Locarno to Sion Drive: Epic Alpine Road Trip Guide

Driving from Locarno to Sion covers approximately 155 kilometers (96 miles) and takes about 2 hours without stops. The journey uses the A13 motorway (E62) from Locarno to Brig, then the A9 (E62) to Sion. A remarkable fact: the route crosses the Rhone glacier's meltwater path—the Rhone river begins at the Furka Pass and flows past Sion, while the Ticino river drains into Lake Maggiore near Locarno.

One driving quirk: the A13 features the 16.9-kilometer-long San Gottardo Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in Switzerland, completed in 1980. For tips on discovering off-the-beaten-path stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The A13 and A9 have excellent road quality with asphalt in good condition. Night illumination is present on most stretches except for rural sections near Brig. Safety tips: watch for sudden fog in the tunnel, reduce speed in the Rhone valley (strong crosswinds), and obey speed limits (120 km/h motorway, 80 km/h winding sections). No toll booths (vignette required).

Family-friendly stops: Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne (un poco fuori rotta), but on-route visit the Castles of Bellinzona with interactive exhibits, or the Aletsch Arena near Brig (Aletsch Glacier viewpoint, easy hike). Pet-friendly: rest areas near Lago di Vogorno (parking with trail along the lake). Cafes like Ristorante Stazione in Airolo welcome dogs. For pets, the Airolo-Ambri picnic area has shaded benches.

Fatigue management: recommended rest zones at Bellinzona rest area (parking with view), Airolo exit (Acla da Ving plaza with shops), and the Gletsch picnic area (old Furka pass road, 5-minute detour). These spots have safe parking and tables for a nap. Hidden off-route: the abandoned village of “Corones” near Biasca (old alpine settlement, 3-minute drive from exit).

• Rest stop 1: Bellinzona Sud rest area (benches, view)
• Rest stop 2: Airolo, Acla da Ving (cafe, restrooms)
• Hidden spot: Corones abandoned village (near Biasca exit)
• Pet area: Lago di Vogorno trail

The A13 and A9 are well-maintained Swiss motorways. Toll is covered by the Swiss vignette (required for all vehicles). Fuel stations are available in every major town: Locarno, Bellinzona, Biasca, Airolo, Andermatt, Brig, and Sion. The stretch through the San Gottardo Tunnel has no stations inside; refuel before entering (recommended at Airolo).

Fuel cost estimate: For a typical car with 8 L/100 km consumption, driving 155 km uses about 12.4 liters. At CHF 1.80/L, total fuel cost is ~CHF 22.30. The route has significant elevation changes (Locarno at 200 m, San Gottardo Pass at 2,106 m if using the old pass road, but the tunnel stays at ~1,100 m), which can increase consumption by 10-20% if using A/C or carrying heavy loads.

• Locarno fuel stations: Agip, Coop Pronto, Shell (multiple near highway)
• Bellinzona: several along motorway exit
• Airolo: last station before tunnel
• Brig: stations near A9 junction
• Recommendation: fill up in Airolo to avoid tunnel range anxiety

The geography shifts dramatically: from the Mediterranean palm trees of Locarno (Ticino) to the Alpine central valley of Valais (Sion). The route passes through the Lepontine Alps and crosses the Rhone basin. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Bellinzona Castles (Castelgrande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro), located a 5-minute detour off the A13 at Bellinzona exit. These medieval fortifications are a must-see.

For local commerce, stop at the Andermatt village market (weekends) or Brig's weekly market (Friday). In the Ticino region, buy local chestnuts (castagne) and Merlot wine. In Valais, seek out raclette cheese and dried beef (viande séchée). Roadside stalls near Simplon Pass sell Edelweiss honey and apricots (in summer).

• UNESCO: Bellinzona Castles (short detour from exit Bellinzona Sud)
• Local goods: Ticino Merlot, Valais raclette, chestnut flour
• Best market: Brig Friday market (Bahnhofstrasse)