Lago Maggiore Express - Ticino

Unforgettable boat and rail excursion into Italy

Available: daily (except Weds) early April - early October.

Example travel costs

As a guide, you might pay 24 Sfr plus 32 Euros - round trip from Locarno

Please note that as the majority of the lake travel is in Italy, the boats are operated by an Italian company and your Half Fare Card is not valid.

This is a splendid circular journey taking in the scenic highlights of the Swiss/Italian border region. You'll travel on the scenic Centovalli Line through the 'Hundred Valleys' to the Italian town of Domodossola. Change here for a rail journey down to the lake shore at Stresa and then a delightful boat journey, sailing along Lake Maggiore and back into Switzerland. 

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

Centovalli Line

This two hour journey offers a spectacular start to your day. Leaving Locarno at 9.49, the famous scenic railway takes you over many mountain streams and you'll enjoy a number of bridges and viaducts with outstanding views. The train travels through the Centovalli 'hundred valleys' region, which is replete with vineyards, chestnut forests and idyllic mountain villages. Crossing the border into Italy, you travel through the more rugged Vigezzo Valley en route to Domodossola and your arrival into this historic town at 11.49.

Domodossola-Stresa

A half hour's train journey on Italian rail will transport you from Domodossola to Stresa. The line takes you southwards through holiday resorts such as Baveno and some pretty scenery. Stresa is a lovely town in which to spend time. Arrival is at 12.35, perfect timing to find a welcoming trattoria for an Italian lunch or a gentle stroll around before your lake cruise departs.

Lake Maggiore

Your boat leaves Stresa at 14.00. You'll enjoy a spectacular cruise along Lake Maggiore, taking in the passing villages and picturesque bays. During the 5½ cruise, the boat calls at 3 attractive islands including Isola Bella - you can disembark at the island of your choice and explore for a couple of hours before the boat returns to collect you. Once into the Swiss section of the lake, you'll sail past Brissago and an arrival into Locarno at 19.35.

The Lago Maggiore Express is 12 hour round trip which departs from the train station in Locarno and returns you to the town's boat station. You may also be able to alight at Ascona if you are staying in that resort. 

Please note that you will need your passport for the crossing into Italy. 

Please check before travel for maintenance closures. 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com