There is a train that, for just over a month a year, allows you to cross some of the most spectacular autumn landscapes between Italy and Switzerland. It runs for 52 kilometers between valleys, villages and woods which in autumn are tinged with yellow, orange and red, connecting Domodossola to Locarno through the Vigezzo Valley and the Centovalli.
From 10 October to 15 November 2026 the Foliage Train returns, the seasonal experience of the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway which over the years has become one of the most anticipated events of the European autumn.
@Massimo Pedrazzini/Vigezzina-Centovalli
Lonely Planet has included it among the ten most beautiful railways on the continent, The Telegraph has defined it as one of the most spectacular train journeys in Europe, while The Guardian, CNN and New York Times have also highlighted the railway line among those to be traveled at least once, especially in autumn. And the reason is understandable: in less than two hours you pass from the landscapes of the Ossola to the mountains of the Vigezzo Valley, cross woods and deep gorges and finally descend towards Locarno and Lake Maggiore. All this in the weeks in which the landscape changes and the colors of autumn become the protagonists.
52 kilometers between Piedmont and Canton Ticino
The Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway has connected Domodossola and Locarno since 1923 and crosses two very different but continuous territories from a landscape point of view. Starting from Domodossola, the train climbs towards the Vigezzo Valley, reaching just over 800 meters above sea level near Santa Maria Maggiore.
From here it continues towards Re, where the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sangue is located, and crosses the border with Switzerland. The route then continues through the Centovalli, between gorges, woods and small towns, until descending towards Locarno and Lake Maggiore. The duration is just under two hours each way.
Along the railway line, chestnut, birch and beech trees alternate, as well as vineyards in the lower areas, and the shades gradually change from green to yellow, up to orange, red and brown. The moment of maximum intensity of the foliage cannot be predicted with precision, because it depends on the temperature trend and weather conditions. And this is precisely one of the aspects that makes every trip different. The Foliage Train experience was born in 2016 and in ten years it has brought on board hundreds of thousands of travellers, helping to raise awareness of the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway on an international level.
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Useful information on the 2026 Foliage Train
But how much does this experience cost? On weekdays the ticket for adults costs 36 euros in second class and 46 euros in first class. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, prices rise to 42 euros in second class and 51 euros in first class.
Children and young people aged between 6 and 16 benefit from a 50% discount, while under 6s travel for free if they do not occupy a seat. The price includes seat reservation, any intermediate stop and any supplement for panoramic trains.
The special ticket allows you to make only one intermediate stop, choosing whether to make it on the outward or return journey. On the Italian side you can get off, for example, at Santa Maria Maggiore, Malesco or Re. On the Swiss side one of the most interesting stops is Intragna, known for its bell tower, the tallest in the Canton of Ticino, and for the regional museum. The trip can start from Domodossola or Locarno.
What to see (and do) in Domodossola and Locarno
Those leaving from Domodossola can take the opportunity to visit the historic centre, with Piazza Mercato, the ancient buildings and Palazzo San Francesco, home of the Civic Museums. The exhibition “Ornamenta. Treasures of elegance and identity in Ossola” can also be visited until 25 October 2026.
In Locarno, however, the lakeside promenade, the historic center and Piazza Grande, also known for the Film Festival, are worth a walk. From here it is also easy to reach Ascona, a few kilometers away. The Foliage Brake period also coincides with several interesting local initiatives.
The 27th edition of the Gastronomic Autumn of Lake Maggiore and Valleys is scheduled in Locarno until 27 October. Fuori di Zucca returns to Santa Maria Maggiore on 17 and 18 October, with workshops, tastings, events and a zero kilometer market. Also in Santa Maria Maggiore, on weekends until November 1st, the “Rossetti Valentini” School of Fine Arts hosts the exhibition dedicated to Camillo Besana.
When is it best to leave?
Reservations for organized groups are already numerous, especially during weekends. For those who have greater freedom of choice, it may therefore be convenient to travel on weekdays, when prices are lower and attendance should be lower. For travelers coming from Lombardy it may be convenient to leave directly from Locarno, reachable from Milan Centrale with the TILO RE80 connection.
Given the expected strong demand, seat reservations are mandatory. The ticket is valid for one day, or for two days if you choose to stay overnight in one of the two terminals.
Details on the route and reservations of the Foliage® Train are available on www.vigezzinacentovalli.com
