- 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
$43
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
10 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 11 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
537 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rome to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Lugano will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 11 buses that leave Rome for Lugano on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 537 km distance in an average of 11 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 12 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
2494
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
2494
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rome to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $52.
Distance: 333 miles (537 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $125 Average price | $136 Average price | $260 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg 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 Rome to Lugano:
A bus is $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Lugano costing on average $125 (€102).
A bus is $101 (€82) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Lugano costing on average $136 (€112).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 15m.
Bus takes on average 9h 30m.
Tickets start at around $36 (€29) compared to roughly $260 (€213) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $225 (€184). The journey takes 9h 30m versus 7h 8m 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 Itabus, FlixBus, 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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Itabus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Rome to Lugano buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2494 | 10:15 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h40 | 8:55 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 11h15 | 10:00 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
054 · 251 | 11:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h10 | 9:10 AM Lugano, Via Giacomo E Filippo Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 PM Roma, Autostazione (Metro Anagnina) | 13h00 | 12:35 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:50 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 12h45 | 12:35 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 12h20 | 12:35 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 14h20 | 3:40 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h40 | 7:10 PM Lugano, Via Ciani | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:10 AM Roma, Autostazione (Metro Anagnina) | 13h20 | 12:30 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 12h20 | 12:30 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:25 PM Roma, Autostazione (Metro Anagnina) | 15h20 | 8:45 AM Lugano, Via Ciani | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Rome to Lugano run on average 9 times per day, taking around 9h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 333 miles (537 km) distance in 10h 40m.
Distance 333 miles (537 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 40m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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 Rome 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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