Cardada Cimetta ticket prices depend on how far up the mountain you want to travel and which discount card you have. The most important detail is that the journey from Locarno uses separate transport systems: the Locarno-Orselina funicular first, the cable car from Orselina to Cardada, and then the chairlift from Cardada to Cimetta. The fares below were checked against official information for 2026.
Quick Answer
For 2026, a standard adult return ticket from Orselina to Cardada costs CHF 32, while a return ticket covering Cardada and Cimetta costs CHF 39. Children ages 6–15 pay CHF 16 and CHF 19.50 respectively. The Locarno-Orselina funicular is a separate ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Cardada is at about 1,340 m, while the chairlift continues to Cimetta at about 1,670 m.
- Standard adult return fares are CHF 32 to Cardada and CHF 39 for Cardada & Cimetta.
- Standard child fares for ages 6–15 are CHF 16 return to Cardada and CHF 19.50 return for Cardada & Cimetta.
- The Locarno-Orselina funicular is operated separately and is not included in the Cardada Cimetta fare.
- Ticino Ticket holders and travelers with eligible SBB passes can receive reduced fares when the discount is presented before purchase.
- Groups of 10 or more, frequent visitors, mountain bikers, and paragliders have separate published fare options.
Cardada Cimetta Ticket Options and Packages
The standard sightseeing journey has two mountain sections. The Orselina-Cardada cable car reaches Cardada at about 1,340 m. Travelers who want to continue higher can take the Cardada-Cimetta chairlift to approximately 1,670 m.
When buying from Cardada Impianti Turistici, you can therefore choose a ticket to Cardada only or a combined Cardada & Cimetta ticket. One-way and round-trip fares are available for the main routes. A separate Cimetta round-trip fare is also published for travelers starting that section at Cardada.
The official fare schedule is valid from December 20, 2025 through November 8, 2026. Prices are in Swiss francs and include VAT. The operator states that fares can change.
Current fares and tickets are available from the official Cardada Cimetta fare page and the operator’s online ticket shop.
Note: Cardada Cimetta tickets start from Orselina. If you begin in central Locarno, the Locarno-Orselina funicular requires a separate ticket.
Prices for Single and Round-Trip Tickets
For adults age 16 and older, the standard 2026 fares published by Cardada Impianti Turistici are:
| Route | Standard One Way | Standard Return | Ticino Ticket One Way | Ticino Ticket Return | Eligible SBB Pass One Way | Eligible SBB Pass Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardada | CHF 28 | CHF 32 | CHF 22 | CHF 25.50 | CHF 14 | CHF 16 |
| Cardada & Cimetta | CHF 34 | CHF 39 | CHF 27 | CHF 31 | CHF 17 | CHF 19.50 |
| Cimetta section only | Not listed | CHF 12 | Not listed | CHF 10 | Not listed | CHF 6 |
The eligible SBB reduction shown by the Cardada operator applies to the SBB Half Fare Travelcard, GA Travelcard, Day Pass, and Swiss Travel Pass categories listed on its fare page.
Children Ages 6–15
Children ages 6–15 receive lower standard and Ticino Ticket fares:
| Route | Standard One Way | Standard Return | Ticino Ticket One Way | Ticino Ticket Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardada | CHF 14 | CHF 16 | CHF 11 | CHF 13 |
| Cardada & Cimetta | CHF 17 | CHF 19.50 | CHF 13.50 | CHF 15.50 |
| Cimetta section only | Not listed | CHF 6 | Not listed | CHF 5 |
The operator also states that children ages 6–15 with a valid SBB Junior Card can travel free when accompanied by at least one parent or grandparent, subject to the stated conditions.
How Much Does It Cost From Locarno?
The mountain fares above begin at Orselina. Most visitors coming from central Locarno first use the historic Locarno-Orselina funicular. According to the official Locarno funicular fare page, the standard Locarno-Orselina fare is CHF 8 return or CHF 5.40 one way for adults, and CHF 4 return or CHF 2.40 one way for children in its 6–16 age category.
That means an adult making a standard round trip from central Locarno all the way to Cimetta would currently pay approximately CHF 47 total: CHF 8 for the Locarno-Orselina funicular plus CHF 39 for the Orselina-Cardada-Cimetta return ticket. For a child age 6–15 using standard fares, the equivalent total is CHF 23.50.
For a standard adult return journey from central Locarno to Cimetta, budget about CHF 47 at current published fares because the Locarno-Orselina funicular and Cardada Cimetta mountain transport are ticketed separately.
Group Discounts
Groups of 10 or more can use separate group fares. The group-rate document currently linked from Cardada’s official fare page lists the following amounts:
| Group Route | Adult One Way | Adult Return | Child 6–15 One Way | Child 6–15 Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardada | CHF 22 | CHF 25.50 | CHF 11 | CHF 13 |
| Cardada & Cimetta | CHF 27 | CHF 31 | CHF 13.50 | CHF 15.50 |
The same document lists special return fares for groups that have booked at one of the participating mountain restaurants: CHF 21 for adults and CHF 10.50 for children to Cardada, or CHF 26 for adults and CHF 13 for children for Cardada & Cimetta. The restaurant reservation conditions must be met for those rates.
