- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$91
Fastest journey
7 h 55 m
Average duration
9 h 42 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
288 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nice to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nice to Lugano will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Nice to Lugano without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nice to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $66.
Distance: 178 miles (288 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$67 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price | $194 Average price | $189 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 7h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Nice to Lugano:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nice to Lugano costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $126 (€104) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nice to Lugano costing on average $194 (€159).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
Train takes on average 7h 48m.
Tickets start at around $67 (€55) compared to roughly $189 (€155) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $122 (€100). The journey takes 5h 59m versus 4h 53m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar Bus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $96 |
The table below shows live departures for Nice to Lugano buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:25 AM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 8h35 | 10:00 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 10h50 | 7:10 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:50 AM Nice, Gare Routière Vauban | 10h20 | 7:10 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:00 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 10h50 | 10:50 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 10h50 | 10:55 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:35 PM Nice, Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur (Gare routière - Terminal 1) | 7h55 | 12:30 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Nice to Lugano run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 178 miles (288 km) distance in 7h 55m.
Distance 178 miles (288 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting rotating exhibitions in a palazzo setting close to other central sights.
Museum focused on extra-European art and ethnographic collections, especially known for African, Asian, and Oceanian works in Villa Malpensata.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park, loved for waterfront paths, mature trees, flowerbeds, and classic views over the lake and mountains.
The main square of Lugano, lined with pastel buildings and arcades, central to city life and a natural base for exploring the old town.
The lakeside promenade offers classic city-and-lake views, easy strolling, and some of the most recognizable scenes in Lugano.
A staple in Ticino made from slowly cooked cornmeal, often served creamy or sliced and grilled with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats.
Creamy risotto prepared in the Lombard-Ticino style, often with local wine, butter, and cheese, reflecting the strong Italian influence of the region.
Slow-braised beef, commonly cooked with red wine, served with polenta. It is a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish.
An established fine dining restaurant known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished atmosphere in central Lugano.
A classic hillside grotto outside the center, appreciated for traditional regional dishes, wine, and a charming old-fashioned ambiance.
A well-known traditional grotto serving Ticinese classics in a relaxed, rustic setting popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but everyday costs are still steep for most travelers.
Service is usually included in prices. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano, Via Ciani, Lugano -> Lugano FLP Station, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nice to Lugano by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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