- 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
$74
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
4 h 57 m
Average duration
5 h 19 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolzano to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolzano to Lugano will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
It's difficult to get from Bolzano to Lugano without transferring at least once.
Regionale 16033 · Regionale TRENORD 2626+
EuroCity 16
Regionale Veloce 3463 · Regionale TRENORD 2624+
EuroCity 30
Regionale 3841 · Regionale TRENORD 2634+
EuroCity 24
Regionale Veloce 3461 · Regionale TRENORD 2608+
EuroCity 14
Regionale 16031 · Regionale TRENORD 2622+
EuroCity 150
Regionale 3841+
FRECCIAROSSA 9729+
EuroCity 22
Regionale 3843+
EuroCity 36
Regionale Veloce 3461 · Regionale TRENORD 2608+
EuroCity 14
Regionale 16031+
FRECCIAROSSA 9708+
EuroCity 178
Regionale 17158 · Regionale 3843+
EuroCity 36Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolzano to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $54.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 5h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m 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 Bolzano to Lugano:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolzano to Lugano costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 45m.
Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $140 (€115) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $67 (€55). The journey takes 5h 9m versus 3h 57m 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 Bolzano to Lugano trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale 16033 · Regionale TRENORD 2626+ EuroCity 16 | 8:31 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h57 | 2:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 3841 · Regionale TRENORD 2634+ EuroCity 24 | 12:31 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h57 | 6:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 3841+ FRECCIAROSSA 9729+ EuroCity 22 | 12:31 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 4h57 | 5:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 17158 · Regionale 3843+ EuroCity 36 | 1:49 PM Kaiserau | 5h39 | 7:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 17158 · Regionale 3843+ EuroCity 36 | 1:52 PM Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud | 5h36 | 7:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 3843+ EuroCity 36 | 2:25 PM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h03 | 7:28 PM Lugano FLP | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
Regionale Veloce 3461+ EuroCity 30 | 5:00 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 8h28 | 1:28 PM Lugano FLP | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 3461 · Regionale TRENORD 2608+ EuroCity 14 | 5:00 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h28 | 10:28 AM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 8513+ EuroCity 30 | 5:50 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 7h38 | 1:28 PM Lugano FLP | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 16031 · Regionale TRENORD 2622+ EuroCity 150 | 6:20 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 6h08 | 12:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 16031+ FRECCIAROSSA 9708+ EuroCity 178 | 6:20 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h30 | 11:50 AM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
8953 · 8971+ EuroCity 16 | 6:42 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 7h46 | 2:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
8953 · 8974+ EuroCity 150 | 6:42 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h46 | 12:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
8953 · 8974+ EuroCity 16 | 6:42 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 7h46 | 2:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 3463 · Regionale TRENORD 2624+ EuroCity 30 | 7:31 AM Bolzano/Bozen | 5h57 | 1:28 PM Lugano FLP | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bolzano to Lugano run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 17:30. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 5h 3m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average train duration 5h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 3m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 5:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Bolzano 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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