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Season: late March to mid October
Recommended season: mid April to early October
Max. altitude: 200 m (656 ft)Lake Maggiore boats: quick introduction 
Lake Maggiore ("Lago Maggiore" in Italian) is a large lake that stretches out from Locarno in southern Switzerland to Arona in Italy. You can explore the entire lake by boat. Your pleasant scenery consists of green hills and picturesque lakeshore villages.
On the northern Swiss part, there are ferry lines between Locarno and Magadino/Tenero, both east of Locarno. From spring to fall, and on selected days in winter, you can also make boat rides between Locarno, Ascona, Brissago, and the Brissago Islands.
Or, enjoy multiple-hour cruises all the way to the southern tip of the lake in Italy!
➤ Boat prices, tickets and reservations
Prices of Lake Maggiore boat tours
A single 2nd-class ticket for a boat ride Locarno-Ascona costs CHF 11. This is just an example: the exact amount depends on the route and class you choose. With many rail passes, cruises on the Swiss part of the lake are discounted or even free.
Where to buy your tickets
Boat tickets are available online, and from the ticket desks at the boat docks along the lake.
Seat reservations
You don't need reservations for the boats at Lake Maggiore.
➤ Discounted cruises with your rail pass
The passes below offer discounted or free boat rides on the Swiss part of the lake. This does not apply to special culinary cruises. The Italian lake area is not included.
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Day Pass | Free:
|
| Eurail Global Pass | No discount:
|
| Interrail Switzerland Pass | No discount:
|
| Saver Day Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Discount 50%:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Free:
|
| Ticino Ticket | Discount 20%:
Locarno - Tenero - Magadino route: free. |
Directions to the docks and map of Lake Maggiore
The map below does not display all boat routes. Consult the timetables for a full overview.
How to reach the main terminal in Locarno
The boat terminal in Locarno (called "Locarno (lago)") can be reached from the train station in 3 minutes on foot. There is a parking garage near the rail station.
How to get to the boat terminal in Ascona
Ascona can be reached by bus or by car. The boat dock "Ascona (lago)" is 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Ascona, Centro". Parking is available opposite this bus stop.
Other shipping piers
There are boat stops in the villages all on the lake. Consult the timetable to locate them.
Operation dates, schedules and timetables
Operation dates of the Lake Maggiore boats
- The ferry connections between Locarno, Tenero and Magadino are available year-round.
- The boats between Locarno, Ascona, Brissago, and the Brissago Islands operate from 18 March April to 8 November 2026.
- International cruises between Locarno in Switzerland and Arona in Italy will likely be available from late March/early April until early October 2026.
Planning your boat cruise with the timetable
You can consult the boat timetables using these links, or find trips in the Swiss timetable. Use the "Settings" function to choose boats as your travel mode. You'll often see the addition "lago", which indicates a ship pier. For example:
- The boat terminal in Locarno is called "Locarno (lago)".
- The dock in Ascona is called "Ascona (lago)".
Best season for your boat trip
Each month in which boat trips can be made is suitable. The most options, including longer cruises into Italy, are available from mid April to early October.
Lake Maggiore is in a low and relatively warm region. This is what to expect:
- Temperatures in spring (April, May, June) and in mid-September to mid-October can be mild and pleasant. In April-May and in October, you'll have the best chances to see some snow on the higher mountain peaks.
- From July to early September, it can get pretty hot in the valleys and at the lakes of the Ticino. You won't see much snow in the scenery, but a boat trip is one of the most relaxed excursions during the summer heat.
Weather forecasts for Lake Maggiore
The boats operate in all sorts of weather, except for extreme circumstances. Of course, sunny skies are best to enjoy the views from Lake Maggiore. But most boats have indoor sections, so this can be a perfect trip for cloudy or rainy days as well.
Always check the forecasts shortly in advance and dress appropriately. Take along sunscreen, sunglasses, and an extra sweater or jacket: the wind can quickly cool you down, even on warm days.
What to expect from the scenery and the fleet
What Lake Maggiore is like
Lake Maggiore is a large blue lake, from which you have wide views over the hills and low mountains of Ticino and northern Italy. The scenic villages along the lake have a Mediterranean look and feel.
What to expect from the passenger ships
Most boats are medium-sized and have 2nd and 1st-class sections. You can choose between outdoor and indoor (or roofed) seats. It’s often possible to buy snacks on board, and on some ships, you’ll even find a restaurant.
The types of boat trips on the lake
At this large Swiss-Italian lake, the options range from short trips of half an hour, to multiple-hour rides. Examples:
- Very short boat trip: take a boat from Locarno to Tenero. Pass the campground and then walk back to Locarno along the lake.
- Short boat trip: take a boat to the village of Brissago and walk along the boulevard.
- Medium boat trip: visit the Italian town of Cannobio, with its pretty lakefront and historical town center.
- Medium boat trip: take a boat to Luino in Italy, and travel back by train.
- Long boat trip: enjoy the entire cruise between Locarno in Italy and Arona at the south-western Italian shore of the lake.
- Long boat trip: enjoy the Lago Maggiore Express day trip. This is a circular tour from Locarno via the scenic Centovalli Railway to Domodossola, then the regular train to Stresa, and finally back by boat to Locarno.
The best boat routes on Lake Maggiore
Arno and I mainly know the Swiss part of the lake. These are my absolute favorites, because they’re a varied combination of boat rides and more sightseeing:
- Travel from Locarno to Ascona by boat. Combine this with the town walks I created for Locarno and Ascona. Travel back to Locarno by bus.
- Make a boat trip to the Brissago Islands and enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens. Travel back via the village of Brissago.
➤ Find tickets and tours for Lake Maggiore boats
- www.lagomaggioreexpress.com: Lago Maggiore Express
Schedules
- www.lakelocarno.com: timetables for boats on the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore
- www.navigazionelaghi.it: timetables for boats on the Italian part of Lake Maggiore
Prices
- www.navigazionelaghi.it: ticket prices for boats on the Italian part of Lake Maggiore
Hike Tenero-Locarno
Town walk Locarno
Madonna del Sasso
Cardada-Cimetta
Centovalli Railway
