- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$72
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$100
Fastest journey on Sep 18
10 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
11 h 31 m
Buses on Sep 18
10
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 $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 10 buses from Rome to Lugano, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 537 km distance in an average of 11 h 31 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 40 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · 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 train, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 56m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $50, while a flight costs an average of $468.
Distance: 333 miles (537 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $468 Average price | $263 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 0m Average total duration 10h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 2h 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 train is $22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Rome to Lugano costing on average $71.
A train is $418 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Lugano costing on average $468.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 1m.
Bus takes on average 10h 30m.
Tickets start at around $71 compared to roughly $263 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $192. The journey takes 10h 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 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 12:35PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Marino Autolinee | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Rome to Lugano buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
054 · 251 | 11:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 10h10 | 9:10 AM Lugano, Via Giacomo E Filippo Ciani | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
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 | |
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 10h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 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 9h 10m.
Distance 333 miles (537 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 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 presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Intimate museum inside the church complex, famous for Bernardino Luini frescoes and Renaissance religious art of exceptional local importance.
Museum and archive dedicated to writer Hermann Hesse in nearby Montagnola. It is essential for literary fans and lovers of the Collina d’Oro setting.
Lugano’s elegant waterfront park offers flowerbeds, sculptures, and lake views. It is one of the city’s most relaxing and photogenic walking areas.
The city’s famous shopping street is lined with arcades, boutiques, and historic buildings. It is ideal for strolling through central Lugano.
Main square facing the lake and city hall, often animated by markets and events. It is the natural hub of Lugano’s historic center.
A rich polenta dish from Ticino, often topped with braised beef, rabbit, or cheese. It reflects the region's Alpine farming roots and northern Italian influence.
Slow-cooked beef braise in red wine, commonly served with polenta. It is a hearty Ticinese classic suited to the cooler mountain climate.
Lake fish such as perch or pike-perch, usually simply grilled or pan-fried. It showcases the fresh catch from nearby lakes in southern Switzerland.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining at Villa Principe Leopoldo, known for refined Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views over Lugano.
Historic lakeside restaurant serving polished Ticinese and Italian dishes in a classic setting near Parco Ciani.
Traditional grotto-style venue above Lugano, appreciated for local specialties, grilled meats, polenta, and a rustic hillside atmosphere.
Very high by Swiss standards: hotels, dining, and local transport usually cost more than in nearby Italian cities and many European lake destinations.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Round up small taxi fares and café bills.
Official public transport app
Via Ciani, Lugano -> Piazza della Riforma, 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.

Most Rome to Lugano buses use the Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina to Lugano, Via Ciani station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano, Via Giacomo E Filippo Ciani. Use this guide to compare Rome and Lugano bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina is 4 km from Rome city centre. Public transport options include:
Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi is available at Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina. ATMs are aTM available near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina.
Available at Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Roma is 1 km from Rome city centre. Public transport options include:
Roma has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast-food options and a cafe.
Free public WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs located at entrance area.
Ticket office support is available at Roma.
Available at Roma: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roma: Wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need