full-on Italian atmosphere, espresso bars, and pizza.
What Makes It Special?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 83 Bridges | Stone viaducts, iron bridges, some right above deep gorges |
| 31 Tunnels | Short bursts of darkness between stunning views |
| Two Countries | Start in Switzerland, end in Italy |
| Narrow Gauge | The small train hugs the mountainside on tracks carved into cliffs |
| Chestnut Forests | Especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn golden |
| No Crowds | Most tourists have never heard of this train |
The Price (Incredibly Affordable)
A one-way ticket from Locarno to Domodossola costs approximately:
- Second Class: CHF 38 – CHF 44
- First Class: CHF 66 – CHF 76
Rail Pass Discounts (Huge Bonus!)
Good News: Unlike some international routes, passes are very powerful here.
| Pass | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass | 100% FREE for the entire route (Locarno → Domodossola). Yes, even the Italian part is included! Check pass prices. |
| Eurail / Interrail | 100% Included (Switzerland AND Italy) |
| Half-Fare Card | 50% off the ticket price. |
Pro Tip: No reservation required. Just buy a ticket and hop on. Trains run approximately every hour.
Is It Worth It?
ABSOLUTELY YES, if:
- You love off-the-beaten-path experiences. This train is NOT on the typical tourist checklist.
- You want to visit Italy for lunch. Leave Locarno in the morning, have pasta in Domodossola, and return by evening.
- You appreciate raw, natural beauty. No fancy viewing platforms — just wild valleys and stone villages.
- You are traveling in autumn. The chestnut forests explode with golden and orange colors.
- You have a Eurail/Interrail pass. The entire journey is free.
MAYBE NOT, if:
- You want luxury panoramic cars. This is a regional train with normal (but large) windows.
- You need high-altitude drama. The train stays in the valleys — no glaciers or snow-capped peaks up close.
- You get motion sickness easily. The train twists and turns constantly through the narrow valleys.
The Best Seat Strategy
| Direction | Best Side | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Locarno → Domodossola | RIGHT | Views shift, but Right is generally better for gorges. |
| Domodossola → Locarno | LEFT | Same views, reversed |
Pro Tip: The train is rarely crowded. Feel free to move around and switch sides as the scenery changes.
Best Time to Ride
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Waterfalls at full force, wildflowers blooming |
| Summer (June-August) | Lush green forests, warm weather at both ends |
| Autumn (September-October) | Golden chestnut forests — the most beautiful time |
| Winter (November-March) | Quiet and moody, but some services reduced |
What to Do at Each End
In Locarno (Switzerland)
- Walk the lakefront promenade along Lake Maggiore.
- Take the funicular to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso for panoramic views.
- Explore the charming Old Town with Italian-style piazzas.
- Day trip to the Verzasca Valley and its famous Roman bridge.
In Domodossola (Italy)
- Wander the historic Saturday market (one of the oldest in Italy).
- Have authentic Italian espresso and gelato for half the Swiss price.
- Explore the beautiful Piazza del Mercato.
- Connect to the Simplon Railway toward Milan or back to Brig (Switzerland).
Combine It With…
The Centovalli Railway connects perfectly with other Swiss adventures.
Combine It With…
- Gotthard Panorama Express: Take the boat and train from Lucerne to Locarno, then continue on the Centovalli Railway to Italy.
- Lake Maggiore: Spend a day exploring the Swiss and Italian sides of the lake. Book a boat tour here.
- The “Three Lakes” Loop: Lucerne → Locarno → Domodossola → Brig → Lucerne. One giant loop through three different Swiss regions!
The “Three Lakes” Loop
A popular route for rail pass holders:
- Lucerne → Locarno (Gotthard Panorama Express)
- Locarno → Domodossola (Centovalli Railway)
- Domodossola → Brig → Lucerne (Simplon Railway)
One giant loop through three different Swiss regions — all in one or two days.
Practical Tips
- Passport: You are crossing into Italy. Carry your passport or ID, even though border checks are rare.
- Currency: Italy uses Euros. Domodossola shops and cafés may not accept Swiss Francs.
- Food: There is no dining car. Bring snacks or buy something at Locarno station before boarding.
- Window Position: Some windows open, which is great for photography (no reflections).
Alternative: Vigezzina-Centovalli Panoramic Train
On certain days (mostly weekends and holidays), a special panoramic train operates on this route with larger windows and guided commentary. It costs a bit more and requires reservation, but offers an upgraded experience.
Check the Vigezzina-Centovalli website for schedules.
Summary
The Centovalli Railway is not flashy. It does not have a famous name or luxury panoramic cars. But it has something better: authentic, wild, untouched beauty — and a journey that ends with Italian pizza.
If you want to escape the tourist crowds and discover a hidden corner of Switzerland (and Italy), this is your train.
Ready to explore? Check schedules on the SBB website or buy tickets at Locarno station. No reservation needed — just show up and go.
