You can hire a car at Milan Malpensa, Zurich or in Locarno and be in Lavertezzo within two to three hours, but plan for parking you pay for. The Verzasca Parking Card costs CHF 12 for a day or CHF 40 for seven days on the green-P areas. Near the Ponte dei Salti, short-stay zones cost CHF 1 per 20 minutes with a three-hour maximum, per the Ascona-Locarno tourism page we checked in November 2026.
A rental car is the freedom option. The valley road climbs 20 km from Locarno, passes the Verzasca Dam and the lake, and reaches Lavertezzo, with branches to Corippo and Sonogno further up. A car lets you stitch those together in one day. It also means parking in a valley where space is short and the road is narrow. Below you will find where to rent, what to check on the contract, and exactly how the parking system works. For the bus alternative, see PostBus 321; for the overall picture, see how to get to Lavertezzo.
Where to rent the car
| Pick-up | Travel to Lavertezzo | Good if | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Malpensa (MXP) | About 2h | Cheapest flights, Italian roads | Swiss vignette, border, one-way fees |
| Zurich Airport (ZRH) | About 2h45 to 3h30 | Swiss-registered car with vignette | Longer drive, Gotthard traffic |
| Lugano town | About 1h | Arriving by train | Few airport options |
| Locarno town | About 30 min | Short stay, one or two valley days | Smaller fleet, book ahead |
Drive times are approximate and use normal traffic; Money.it gives about 1h45 from Milan to the valley. Compare live prices for your dates below, and make sure the quote includes insurance, cross-border permission and the vignette if you collect the car in Italy.
If you arrive in Switzerland:
Or pick up in Locarno itself:
What to check on the rental contract
- Cross-border use. If you hire in Italy and drive into Switzerland, confirm that the contract allows it and whether a fee applies.
- Vignette. Swiss motorways require one. Switzerland-registered cars normally have it; check at pickup.
- Size. The valley road has narrow sections and tunnels shared with the bus. A compact car is easier than a large SUV.
- Fuel and return. Return full-to-full to avoid inflated fuel charges.
- Automatic or manual. The valley road climbs and winds; if you are not used to manual gears, book an automatic early.
- Deposit. Expect a card hold; make sure your card has enough limit.
How parking works in the valley
The valley has a signed parking system. According to the Ascona-Locarno tourism page (checked November 2026):
| Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Verzasca Parking Card, 1 day | CHF 12 | Valid on areas marked with a green P (around 25 spaces listed) |
| Verzasca Parking Card, 7 days | CHF 40 | Same areas |
| Extended areas on the valley road | CHF 2.50 per hour | No time limit stated |
| Short-stay zones (dam, Lavertezzo Paese, Lavertezzo Ponte) | CHF 1 per 20 minutes, or CHF 3 per hour | Maximum 3 hours |
| Trekking rate | CHF 12 first day, then CHF 4 per extra day | For parking near major trails |
| Coaches | CHF 12 per hour | Details on the tourism PDFs |
You can buy the card at the Tenero tourist office (Via Brere 3a), the info shop at the Verzasca Dam and other info points, and the page also lists meters, ParkingPay and Twint. Euros are accepted. Money.it adds that some valley restaurants sell the daily card.
A simple way to choose
- Visiting the bridge for one or two hours. The short-stay zone near the bridge, at CHF 3 an hour, costs less than the day card for a visit of up to three hours. Three hours at the short-stay rate equals CHF 9, still below CHF 12.
- Swimming, picnicking and walking all day. The short-stay zones stop at three hours, so use the day card or an extended area at CHF 2.50 an hour.
- Hiking for several days. Look at the trekking rate or the seven-day card.
Rates are as published by the tourism office; confirm on the signs because they change. Never park on road shoulders or block field gates.
Parking at the Ponte dei Salti
One guide (Earth Trekkers) describes a small paid lot right by the bridge with an automatic pay booth across the street; the ticket goes behind the windscreen. Spaces fill up by late morning on summer weekends. If the nearby lot is full, do not circle the lanes: park in an extended area on the valley road and walk, or use the bus. Our Ponte dei Salti guide shows the walking route and what to expect once you are there.
Parking elsewhere in the valley
- Verzasca Dam. Short-stay zone and info shop. The dam is a quick stop; see the dam guide.
- Corippo, Brione and Sonogno. Small village parking, often limited. Check Sonogno and Corippo.
- Trailheads. Use the trekking rate if you start a long walk; see the hikes.
When the bus beats the car
On a sunny Saturday in July, the combination of queues at the valley entrance and no parking can cost more time than the car saves. The bus is also good for the one-way walk down from Sonogno, since you do not have to return to the car. If you stay overnight, ask for the Ticino Ticket; Money.it reports it covers public transport in the canton when you stay at least one night. Details are on the PostBus 321 page.
Tours as a third option
If you do not want to drive or search for parking, a guided trip with transport covers the dam, the bridge and a village in one day.
Where to stay with a car
Some hosts include parking, which can save the daily fee. Ask before you book. Our hotels guide lists the options in the village, and Locarno has a wider choice if you prefer a town base.
Safe driving in the valley
Take the valley road slowly: tunnels are narrow and buses need room. On summer evenings, traffic returns to Locarno in one slow stream, so leave early or stay for dinner. Do not drive down tired after a swim; the cold water and heat can leave you drained. For swimming rules, read the safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does parking cost at Lavertezzo?
According to the Ascona-Locarno tourism page, checked November 2026, the Verzasca Parking Card costs CHF 12 for a day or CHF 40 for seven days in areas marked with a green P. Short-stay zones at the dam, Lavertezzo Paese and Lavertezzo Ponte charge CHF 1 per 20 minutes, up to three hours. Extended areas charge CHF 2.50 an hour.
Where can I buy the Verzasca Parking Card?
At the Tenero tourist office, the info shop at the Verzasca Dam and other info points, and some sources add parking meters, ParkingPay and Twint. Euros are accepted at meters according to the tourism page.
Is it better to hire a car or take the bus in the Verzasca Valley?
A car suits a day that combines the dam, Lavertezzo, Corippo and Sonogno. The bus is better on busy summer weekends or if you only want the bridge. See our PostBus 321 guide for the timetable.
Where do I hire a car for the Verzasca Valley?
Most visitors hire at Milan Malpensa or Zurich Airport, because Lugano has no confirmed scheduled flights. You can also hire in Locarno or Lugano towns if you arrive by train.
Do I need a vignette for the Swiss motorway?
Yes, for Swiss motorways such as the A2 you need a vignette. A car hired in Switzerland normally has one. A car hired in Italy often does not, so ask or buy the e-vignette before crossing.
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