- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price
kr478
Average price
kr499
Fastest journey
5 h 57 m
Average duration
6 h 4 m
Trains per day
3
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 kr499 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr478.
Of the 3 trains that leave Bolzano for Lugano on Mon, Aug 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 6 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 57 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 6 h 8 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 Bolzano to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr240. 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 kr240, and a train costs an average of kr402.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr488 Average price | kr329 Average price Cheapest | kr922 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 kr159 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolzano to Lugano costing on average kr488.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 45m.
Tickets start at around kr488 compared to roughly kr922 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr434. 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 tomorrow, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:20 AM Bolzano | 6h08 | 10:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:20 AM Bolzano | 6h08 | 11:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:31 AM Bolzano | 5h57 | 11:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 9 times per day, taking around 5h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr402 but you can travel from only kr240 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 kr402 |
Trains per day 9 |
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 Tue |
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
Lugano Stazione -> Piazza della Riforma
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.

Most Bolzano to Lugano trains use the Bolzano-Bozen to Lugano FLP station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolzano and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bolzano-Bozen is 1 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolzano-Bozen 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: Restaurant Laurin, Restaurant Anita
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bolzano-Bozen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bolzano-Bozen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolzano-Bozen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolzano-Bozen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolzano-Bozen: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Parkhotel Laurin, Hotel Greif, Four Points by Sheraton Bolzano.
Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud is 2 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud.
Available at Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolzano Sud Bozen Sud: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Kaiserau is 1 km from Bolzano city centre. Public transport options include:
Kaiserau has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kaiserau.
ATMs are available at Kaiserau.
Available at Kaiserau: Parking, WC.
Available at Kaiserau: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kaiserau.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need