We will not have a rental car so I would like to know which lake town is easy to reach by train. All know all of these are scenic but which one would be a good base for a week of sightseeing by rail (or ferry).

We like to stay in charming towns but do we have to give up charm and scenery if we don't have a car to take us off the beaten path? Do all these towns have walkable central areas? We will be there in September so bad weather shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks!

Every place is well connected in Switzerland.The main town of the three you mentioned is Lugano, and from there you can take a train I think every hour or so to Locarno and from Locarno to Ascona, I am not sure if this is train, tram or bus, but in any case all connections are done in or around Lugano train station and Locarno/Muralto Piazza Stazione.
So Lugano is on the main line, Milano-Zurich and the other two are connected with Lugano.

Lugano has good train access. It's also close to some charming small towns by lake boat -- Gandria and Morcote, which would make nice half-day trips from Lugano. You can also access Bellinzona from Lugano to visit the three castles there.

Susan

To reach Ascona from Locarno, you can use the lakeboats or you can catch a bus right at the train station. Easy. Lugano is an easy trainride from Locarno and the reverse is true as well. If you use some sort of Swissrail pass, choose Lugano because its lakeboats to Gandria and Morcote are covered. Locarno and Lago Maggiore are a bit more peaceful than Lugano, but Lugano is a charming city with arcaded streets and a wonderful market area. It seems I have not helped you narrow it down at all. All three of the towns you mentioned are enjoyable. I think you might like Lugano with side trips to Bellinzona, Locarno, Ascona, Gandria, and Morcote. Great trip. J.