Piazza Grande: The Heart of Locarno

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, take the A2 motorway towards Bellinzona. Continue on the A2 until you reach the exit for Locarno. Follow signs for Locarno and merge onto Via delle Valli. After about 5 km, continue onto Via alla Stazione, which will lead you directly into the city center. There are several parking options available near Piazza Grande, including the Parkhaus Locarno and other public parking lots. Parking fees may apply, so be prepared to pay around CHF 2-3 per hour.

• Train

  Using public transportation, take a train to Locarno from your starting location in Ticino. The main train line connects cities like Bellinzona, Lugano, and Biasca to Locarno. Once you arrive at Locarno train station, exit the station and head towards the city center. Follow the signs for Piazza Grande, which is approximately a 15-minute walk (1.2 km) from the station. The walk is straightforward; just head down Via della Stazione, turn left onto Via C. Ghiringhelli, and continue straight until you reach Piazza Grande. There is no additional cost apart from your train ticket.

• Bus

  If you prefer to take a bus, there are several local buses that connect various towns in Ticino to Locarno. Check the local transit schedules for routes that stop at Locarno. Once you arrive at the Locarno bus station, which is adjacent to the train station, exit and walk towards the city center. Follow the same walking directions as the train option, heading down Via della Stazione and turning left onto Via C. Ghiringhelli. This walk will take around 15 minutes. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but expect to pay around CHF 3-5 for a one-way ticket.