Exploring Ticino by Rail | Treno Gottardo

Over the last few months, our partner portfolio has continued to expand, allowing us to create programs for Tour Operators which not only include our newly acquired rail journeys, but also destinations which we have not previously actively promoted.

The Scenic Route to Ticino via the Gotthard Pass

Amongst the rail journeys that we are now actively promoting is the Alpine Express – Treno Gottardo which starts in Lucerne, Basel or Zurich and ends in Locarno. Canton Ticino can be reached easily and now even faster from the northern and central parts of the country by using the Gotthard Base Tunnel. However, the traditional route over the Gotthard Pass, whilst taking longer, provides a much more scenic and enjoyable journey to Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Canton.

My recent journey on the Treno Gottardo also gave me the opportunity to ride the new trains on this route, operated by our new partners, Südostbahn. The Treno Gottardo is one of four routes in Südostbahn’s Alpine Express collection, each crossing a different part of the Swiss Alps.

Close-up of a Südostbahn train showing the Treno Gottardo and Alpine Express route names — *Südostbahn operates the Treno Gottardo, one of its four Alpine Express routes.*

On Board the Treno Gottardo: Comfort and Alpine Views

Living and working in Switzerland means I travel on trains a lot and it’s always great to see how the various rail companies across Switzerland are always ensuring that their rolling stock is always kept up to date. However, the new Südostbahn trains serving this route have taken train comfort to a new level. The 1st Class carriages are extremely spacious and offer vast amounts of legroom. The windows in both classes of services offer unrestricted views of the surrounding scenery and there is plentiful workspace plus ample plug sockets for laptop and ‘phone chargers.

Spacious first-class carriage on the Treno Gottardo with comfortable seats, tables and large windows — *Spacious first-class seating offers comfort and excellent views throughout the journey.*

Between the 1st and 2nd Classes are vending machines serving both hot drinks and snacks. Given the relatively short journey, there is certainly no need for anything more substantial, and the smoothness of the ride meant that there was never any danger of my spilling my coffee on my way back to my seat. Individual travellers can now also book a Premium Seat Reservation, which secures one of the best-placed seats in their class for the views along the route.

Coffee machine and snack vending machine on board the Treno Gottardo train — *Onboard vending machines offer hot drinks and snacks during the journey*

Discovering Bellinzona: Castles, Culture and Charm

Although the train was continuing to Locarno, I was alighting at Bellinzona, the cantonal capital of Ticino. Whilst it doesn’t have its own lake as both Locarno and Lugano do, it more than makes up for it with its three UNESCO World Heritage-listed castles, plus its fabulous old town. Everything in the old town is within walking distance of the train station and the old town itself is well worth a visit.

Historic church and surrounding buildings in Bellinzona's old town square — *Bellinzona’s historic old town is within easy walking distance of the railway station.*

*Three castles that make up the Fortress of Bellinzona © Switzerland Tourism – Christian Meixner*

The reason for this particular visit to Ticino was to meet some of the local hoteliers so that we’ll be able to make qualified recommendations to Tour Operators. The Hotel Internazionale where I stayed, directly opposite the train station, is a fantastic property and its location allows you to easily explore both Bellinzona itself but also jump on the train and explore further afield.

The included “Ticino Ticket” with any overnight stay also means that you can travel with public transport free of charge in 2nd class which is a great bonus to have.

Orange Südostbahn Treno Gottardo train travelling beside Lake Maggiore with palm trees and mountains — *The Treno Gottardo travels alongside Lake Maggiore as it approaches Locarno.*

Exploring Further with the Centovalli Railway

In addition to our new partnership with Südostbahn and our ongoing search for Ticino-based hotel partners, we have also started a new partnership with the Centovalli Railway, which runs from Locarno across the Italian border to Domodossola. Not only does the line offer a multitude of options for day trips from Ticino, it also takes you through the Centovalli and Italy’s Valle Vigezzo into a totally different part of the Alps.

Centovalli Railway train crossing a high bridge through a green Alpine valley — *The Centovalli Railway offers a scenic journey through wooded valleys and dramatic Alpine landscapes. Photo: © Sara Daepp*

The combination of the Treno Gottardo, Ticino itself, and the Centovalli Railway now gives us the opportunity to offer our Tour Operator partners something completely different to include in their programmes, combining Switzerland and Italy in one journey, not only as a stand-alone tour, but also as an extension or as the second centre in a two-centre itinerary.

Centovalli Railway train crossing a viaduct beside a mountain village in the Alps — *The Centovalli Railway connects Locarno with Domodossola in Italy, passing through picturesque Alpine villages. Photo: © Sara Daepp*

New Swiss Rail Itineraries for Tour Operators

We are really looking forward to developing our partnerships in this part of the country and Tour Operators wishing to develop their own programs to include these new products and destinations should get in touch.