Foliage Train 2024: prices, schedules, and recommended stops between Piedmont and Switzerland

The magical journey on the Foliage Train on the Vigezzina Centovalli is back. Here's what you need to know about the 2024 edition.

Foliage Train: where does it depart from? What are the schedules and dates for 2024?

The autumn 2024 will be even more special thanks to the Foliage Train, one of the most fascinating experiences for those who wish to enjoy the autumn colors between Piedmont and Switzerland.

On board the historic Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway, you will cross forests and valleys painted in red, orange, and yellow, fully immersing yourself in the magic of the foliage.

Foliage Train trips for 2024 will begin on October 12 and continue until November 17, 2024.

The Foliage Train travels a 52-kilometer route, connecting Domodossola in Italy to Locarno in Switzerland. The trip is perfect for those who love autumn landscapes, with birch forests, chestnut trees, and vineyards that colorize under the golden light of October and November.

READ ALSO: AUTUMN IN ITALY

You will cross 83 bridges and 31 tunnels, admire picturesque valleys and mountains beginning to be covered in the first snow, creating a spectacular contrast with the foliage colors.

The train offers panoramic views, making the experience immersive and relaxing, ideal for those looking for a break from the daily routine.

Moreover, the route is not only naturalistic but also cultural: along the way, you will encounter charming villages rich in history, such as Santa Maria Maggiore and Re, known for their artistic and religious heritage.

READ ALSO: TRAIN TRIPS IN AUTUMN

The Foliage Train will operate from October 12 to November 17, 2024, with daily rides between Domodossola and Locarno, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This allows you to easily plan a day trip as well.

Here are the price details:

Weekend (Saturday and Sunday): $40 for adults

Weekdays: $36

Children and teenagers aged 6 to 16: half price

Children under 6: ride for free if they do not occupy a seat

Booking your ticket is easy, and we recommend doing it in advance, especially on weekends when the Foliage Train is particularly in demand.

You can purchase tickets at the ticket offices in Domodossola and Locarno, or online at the official website, to secure your spot and choose the best side of the train to enjoy the view. If you're traveling from Domodossola to Locarno, booking a seat on the right side will ensure the most spectacular views.

The Foliage Train is an experience suitable for everyone: couples looking for a romantic getaway, families with children, friends, and solo travelers. The slow and relaxed pace of the train, along with the beauty of the landscape, creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, perfect for those who wish to unwind from the daily hustle.

In October and November 2024, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the autumn colors and flavors between Piedmont and the Canton of Ticino.

The blue and white train of the alpine railway will traverse, in about two hours, 83 bridges and 31 tunnels passing through valleys, forests, and timeless villages.

The trains connecting Domodossola in Upper Piedmont to Locarno on the Swiss shore of the Lake Maggiore, are chosen each year between October and November by thousands of passengers: admiring the landscapes aflame with autumn hues is an experience not to be missed.

The route, from Domodossola to Locarno, crosses the Vigezzo Valley and the Centovalli, passes by Lake Locarno and Lake Maggiore, allowing you to visit delightful villages including Santa Maria Maggiore, Malesco, and Villette, as well as Re, which in these months offer numerous culinary events, festivals, and fairs.

WATCH ALSO: THE BEST PLACES TO STAY TO ENJOY THE FOLIAGE

The journey can start from either of the two terminals: Domodossola, the Italian terminal with a delightful historic center absolutely worth visiting, or Locarno, the Swiss terminal nestled on the Ticino shore of the Lake Maggiore, with a historic center that winds through alleyways and squares in the old part of the city.

Locarno

Intragna

Verdasio

Domodossola

Santa Maria Maggiore

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue

Holy Mountain of the Madonna del Sangue

Holy Mountain of Calvary

The Foliage Train departs from Domodossola, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in Piedmont, to reach Locarno while traveling along the historic Vigezzina - Centovalli railway.

Brolla Bridge

Intragna

Verdasio

Re

Camedo

Santa Maria Maggiore

Malesco

Druogno

If you want to experience the magic of autumn, from mid-October to mid-November, you can board the Foliage Train and enjoy an experience that promises to be incredible. Here are the photos that prove it.

(Photo: © Vigezzina Centovalli