A Day Trip to Switzerland: Lugano, Locarno & Ascona from Milan

 

If you’re in northern Italy and craving a taste of Switzerland, you can easily cross the border from Milan for a day trip. The towns of Lugano, Locarno, and Ascona sit in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, combining Swiss calm, lakeside views, and Mediterranean charm all in one. Perfect for strolling, people watching, and enjoying Switzerland at a relaxed pace.

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🚆 Getting There from Milan

Route: Milan → Lugano → Locarno → Ascona → Milan

• Milan to Lugano:
  Trains leave Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi every hour.

  • Duration: about 1 hour 10 minutes

  • Price: from €18–€28 one way

  • Tip: Sit on the left side for better lake views as you approach Lugano.

• Lugano to Locarno:
  Take the TILO regional train.

  • Duration: around 1 hour 15 minutes

  • Price: about €12–€15

• Locarno to Ascona:
  Just 10–15 minutes by bus (Line 1 or 316).

  • Ticket: around CHF 2.60 (≈ €2.70)

  • Buses run every 15–20 minutes.

• Return to Milan:
  Take the bus back to Locarno from Ascona, then train Locarno → Lugano → Milan.

  • Duration: around 2.5–3 hours total.

  • Tip: Check the last trains back to Milan to avoid missing your connection.

💻 Helpful websites to book trains:

• Trenitalia Milan connections & tickets (I personally used this one)

• SBB Swiss Railways all Swiss trains and international routes

• TILO regional trains between Ticino and Lombardy

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🏞️ What to See & Do

Lugano

• Walk along the Lakeside Promenade: peaceful, elegant, and filled with flowers.

• Take the funicular up to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for breathtaking views (CHF 25–32 / €27–35 for a round trip ticket).

• Visit Parco Ciani, one of the most beautiful parks in Switzerland, just minutes from the city center.

• Grab a coffee at Grand Café Al Porto for a touch of vintage charm (one coffee is around €4–5).

💸 Budget tip: Skip taxis!! Everything is walkable, and the public transport day pass (around CHF 10) covers all buses.

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Locarno

• Stroll around Piazza Grande, known for its pastel buildings and summer film festival.

• Don’t miss the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary. Take the funicular (CHF 4 one way) or climb up for free for amazing views.

• Enjoy sipping coffee or eating some snacks by the water.

💸 Budget tip: Locarno’s lakeside spots can be pricey. I brought snacks from Italy to save money, but if you want a cheap bite locally, check Empório Ristorante Take Away or La Gelateria da Rivapiana.

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Ascona

• Walk along the Lungolago, a colorful promenade lined with restaurants and art galleries.

• Visit Monte Verità, a historic hill with peaceful gardens and a panoramic view of the lake.

💸 Budget tip: Instead of dining lakeside, grab an ice cream or drink and enjoy the view, it’s just as rewarding.

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💶 Budget & Money-Saving Tips

• Breakfast in Milan: I had a full breakfast for just €6 before leaving — cheaper than anywhere in Switzerland.

• Snacks from Italy: Bringing your own helped avoid overpriced stores.

• Currency: I didn’t exchange to CHF. Many places in Ticino accept euros, though expect small rounding differences.

• Currency tip: Many places in Ticino accept euros, but if you pay in EUR, expect small rounding differences on your change since it will often be given in Swiss Francs (CHF).

Expense	Approx. Cost
Round-trip train Milan–Lugano–Locarno	€40–€55
Local transport (train + bus)	€15–€20
Meals & coffee	€20–€30 (you can reduce these if you simply stick to your snacks and have dinner back in Italy)
Funicular or attractions	€10–€25 (optional too, if you only walk around)
Total (day trip)	€80–€110

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☀️ Personal Note

Stepping into Switzerland, even just for a day, had always been a quiet dream of mine. There was something special about watching the lake shimmer in the sunlight, feeling the calm that lingers in these towns, and enjoying the warmth of a random September day. I sat by the water, watched people passing by, and felt grateful. Sometimes, the simplest moments abroad turn into the most beautiful memories.

Yours sincerely, 

Noelle