Treno Gottardo Scenic Rail Journey

Enjoy this historic Gotthard alpine route between Lucerne and Locarno

Lucerne - Brunnen - Bellinzona - Locarno

This is a new addition to the range of Swiss scenic rail routes. The comfortable Treno Gottardo carriages have large windows, with a choice of 1st and 2nd class seating. Operating year round, the train departs every other hour throughout the day.

Board the train in Lucerne and take in the countryside views as you journey towards Arth-Goldau. Shortly afterwards, you arrive into lakeside Brunnen and follow the shore of the water down to southernmost reaches of the lake at Flüelen. The train is now on the historic Gotthard route: enjoy the fabulous scenery as you slowly make your way upwards via numerous bridges and spiral tunnels. You’ll even see the church in Wassen from 3 different angles as you slowly loop your way up. The Gotthard Tunnel itself was opened in 1882, a masterpiece of 19th century engineering and allows the train to travel directly through the heart of the mighty mountains.

Emerging at the far end you will find yourself in the Ticino region. Still at high altitude, the train needs to slowly loop down to the Leventina Valley. There is a noticeable change outside your window as you journey onwards, with scenic waterfalls, vineyards, more Italian style buildings ... all the signs are in Italian too. Arriving in Bellinzona, you may spot the medieval castles which were built to protect this ancient town in its strategic point on the north-south trade route across the Alps. Finally, the train takes you through the ever more Italian style countryside and into Locarno on the shore of sparkling Lake Maggiore.

Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the Treno Gottardo

Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned Treno Gottardo

Get your holiday quotation today

Contact us to book your holiday

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

Treno Gottardo suggested holidays 2025

Holidays can also be enjoyed in reverse order

Our suggested two and multi centre itineraries can be changed to fit your requirements with higher grade hotels and upgraded rooms. Other route combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.

8 Day | Historic Route Across The Alps

Visitors have been enjoying the journey across the Alps since 1882. The mountain scenery en route is spectacular and you will enjoy stays beside two lakes - Lucerne and Maggiore.

From £1395 pp More details...

15 Day | Winter Grand Tour

An unforgettable fortnight spent in the magical Swiss winter lakes and mountains scenery! Journeys include the Glacier and Bernina Express and stays in no less than 6 scenic resorts.

From £2322 pp More details...

Holidays with the Treno Gottardo

Treno Gottardo operates several services per day, throughout the year. The journey time between Lucerne and Locarno is around 3 hours.

The carriages are newly built and comfortable, with large windows. A self service bistro area is available for passengers, with hot drinks and snacks. 

We will include the cost of the Treno Gottardo in your tailor-made holiday quotation. Seat reservations are not possible. 

• Change in Bellinzona and take the local train if you prefer to stay in Lugano
• Take a lake boat from Lucerne to Brunnen or Flüelen, and change there for the Treno Gottardo to Locarno

We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Treno Gottardo with other famous trains. 

From Lucerne: travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken, or the Pre-Alpine Express to St. Gallen

From Locarno: travel on the Centovalli Line to Domodossola and then Brig

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

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