- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano’s leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, with major temporary exhibitions and modern and contemporary collections.
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$222
Fastest journey
10 h 57 m
Average duration
11 h 6 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
767 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Amsterdam to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Amsterdam to Lugano will cost around $222 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
It's difficult to get from Amsterdam to Lugano without transferring at least 3 times.
IC 3529 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683
ICE 225 · ICE 107 · IC 683
ICE 225 · IC 2383 · IC 189 · EC 25
IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683
IC 3129 · IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107
ICE 225 · RE 52383 · IC 189 · EC 25
ICE 225 · IC 2383 · IC 189 · EC 25
IC 3529 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683
IC 3129 · IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107
IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Amsterdam to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a train costs an average of $87.
Distance: 476 miles (767 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$194 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $194 Average price | $281 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 38m Average total duration 11h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 12m Average total duration 16h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Amsterdam to Lugano:
A bus is $104 (€83) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Amsterdam to Lugano costing on average $194 (€157).
A bus is $104 (€84) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Amsterdam to Lugano costing on average $194 (€157).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 8m.
Bus takes on average 16h 42m.
Tickets start at around $194 (€157) compared to roughly $281 (€227) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $86 (€70). The journey takes 11h 8m versus 10h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Amsterdam to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 225 · RE 52383 · IC 189 · EC 25 | On time 8:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h57 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 3 transfers | |
ICE 225 · ICE 107 · IC 683 | On time 8:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 11h27 | 7:58 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 225 · IC 2383 · IC 189 · EC 25 | On time 8:31 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 10h57 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683 | 8:39 AM Amsterdam Centraal | 11h19 | 7:58 PM Lugano station | 3 transfers | |
IC 3129 · IC 2729 · 20077 · ICE 107 | 8:41 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 11h17 | 7:58 PM Lugano station | 4 transfers | |
IC 3529 · 20077 · ICE 107 · IC 683 | 8:56 AM Amsterdam Zuid | 11h02 | 7:58 PM Lugano station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Amsterdam to Lugano run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€70) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 476 miles (767 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 476 miles (767 km) |
Average train duration 11h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€70) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 9h 50m |
First train 12:23 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 56 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 major temporary exhibitions and modern and contemporary collections.
Historic MASI venue in the old town hosting exhibitions from the museum’s collection and special shows in a quieter setting.
Cantonal art museum identity associated with MASI, important for Swiss and Italian art and a key cultural stop in Lugano.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park with manicured gardens, waterfront paths, and photogenic views that make it a top city stop.
Elegant arcaded shopping street by the lake, one of Lugano’s best-known walking areas for architecture and atmosphere.
Main square in the historic center, lined with colorful buildings and central to events, strolling, and city life.
Creamy risotto from Ticino, often enriched with local red wine, butter, and cheese. It reflects the canton’s strong northern Italian culinary influence.
A staple in Ticino made from cornmeal, served soft or grilled. It is a classic regional comfort food, often paired with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats.
Slow-braised beef, commonly cooked in red wine and served with polenta. It is one of the most traditional hearty dishes in the Lugano area.
Upscale restaurant in Paradiso near Lugano, recognized for polished fine dining, seasonal ingredients, and a sophisticated lakeside setting.
Well-regarded contemporary restaurant associated with Villa Principe Leopoldo, offering elegant Italian cuisine and panoramic views over Lugano.
Traditional Ticinese grotto known for local specialties such as polenta, braised meats, and regional wine in a rustic, relaxed setting.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but everyday costs remain steep for most visitors.
Service is usually included in prices. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano Railway Station, Lugano -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amsterdam to Lugano by train. 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 train, 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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