I’m planning a trip to N. Italy & Switzerland for next fall (mid-September to Mid-October). I’m not looking for input on the itinerary but am following threads about construction work around Domodossola. As of now, our plans have us traveling from Wengen to Domodossola at the end of September and will travel on to Torino from there. We are traveling by public transportation only and I prefer trains over buses, though will do what we have to do!

Because we’re flying in and out of Milan, I’m planning a stop in Lucerne on our way to Wengen. We also don’t do stopovers of 1-2 nights anymore (too much work to get up and go) so will make this our one stop on our way to Wengen.

How might the construction around Domodossola affect our plans? Will it likely still be ongoing at the end of September 2026? If so, is there another easily accessible place to stay? I’m trying to keep our train rides to around 3 -3 1/2 hours or less, and could push it to 4 hours, but no more than that. As it is, there are enough changes on each route to keep us on our toes, but we do carry-on luggage so it’s not too bad,

We’re not serious hikers, but love to walk, especially where there re gorgeous views, and exploring charming towns. We’ve never been to Switzerland and this will likely be our one and only time, but DH requested it, so to Switzerland we will go!

We will also have several stops in Italy (we love Italy!)

We were in Domodossola in October. Are you referring to railway line construction?

We reached Domodossola via train from Locarno on the Centovalli Railway.

I just checked the SBB site and saw this, which I assume you're referring to (I used a mid Sept date):

Limited train service between Iselle di Trasquera and Domodossola.
This is due to construction work.
The restriction lasts from 27.07.2026 to 12.12.2026 between 11:15 and 13:30, always Wed, Thu, Fri.
Line RE1 is affected.
There are train cancellations.
Passengers use the replacement transport.
We recommend you to check your timetable online shortly before departing.

Thanks, Melnq! So, from that description, if we’re traveling to Domodossola on a Tuesday and leave before 11:15 on a Thursday or Friday, we’ll avoid any train problems? Or use whatever alternate modes of transport (ie, bus)?

Funnily enough, I’m looking at Airbnbs in the area and one of the ones I’m looking at is the one you stayed in last October.

Edited - I see it’s on the second floor. Is it an easy walk up? Though asking people who are probably a lot more fit than we are isn’t exactly a fair question!

That's how I interpret it progol. The alternate form of transport (bus) should be waiting at Iselle di Trasquera on the way in and at Domodossola on the way out. This is a busy route between Brig and Domodossola with some 20 trains a day, so should be pretty straight forward.

neckervd, our resident Fodor's Swiss expert might chime in to clarify.

I assume you're referring to the Air BNB we just stayed at this past October? It was about 27 steps, worst bit was taking luggage up and down, but otherwise not an issue. Don't be discouraged by the rather rustic and unappealing exterior, it's nice inside.

SBB press releaes

"29 May 2026 to 26 July 2026: Iselle–Domodossola line closed.

From 29 May to 26 July 2026, the Iselle–Domodossola line will be closed due to construction work by the Italian infrastructure operator RFI. During this period, BLS shuttle trains will run between Brig and Iselle. A replacement bus service will operate between Iselle and Domodossola. The Italian connecting line towards Milan will also be closed from 26 May to 26 July 2026. A replacement concept for the EC trains is currently being developed in cooperation with partner railway Trenitalia"

Things will again work as usual in fall. The RE1 trains mentioned by Mel are local trains. Direct trains Domodossola - Brig - Bern or Geneva will not be affected.

The works in summer concern only the line Milan airport - Gallarate - Domodossola - Brig anyway.
The Milan airport - Lugano - Lucerne line will never be affected.

Many thanks, both of you!