Note: The group PDF currently linked from the operator’s live fare page is titled as a 2025 tariff document. Groups should confirm the applicable rate directly with Cardada Impianti Turistici before finalizing payment.
The separate Locarno-Orselina funicular also publishes group fares for parties starting at 10 people, so groups traveling from central Locarno should calculate both parts of the journey.
Special Offers and Promotions
Instead of relying on generic seasonal promotions, check the specific offers linked by the official operator. Current examples include Cardada Cimetta Up & Eat and the Cardada Cimetta & Lido Locarno combination.
Cardada Cimetta Up & Eat
The current promotional material lists an offer valid from April 1 through October 31 that combines an Orselina-Cardada-Cimetta return journey with a daily special at a participating mountain restaurant. The published promotional price is CHF 48 for ages 16+ and CHF 24 for ages 5–15. Drinks are excluded, reservations are made directly with participating restaurants, and the offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Cardada Cimetta & Lido Locarno
The 2026 combination offer pairs mountain transport with entry to Lido Locarno. Published prices include:
- Orselina-Cardada return + Lido: CHF 30 adult, CHF 15.50 ages 6–15, CHF 5 ages 3–5.
- Orselina-Cimetta return + Lido: CHF 35 adult, CHF 18 ages 6–15, CHF 5 ages 3–5.
The promotional material states that this combination is available at the Lido Locarno reception and at the Orselina ticket office. Because offers can have their own dates and conditions, check the current official fare page before traveling.
Season Passes
Frequent visitors can compare individual tickets with the operator’s subscriptions. The currently linked subscription tariff lists the following prices:
| Subscription | Adult 16+ | Child 6–15 | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-month | CHF 220 | CHF 75 | CHF 360 |
| Seasonal | CHF 600 | CHF 280 | CHF 980 |
| Seasonal MTB | CHF 385 | CHF 190 | Not listed |
| Seasonal paragliding | CHF 385 | Not listed | Not listed |
The subscription document also lists a CHF 20 card deposit, refundable when the subscription card is returned. Rates may be changed, so frequent visitors should compare the latest subscription tariff with the number of trips they realistically expect to make.
Cardada and Cimetta can be enjoyed across different seasons. Hiking and other outdoor activities are popular in warmer months, while snowshoeing and sled play areas may be available when winter conditions permit. Traditional skiing at Cimetta should not be assumed: the operator’s history records the end of skiing activity there in 2018–2019.
Additional Fees and Services
Standard sightseeing tickets are not the only fares available. Cardada publishes separate rates for several activities and transport needs.
Mountain Bikes
- One way to Cardada: CHF 29 adult, CHF 14.50 child.
- One way for Cardada & Cimetta: CHF 36 adult, CHF 18 child.
- Cardada MTB day pass: CHF 48 adult, CHF 24 child.
Travelers bringing a bicycle on the separate Locarno-Orselina funicular should also allow for the funicular’s published bicycle fee.
Paragliding
The Cardada & Cimetta paragliding tariff lists CHF 21 for a single flight ticket and CHF 32 for a day pass. Paragliding has its own regulations, so check operating and safety requirements before traveling.
Dogs
The Cardada fare page states that a dog taller than 30 cm at the withers requires a CHF 10 ticket. The separate Locarno-Orselina funicular currently transports dogs free of charge.
Food, Equipment, and Other Activities
A normal lift ticket should be understood primarily as transportation on the route purchased. Meals, equipment rentals, paid experiences, or other services should not be assumed to be included unless a specific package explicitly says so. Hiking trails and viewpoints can be enjoyed once you reach the mountain, but they are not separate attractions bundled into the price in the way the original article suggested.
2026 Timetable and Seasonal Closures
The official Cardada timetable lists the 2026 summer operating season from March 16 through November 8, 2026. The mountain transport is then scheduled to close from November 9 through December 18, 2026, before the winter period begins on December 19.
From June 1 through August 31, 2026, the Orselina-Cardada cable car is scheduled from 07:45 to 19:15. During the same period, the Cardada-Cimetta chairlift operates daily from 09:00 to 12:15 and again from 13:15 to 17:10.
From September 1 through November 8, hours change, and weekend/public-holiday cable-car times differ from weekday times. Check the official timetable on the day of travel.
Warning: Cable-car and chairlift service can be changed or suspended because of thunderstorms, bad weather, or other force-majeure conditions. Check current operating status before going up the mountain and do not rely only on a previously saved timetable.
Accessibility
The operator’s accessibility information states that the Orselina-Cardada cable car is accessible with wheelchairs. The Cardada-Cimetta chairlift can accommodate some people with walking difficulties but is not wheelchair accessible.
