- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s main art museum, spread across LAC and Palazzo Reali, with major modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong Swiss-Italian focus.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
4 h 22 m
Average duration
4 h 37 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
251 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna Centrale to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna Centrale to Lugano will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 3 trains that leave Bologna Centrale for Lugano on Mon, Jul 13, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct trains cover the 251 km distance in an average of 4 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 22 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest trains will take 4 h 52 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 train as it is the most popular option from Bologna Centrale to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $39.
Distance: 155 miles (251 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna Centrale to Lugano:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna Centrale to Lugano costing on average $55 (€45).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 24m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Trenitalia, Trenitalia EuroCity, Italo.
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 Bologna Centrale to Lugano trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:06 AM Bologna Centrale | 1h35 | 9:41 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:33 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h55 | 7:28 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:50 PM Bologna Centrale | 4h38 | 7:28 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Bologna Centrale to Lugano run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:58, the last at 15:33. The fastest train covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 1h 35m.
Distance 155 miles (251 km) |
Average train duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 35m |
First train 4:58 AM |
Last train 3:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano’s main art museum, spread across LAC and Palazzo Reali, with major modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong Swiss-Italian focus.
Major cultural center for visual art and performances; not only a museum venue but one of the city’s key contemporary culture hubs.
Historic MASI venue in a former palace showing temporary exhibitions and selections from the cantonal art collection.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park with flowerbeds, old trees, promenades, and postcard views; a classic first stop.
The city’s main square, lined with arcaded buildings and often used for events, markets, and evening strolls.
Scenic promenade along Lake Lugano, ideal for walking, photography, and enjoying the city’s relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Creamy risotto cooked with Ticino Merlot wine, reflecting the canton’s strong wine culture and Italian-speaking culinary identity.
Traditional cornmeal staple of Ticino, served soft or set, often alongside stews or cheese and deeply rooted in local mountain cooking.
Beef braised slowly in Merlot wine, a classic Ticinese dish prized for its rich sauce and connection to local vineyards.
Recognized fine dining venue in Lugano with creative Italian cuisine, tasting menus, and a contemporary upscale atmosphere.
Established Lugano restaurant known for refined Italian and regional cuisine, polished service, and an elegant setting.
Classic hillside grotto popular for authentic Ticinese dishes, wine, and a charming traditional setting above Lugano.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and restaurant meals. Supermarkets and takeaway spots help reduce daily costs.
Service is included in bills. 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 Railway Station, Lugano -> Lugano Centro, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna Centrale 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.

Most Bologna Centrale to Lugano trains use the Bologna Centrale to Lugano FLP station pair, with some services arriving at Rho Fiera. Use this guide to compare Bologna Centrale and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Lugano FLP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Lugano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.
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