- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
22 h 56 m
Average duration
22 h 56 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
653 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Split to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Split to Lugano will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 1 buses that leave Split for Lugano on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 653 km distance in an average of 22 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 22 h 56 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 22 h 56 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Split to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $233.
Distance: 405 miles (653 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price Cheapest | $294 Average price | $194 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 26m Average total duration 22h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 13m Average total duration Fastest 11h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Split to Lugano:
A bus is $210 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Split to Lugano costing on average $294.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 56m.
Tickets start at around $84 compared to roughly $194 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $110. The journey takes 22h 56m versus 9h 37m 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 Zelic Reisen.
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 Zelic Reisen | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:59PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 22h56 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Compare 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 Split to Lugano run on average 5 times per day, taking around 22h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 405 miles (653 km) distance in 22h 56m.
Distance 405 miles (653 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 22h 56m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Split 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 Split to Lugano buses use the Split, Autobusni Kolodvor to Lugano, Via Ciani station pair. Use this guide to compare Split and Lugano bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Split, Autobusni Kolodvor has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Kolodvor (in the station), Bakery Delight (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Split, Autobusni Kolodvor.
Available at Split, Autobusni Kolodvor: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Split, Autobusni Kolodvor: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need