Centovalli Railway

• Attraction type: Scenic trip, By train
• Escort: independent (no guide)
• Region: Upper Rhone valley (Valais), Lake Maggiore (Ticino)
• Duration: 1 day or less

A journey on the Centovalli Railway

The scenic route runs through the Centovalli (meaning "100 valleys" in Italian) and shows another side of Switzerland: rocky gorges, quaint stone villages and many waterfalls.

A ride on this train is either a very nice day trip, or a good way to travel from south-west Switzerland (Geneva, Montreux, Zermatt) to south-east Switzerland (Locarno, Lugano, St. Moritz)

The route

The Centovalli trains run between the Italian town of Domodossola the Swiss town of Locarno, in the canton of Ticino. It runs across 83 bridges, 31 tunnels and along numerous waterfalls as it winds its way through the narrow valleys in the region.

Read more about the route here.

The trains

There are two types of trains that travel this route. The most attractive one is the modern Treno Panoramico Vigezzo Vision. Additionally there is the more standard train named Centovalli Express. 

Both trains run quite slowly, so you can soak up the views and take pictures. Snacks and beverages can be purchased on board. Audioguides with information about the route are available too.

The Treno Panoramico Vigezzo Vision offers one special seat situated beside the driver in the first train carriage. Great for photographers and videographers!

What’s the best season?

Any season can be great if the sky is clear enough to enjoy the views. Spring time (late March to mid June) is very attractive because of the waterfalls along the route. We think winter is the least interesting, as this area typically does not get much snowfall and there can be grey, rainy days instead.

Lago Maggiore Express

The Centovalli railway is part of the Lago Maggiore Express: a day trip including a boat ride and a regular train as well.

Combine the Centovalli line with other scenic train routes

The Centovalli line can be combined with other scenic trains. Such combinations provide wonderful trips between the Ticino region and other areas.

• Brig is an easy quick train ride away from Domodossola. From Brig, you can connect to the RegioExpress Lötschberger to Spiez and on to Bern. Brig is also on the Glacier Express route.
• From Locarno, you can proceed to Lugano to board either the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lucerne or the Bernina Express to St. Moritz or Chur.