- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano's leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Zurich to Lugano
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
155 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Zurich to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Lugano will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Zurich for Lugano on Fri, May 29, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 155 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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.
5:00 PM2h50Zurich7:50 PMLugano$191One-way0 transfers- 7:50 PM2h00Zurich9:50 PMLugano$211One-way0 transfers
- 8:20 AM2h30Zurich10:50 AMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 PM2h30Zurich9:30 PMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM2h30Zurich6:30 PMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 7:50 PM2h00Zurich9:50 PMLugano$211One-way0 transfers
- 8:20 AM2h30Zurich10:50 AMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 7:00 PM2h30Zurich9:30 PMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM2h30Zurich6:30 PMLugano$261One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM2h50Zurich7:50 PMLugano$191One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Lugano
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $103.
Distance: 96 miles (155 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price | $320 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 0.9kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Zurich to Lugano is a bus with an average price of $20 (€16).
This is compared to other travel options from Zurich to Lugano:
A bus is $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Lugano costing on average $82 (€67).
A bus is $300 (€242) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Lugano costing on average $320 (€258).
The fastest way to travel from Zurich to Lugano is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 47m.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 12m.
Bus takes on average 2h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Lugano including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Lugano among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (2h 14m by bus vs 2h 40m by car) and save roughly $81 (€65) compared to fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $101 (€82)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Zurich to Lugano Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Live departures
Zurich to Lugano bus times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Lugano buses for tomorrow, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:20 AM Zurich | 2h30 | 10:50 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Zurich | 2h30 | 6:30 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:00 PM Zurich | 2h50 | 7:50 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:00 PM Zurich | 2h30 | 9:30 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 PM Zurich | 2h00 | 9:50 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Lugano by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Zurich to Lugano
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Buses from Zurich to Lugano run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest bus covers the 96 miles (155 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 96 miles (155 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:05 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio from Zurich to LuganoYou can travel by bus between Zurich to Lugano with BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio for as low as $16 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Gruppo Di Maio
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Gruppo Di Maio frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Lugano
Things to do in Lugano
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
- Recommended
MASI Lugano - Palazzo Reali
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting exhibitions in an elegant palace setting and complementing the main LAC venue.
- Recommended
Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana
The museum institution behind MASI, central to Lugano's visual arts scene and well regarded for Swiss and international art programming.
- Must visit
Piazza della Riforma
Lugano's main square and social hub, lined with historic buildings and ideal for experiencing the city's atmosphere day and night.
- Must visit
Parco Ciani
Lugano's signature lakeside park, loved for its flower beds, old trees, waterfront views, and highly photogenic paths.
- Must visit
Lungolago di Lugano
The scenic promenade along Lake Lugano, one of the city's essential walks with mountain views and classic postcard scenery.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Risotto Al Merlot
Creamy risotto cooked with local Merlot wine, a signature Ticinese dish that reflects the region’s strong wine culture and northern Italian influence.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Polenta
Slow-cooked cornmeal served soft or set, often paired with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats; it is one of the most traditional staples in Ticino.
- Gluten-free
Brasato Con Polenta
Beef braised slowly in red wine and served with polenta, a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish found in grottos and traditional restaurants.
Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Established fine dining restaurant in Lugano known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished contemporary setting.
Grotto Morchino
Historic hillside grotto above Lugano appreciated for regional specialties, local wines, and a charming traditional setting with scenic appeal.
Ristorante Grotto della Salute
Well-known traditional grotto-style restaurant serving classic Ticinese dishes in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Swiss Franc
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Groceries and takeaway help reduce costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 3.50-5.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Arcobaleno
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.30
- Day pass
- CHF 8.80
To the city center
Lugano, Via Ciani -> Lugano Railway Station
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 11 min
- Tickets in Lugano are integrated under the Arcobaleno fare network, so the same ticket can be valid across buses, funiculars, and regional trains in the correct zones.
- Buy tickets before boarding; on-board card payment on buses is not generally available, so use ticket machines or the official app.
FAQs: Bus from Zurich to Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Zurich to Lugano can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Zurich to Lugano is $20 (€16) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Zurich to Lugano is 3h 5m to travel the 96 miles (155 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Zurich to Lugano leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Zurich to Lugano leaves at 11:05 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Zurich to Lugano with BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Zurich to Lugano, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio for the best way to get you to Lugano. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Zurich and Lugano and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Lugano from Zurich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Zurich and Lugano including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
No, the bus from Zurich to Lugano has no accessibility options.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Lugano are:
- Monte Brè, a scenic mountain offering panoramic views of Lugano and the surrounding Alps
- Parco Ciani, a picturesque lakeside park with walking paths, gardens, and historical monuments
- Lugano Arte e Cultura (LAC), a modern cultural center hosting art exhibitions, theater performances, and concerts
- Swissminiatur, an open-air museum featuring detailed miniature models of famous Swiss landmarks
- Gandria, a charming lakeside village with narrow streets and traditional Swiss architecture.
The best things to do in Lugano include:
- Lake Lugano, enjoy scenic boat tours and lakeside promenades with stunning views
- hike or take a funicular to the summit of Monte San Salvatore for breathtaking views of the region
- explore the vibrant local markets in Lugano for a taste of Swiss culture and cuisine
- visit the Hermann Hesse Museum in nearby Montagnola to learn about the life and works of the famous author
- take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Lugano's Old Town, discovering its charming shops and cafes.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
No, luggage for the bus from Zurich to Lugano needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Zurich to Lugano.
Since both Zurich and Lugano are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Zurich to Lugano among Omio's users.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lugano, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include distraction techniques used by thieves near popular tourist spots. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and remain vigilant in busy places. Overall, Lugano is considered safe, but usual travel precautions apply.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Zurich to Lugano
Zurich
Lugano
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:30-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
SihlquaiWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Zürich, Sihlquai Bus Terminal (Carparkplatz Sihlquai)
- Bus: 31, 33, 46 Train: S2, S5, S6, S7, S8, S14, S16 Tram: 4, 13, 17
Most popular bus connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Lugano
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Lugano and Zurich
Most popular bus connections to Lugano
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