- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
3 h 27 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
261 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Colmar to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colmar to Lugano will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 1 trains that leave Colmar for Lugano on Wed, Aug 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 12 the direct trains cover the 261 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .
On Wed, Aug 12 the slowest trains will take 3 h 27 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Colmar to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $141.
Distance: 162 miles (261 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$110 Average price | $39 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 25m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Colmar to Lugano:
A bus is $71 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colmar to Lugano costing on average $110 (€90).
A bus is $238 (€194) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colmar to Lugano costing on average $277 (€226).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 25m.
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
The journey is about 31m faster (3h 27m by train vs 3h 58m by car) and roughly $18 (€14) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($110 (€90) vs $128 (€104)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Colmar to Lugano trains for today, Tuesday, August 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T 1 | 1057 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 5 5147 | 5147 | 8:42 AM Colmar | 3h27 | 12:09 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
T 1 | 1065 · IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 153 | 153 · B 5 5159 | 5159 | 9:12 AM Colmar | 3h27 | 12:39 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
T 1 | 1081 · TGV 9203 | 9203 · EC 19 | 19 · B 5 5183 | 5183 | 10:12 AM Colmar | 3h27 | 1:39 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Colmar to Lugano run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 22:02. The fastest train covers the 162 miles (261 km) distance in 3h 12m.
Distance 162 miles (261 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 12m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 10:02 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 4 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 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 Colmar 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 Colmar to Lugano trains use the Basel, Burgfelderhof to Lugano, Stazione station pair. Use this guide to compare Colmar and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need