Locarno: car vs. ferry/train/bus
 

We are trying to decide if we need to keep our rental car while based in Locarno for a week. Would we be able to see lots of villages and other sites easily by public transportation? The ferries will be restful and scenic, but we want to go into the mountains, too. Would appreciate opinions from those who have tried it either way. We will be there end of May.

topping for auleen

Auleen,

We have used the train to travel around the Locarno area with great success, but of course you can't get to every small town or village. On the other hand I think the public transportation available is much better than traveling by car. You get a different perspective going throught the mountains on a train (or ferry or bus). By car, you don't get to see as much when you are always trying to read a map and not drive off the road as you are trying to sightsee as you drive. We got to see more than enough mountains and lakes by train during our week in Switzerland. Have a good trip.

Greg

I did not use my car only once during my stay of a week in Locarno a couple of years ago. The rail/bus/ferry system is SO sufficient that you can easily travel to any interesting place and back.

Bus trips to the northern valleys (Verzasca, Maggia) are convenient. And the Centovalli train is a must - a car would only reduce the fun. And Bellinzona is also a must, reachable easily by train, the latest is back at midnight in Locarno.

Ingo

I must respectfully disagree, loudly, with those who say a car is not the way to go. For me at least, half of the fun of visiting in Europe is to be able to make random stops any time, anywhere, and stay as long as I choose. A train will take you to a predetermined destination and back, but you'll have a hard time investigating that charming little hilltop village that just flew by in the window.

Thanks folks! Your comments will help us a lot! I have another question though: Ever tried to take a train from Locarno to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or thereabouts? Actually, we would like to rent a car as soon as we enter Bavaria coming from Locarno. I will check the Swiss train site of course, but any personal experiences would be appreciated.

Hi auleen, I have to counter Wayne just a bit by saying that his advice is probably right on if you are an experienced narrow-road mountain driver. Otherwise, leave the driving to those excellent Swiss buses. Believe me, those wonderful little off-the-beaten-track roads above Locarno are white-knuckle drives for the naive. J.

and a p.s. for your more recent question: Consider training from Locarno to Lindau on Bodensee (about 5.5 hours; Locarno to Bellinzona to Zurich to Lindau) and renting your car there. I would imagine that the drive from Lindau to Garmisch is spectacular, and Lindau is a wonderful little city for an overnight. J.

Thanks jmw44! Your suggestion sounds like a winner! Two questions: (1)does one change trains in Bellinzona and Zurich? (2) If you have done this trip, can you remember the fare? (Alright, three questions!) (3)Would you be able to recommend a hotel or B&B in Lindau? (4 sorry!) If we cannot arrange for a rental car in Lindau to return in Munich--how might we get from Lindau to Friedshafen which seems to be more of a hub.
Anyone else done this and can be of help, please do! Thank you !

You might check the sbb.ch website and click English(Swiss Railways at the top right) and then "timetables" to see various connections, but yes, you do have to change trains in B & Z. Part of the fun, IMO. (The site gives costs as well.)

I stayed in Uberlingen on Bodensee, so cannot help you w/rec. for b&bs in Lindau, but I know I've read a thread here about the town, so maybe a search will bring it up, or a new thread asking re both accommodations and the car rental question. Meersburg is also a dandy town, but smaller. I think trains run from Lindau to Frd'schfn, but I would expect that you could rent a car in Lindau.

Since my post will top this thread, I bet you'll soon receive many other suggestions about the rail/car combo you'd like to try. Sounds like a marvelous trip! J.

Auleen,
When I win the lottery, I'm buying a house in Locarno. I've said that for YEARS. I love that little scenic town on the lake.
That said, we've always had a car. From our hotel to the main piazza it is a short easy walk. The car is parked until we want to go out exploring in the area.
Where are you staying? We really like La Palma Au Lac.
Carol

Hi Carol, Your reply was encouraging.We have rented apartment just a stones throw from the ferry dock. The landlord is American and did just what you want to only they bought an apartment (condo?) instead of a house. We are delighted with the arrangements; 2 bdrms, 2balconies, W&D,and many other amenities. We have just about decided to not rent a car while there. Sounds like a pleasant adventure getting around by ferry, rail and post bus. Do you have any favorite restaurants to recommend or villages or sights to visit? Auleen

Hello again. I can't recall which places have already been recommended, but here are mine. Ascona, Brissago, (and its little garden isle), Ronco sopra Ascona -- all three on or above the lake. For someplace quiet and virtually undiscovered, have an early supper at the Albergo Panorama in Gerra-Gambarogno and watch the sunset and the lights of Brissago begin to twinkle across the lake. Gerra is a tiny place with little walkways between the road and the water's edge. J.

I'd suggest staying at the Lindauer Hof Hotel - right on the harbor, outdoor cafe', lovely views and and a 1-1/2 block walk to the train station and ferry dock. A terrific breakfast buffet is served as well.

Pam in CA

Oops - per my previous message - I was recommending a hotel in Lindau!