Which is easiest and fastest? How do I get schedules? I thought there was direct bus service from the airport, but maybe that information is outdated?
Posted by
Green Bay
21279 posts
Yes, its complicated. There is a rail line operated by TILO, (acronym for the Ticino transit authority). Problem is that much of the rail lines are currently being rebuilt so there are replacement buses. Schedule is here:
http://www.tilo.ch/en/dam/jcr:989040e0-002b-4820-85b9-20ffda1c71af/Orario%202017_TILO_2Seiten.pdf
and here:
http://www.tilo.ch/en/dam/jcr:3fd5e7e3-a66a-43f3-8339-2176da234b6e/Orari%20bus%20sostitutivi%20TILO%20S30%20V4.0.pdf
Another way is to take the occasional buses to Domodossola and transfer to the Centovalli Railway to Locarno. That rail line has a cute acronym as well, FART. You can see the timetables at www.sbb.ch/en.
Posted by
Washington DC
28453 posts
Although I haven't taken it recently, I enjoyed my two 1970s/1980s trips on the Centovalli railroad very much. It used to show up on lists of the best rail trips in Europe.
Posted by
Green Bay
21279 posts
This way might be easier. Bus to Lugano, then train to Locarno.
http://malpensa-express.com/orari.html
There is a train, connecting at Giubiasco, to Locarno every 30 minutes and its a 61 minute trip.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the help. Going to take the Malpensa Express to Castione-Arbedo and Locarno friends will drive to Bellinzona to get me.