- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price on Sep 02
$98
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$128
Fastest journey on Sep 02
4 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
4 h 53 m
Trains on Sep 02
42
Distance
217 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Geneva to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Geneva to Lugano will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
It's difficult to get from Geneva to Lugano without transferring at least 2 times.
IR 15 2519 | 2519 · IC 21 675 | 675
IR 90 1817 | 1817 · IC 5 521 | 521 · IC 21 675 | 675
IR 15 2519 | 2519 · IC 21 675 | 675 · B 2 2181 | 2181
IR 90 1817 | 1817 · IC 5 521 | 521 · IC 21 675 | 675 · B 2 2181 | 2181
IR 90 1821 | 1821 · IC 5 525 | 525 · IC 2 1479 | 1479
IR 90 1815 | 1815 · IC 5 519 | 519 · IC 2 873 | 873
IR 90 1813 | 1813 · IC 5 517 | 517 · IC 21 671 | 671
IR 90 1811 | 1811 · IC 5 515 | 515 · IC 2 869 | 869
IR 90 1817 | 1817 · IC 5 521 | 521 · IC 21 675 | 675
IR 90 1819 | 1819 · IC 5 523 | 523 · IC 2 877 | 877Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Geneva to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $132 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 51m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $132, while a flight costs an average of $548.
Distance: 134 miles (217 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$132 Average price Cheapest | $548 Average price | $256 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Geneva to Lugano:
A train is $416 (€336) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Geneva to Lugano costing on average $548 (€443).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 48m.
Tickets start at around $132 (€107) compared to roughly $256 (€207) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $124 (€101). The journey takes 4h 48m versus 4h 23m 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 Geneva to Lugano trains for today, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 90 1817 | 1817 · IC 5 521 | 521 · IC 21 675 | 675 · B 5 5243 | 5243 | 11:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 4:09 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 90 1817 | 1817 · IC 5 521 | 521 · IC 21 675 | 675 | 11:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 3:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, September 2 | |||||
IR 90 1807 | 1807 · EC 61 | 61 · PE 72 43 | 43 · RE 80 25821 | 25821 | 6:05 AM Geneva station | 6h19 | 12:24 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3 transfers | |
IR 90 1807 | 1807 · IC 5 511 | 511 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 6:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1807 | 1807 · IC 5 511 | 511 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 5 5123 | 5123 | 6:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 11:09 AM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 90 1807 | 1807 · EC 61 | 61 · PE 72 43 | 43 · RE 80 25821 | 25821 | 6:05 AM Geneva station | 6h32 | 12:37 PM Lugano | 4 transfers | |
IR 15 2511 | 2511 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 5 5147 | 5147 | 6:54 AM Geneva station | 5h15 | 12:09 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 15 2511 | 2511 · IC 21 667 | 667 | 6:54 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 90 1809 | 1809 · IC 5 513 | 513 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 5 5147 | 5147 | 7:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 12:09 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 90 1809 | 1809 · IC 5 513 | 513 · IC 21 667 | 667 | 7:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
EC 143 | 143 · PE 72 47 | 47 · RE 80 25823 | 25823 · B 4 4126 | 4126 | 7:27 AM Geneva station | 6h10 | 1:37 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
EC 143 | 143 · PE 72 47 | 47 · RE 80 25823 | 25823 | 7:27 AM Geneva station | 5h57 | 1:24 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IC 1 711 | 711 · IC 2 869 | 869 · B 5 5171 | 5171 | 7:35 AM Geneva station | 5h34 | 1:09 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 1 711 | 711 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 7:35 AM Geneva station | 5h23 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 90 1811 | 1811 · IC 5 515 | 515 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 8:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1811 | 1811 · IR 3017 | 3017 · PE 72 53 | 53 · RE 80 25825 | 25825 | 8:05 AM Geneva station | 6h19 | 2:24 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3 transfers | |
IR 90 1811 | 1811 · IR 3017 | 3017 · PE 72 53 | 53 · RE 80 25825 | 25825 | 8:05 AM Geneva station | 6h32 | 2:37 PM Lugano | 4 transfers | |
IR 90 1811 | 1811 · IC 5 515 | 515 · IC 2 869 | 869 · B 5 5171 | 5171 | 8:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 1:09 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 15 2515 | 2515 · IC 21 671 | 671 | 8:54 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 1:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 15 2515 | 2515 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 5 5195 | 5195 | 8:54 AM Geneva station | 5h15 | 2:09 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1813 | 1813 · IC 5 517 | 517 · IC 21 671 | 671 | 9:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 1:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1813 | 1813 · IC 5 517 | 517 · IC 21 671 | 671 · B 5 5195 | 5195 | 9:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 2:09 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IC 1 715 | 715 · IC 2 873 | 873 | 9:35 AM Geneva station | 5h23 | 2:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 1 715 | 715 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 5 5219 | 5219 | 9:35 AM Geneva station | 5h34 | 3:09 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1815 | 1815 · IC 5 519 | 519 · IC 2 873 | 873 | 10:05 AM Geneva station | 4h53 | 2:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 2 transfers | |
IR 90 1815 | 1815 · IC 5 519 | 519 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 5 5219 | 5219 | 10:05 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 3:09 PM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 15 2519 | 2519 · IC 21 675 | 675 · B 2 2181 | 2181 | 10:54 AM Geneva station | 5h16 | 4:10 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 15 2519 | 2519 · IC 21 675 | 675 | 10:54 AM Geneva station | 5h04 | 3:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
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 Geneva to Lugano run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) but you can travel from only $61 (€49) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (217 km) distance in 3h 13m.
Distance 134 miles (217 km) |
Average train duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 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 Geneva 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 Geneva to Lugano trains use the Genève to Lugano, Stazione station pair, with some services arriving at Porto Ceresio. Use this guide to compare Geneva and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Genève has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Bistrot de Charlotte, Les Brasseurs, La Matze Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Warwick Geneva, Hotel Cornavin, ibis Styles Genève Gare.
Genève, Cornavin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: La Matze Restaurant
ATMs are available at Genève, Cornavin.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève, Cornavin.
Genève-Aéroport is 4 km from Geneva city centre. Public transport options include:
Genève-Aéroport 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: Le Chef Genève Aéroport, Montreux Jazz Café
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève-Aéroport. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève-Aéroport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève-Aéroport: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Novotel Suites Geneva, ibis Geneva Airport Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Lugano-Paradiso is 1 km from Lugano city centre. Public transport options include:
Lugano-Paradiso has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Lugano-Paradiso.
ATMs are available at Lugano-Paradiso.
Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Parking, WC.
Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Bike Rental.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need