The separate historic Locarno-Orselina funicular publishes its own accessibility limitations, so wheelchair users should check that part of the journey independently before planning to start in central Locarno.
Tips for Saving Money on Cardada Cimetta Tickets
The best way to reduce the cost is to use a discount or combination that actually applies to your trip rather than relying on assumed off-peak or online discounts.
- Check your Ticino Ticket: Cardada publishes reduced Ticino Ticket fares when traveling from Orselina.
- Check eligible SBB travel products: Half Fare, GA, Day Pass, and Swiss Travel Pass categories receive the reductions shown on the Cardada fare table.
- Traveling with children: Check whether a child age 6–15 qualifies for free travel with an SBB Junior Card when accompanied by a parent or grandparent.
- Compare bundles: Up & Eat or the Lido Locarno combination can offer better value when you genuinely plan to use both parts of the package.
- Ask about group fares: Groups starting at 10 people have separate pricing.
- Buy online for convenience: Online Cardada Cimetta tickets are available, but do not assume the standard fare is automatically cheaper online.
- Compare a subscription if visiting repeatedly: Frequent visitors may save with a three-month or seasonal pass depending on the number and type of journeys.
Pro Tip: Present any discount entitlement before the Cardada ticket is issued. The operator states that discounts cannot be combined and that retroactive refunds for discounts are not available.
Planning as a family or group can still reduce the total cost when the published group, child, Junior Card, or travel-pass rules apply. Compare the complete journey rather than only the mountain fare, especially if you are starting in Locarno and therefore also need the separate funicular.
If you are planning a visit to Cardada Cimetta and also want something unrelated to the trip for later at home, the site’s existing article on delicious homemade cottage cheese remains available. It does not affect any Cardada Cimetta ticket or travel information above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ticket options for Cardada Cimetta?
Standard sightseeing options include one-way and round-trip transport from Orselina to Cardada, plus combined Cardada & Cimetta tickets that continue by chairlift to Cimetta. Separate fares are also published for MTB users, paragliders, groups, and subscriptions.
How much are Cardada Cimetta tickets in 2026?
For the fare period ending November 8, 2026, standard adults pay CHF 28 one way or CHF 32 return to Cardada, and CHF 34 one way or CHF 39 return for Cardada & Cimetta. Children ages 6–15 pay CHF 14/16 to Cardada and CHF 17/19.50 for Cardada & Cimetta.
Are discounts available for Cardada Cimetta tickets?
Yes. Current published reductions include Ticino Ticket fares and discounts for eligible SBB Half Fare, GA, Day Pass, and Swiss Travel Pass users. Groups of 10 or more have separate rates. Children ages 6–15 may also qualify for free travel with a valid SBB Junior Card when accompanied by a parent or grandparent.
Does a Cardada Cimetta ticket include the Locarno funicular?
No. The Locarno-Orselina funicular is operated and ticketed separately. Cardada Cimetta mountain fares begin at Orselina. Travelers starting in central Locarno therefore need to allow for both tickets.
Do Cardada Cimetta tickets include attractions and activities?
A standard ticket covers the mountain transport specified by the ticket. Do not assume that meals, rentals, guided experiences, or paid activities are included unless you purchase a package that explicitly includes them. Hiking trails and viewpoints can be enjoyed after reaching the mountain.
Can Cardada Cimetta tickets be purchased online?
Yes. Cardada Impianti Turistici operates an online ticket shop. The separate Locarno-Orselina funicular is not automatically included, and an online purchase should not be assumed to provide a lower standard fare unless a specific promotion says so.
Is Cardada Cimetta wheelchair accessible?
The Orselina-Cardada cable car is wheelchair accessible according to the operator. The Cardada-Cimetta chairlift is not wheelchair accessible. Travelers should also check accessibility for the separate Locarno-Orselina funicular if beginning in central Locarno.
Can bad weather affect the cable car or chairlift?
Yes. The operator states that service can be altered or suspended because of thunderstorms, bad weather, or other force-majeure conditions. Check the live operating information and timetable before traveling.
Sources
- Cardada Impianti Turistici SA: Official Fares — 2026 adult and child fares, discount categories, MTB, paragliding, dog charges, groups, subscriptions, and current offers.
- Cardada Impianti Turistici SA: Official Timetable — operating seasons, cable-car hours, chairlift hours, closure dates, and weather-related service information.
- Funicolare Locarno-Orselina: Official Timetable and Fares — separate Locarno-Orselina fares, group pricing, timetable, and ticketing information.
- Cardada Impianti Turistici SA: Visitor Information — wheelchair and accessibility information for the cable car and chairlift.
- Cardada Impianti Turistici SA: Cable Car — Orselina-Cardada route, elevation, journey details, and access information.
- Cardada Impianti Turistici SA: Chairlift — Cardada-Cimetta chairlift details and Cimetta elevation.
