Karlsruhe to Lugano train with Deutsche Bahn (IC,ICE)

Thu, Oct 08
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Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 08

Cheapest price on Oct 08

$52

Average ticket price on Oct 08

$98

Fastest journey on Oct 08

5 h 4 m

Average journey duration on Oct 08

5 h 12 m

Trains on Oct 08

14

Distance

336 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Lugano will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Lugano without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Deutsche BahnS1 · IC 60471 · IC 563 · EC 15
    5:43 AM5h45
    Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
    11:28 AMLugano station
    $521One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60403 · IC 663
    1:03 AM8h55
    Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
    9:58 AMLugano station
    $641One-way
    2 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 13
    1:03 AM8h25
    Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
    9:28 AMLugano station
    $641One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 31
    4:53 AM5h35
    Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
    10:28 AMLugano station
    $711One-way
    3 transfers
  • Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60408 · EC 15
    4:53 AM6h35
    Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
    11:28 AMLugano station
    $711One-way
    2 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Lugano

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€38) but you can travel from only $37 (€31) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 208 miles (336 km) distance in 4h 37m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€31)
Distance
208 miles (336 km)
Average train duration
4h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$45 (€38)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
4h 37m
First train
4:03 AM
Last train
11:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37 (€31)

Live departures

Karlsruhe to Lugano train times

The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Lugano trains for today, Wednesday, October 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 371 · IR 2331 · IC 8811:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
6:58 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 107 · IC 6832:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
7:58 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 73 · IC 581 · EC 273:04 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h24
8:28 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 373 · EC 293:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h44
9:28 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 373 · IR 2335 · IC 8853:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
8:58 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 109 · IC 6874:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
9:58 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 375 · IR 2339 · IC 8895:44 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
10:58 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnS1 · ICE 201 · IC 6916:43 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h15
11:58 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 75+TGVTGV 9223+Deutsche BahnIC 8937:13 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
6h12
1:25 AM Lugano station4 transfers
Deutsche BahnS1 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IR 23437:43 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h42
1:25 AM Lugano station5 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 77 · IC 65911:03 PM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
8h55
7:58 AM Lugano station2 transfers
Thursday, October 8
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60403 · IC 6631:03 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
8h55
9:58 AM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 131:03 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
8h25
9:28 AM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 314:53 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h35
10:28 AM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · IC 60408 · EC 154:53 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
6h35
11:28 AM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 271 · IR 2315 · IC 8655:33 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h25
10:58 AM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnS1 · IC 60471 · IC 563 · EC 155:43 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h45
11:28 AM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 273 · IC 6676:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
11:58 AM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 275 · EC 197:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h44
1:28 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 275 · IR 2319 · IC 8697:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
12:58 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ECE 151 · IC 6718:54 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h04
1:58 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ECE 151
On time
8:54 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h34
2:28 PM Lugano station
1 transfer
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 277 · IR 2323 · IC 8739:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
2:58 PM Lugano station3 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 277 · EC 219:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h44
3:28 PM Lugano station2 transfers
Deutsche BahnSTR 3 · ICE 103 · IC 67510:44 AM Europaplatz/Post Galerie (Karlstraße)
5h14
3:58 PM Lugano station2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Karlsruhe to Lugano trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Karlsruhe to Lugano.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Karlsruhe to Lugano.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Lugano.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Lugano.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Karlsruhe to Lugano trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Lugano from $37 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 37m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
$45 (€38)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Lugano

Things to do in Lugano

Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.

  • Must visit

MASI Lugano

Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.

  • Recommended

Museo Santa Maria degli Angioli

Intimate museum inside the church complex, famous for Bernardino Luini frescoes and Renaissance religious art of exceptional local importance.

  • Recommended

Museo Hermann Hesse Montagnola

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.

Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)

Very high by Swiss standards: hotels, dining, and local transport usually cost more than in nearby Italian cities and many European lake destinations.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 15-25 for fast food or simple lunch.
Mid-range
CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
CHF 3.50-5.50 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Round up small taxi fares and café bills.

FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Karlsruhe 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Karlsruhe to Lugano can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $45 (€38), while the average price is around $106 (€89).
The train from Karlsruhe to Lugano takes 4h 37m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leaves at 4:03 AM.
The distance by train from Karlsruhe to Lugano is 208 miles (336 km).
The last train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leaves at 11:05 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Karlsruhe to Lugano. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Deutsche Bahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Karlsruhe to Lugano.
The train station in Karlsruhe that goes to Lugano is Karlsruhe Hbf, which connects to Lugano station.
Yes, the train journey from Karlsruhe to Lugano is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Black Forest, Rhine Valley, and the Swiss Alps along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from Karlsruhe to Lugano.
Popular day trips by train from Lugano include Milan, Como, Bellinzona, Locarno, Chiasso.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lugano, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include distraction techniques used by thieves near popular tourist spots. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and remain vigilant in busy places. Overall, Lugano is considered safe, but usual travel precautions apply.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Lugano

Most Karlsruhe to Lugano trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Lugano station pair. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Karlsruhe
Arrival train stations in Lugano

Which Karlsruhe station do trains to Lugano leave from?

Trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano leave from Karlsruhe Hbf. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Karlsruhe city centre at Karlsruhe Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1a, 76137 Karlsruhe.
Karlsruhe HbfKarlsruhe Hbf, Bahnhofplatz 1a, 76137 KarlsruheWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Karlsruhe Hbf from Karlsruhe city centre

Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:

Train74346, 80700, 80702, 80704, 80706, 80708, 84704, 84710, 84714, 84722, 84726, 84740, 84746, 84752, 84758, 84764, 84770, 84776, 84782, 84788, 84792, 84794, 84796, 84800, 84808, 84810, 84814, 84816, 84859, 84864, 84866, 84868, 84870, 84872, 84876, 84877, 84878, 84880, 84882, 84884, 84886, 84888, 84890, 84892, 84894, 84896, 84898, 84900, 84902, 84904, 84906, 84908, 84910, 84912, 84913, 84914, 84916, 84918, 84920, 84922, 84924, 84926, 84928, 84930, 84931, 84934, 84935, 84936, 84938, 84940, 84941, 84944, 84946, 84948, 84952, 84956, 84958, 84962, 84964, 84968, 84972, 84976, 84980, 84984, 84986, 84988, 84994, 84998, 85000, 85004, 85006, 85008, 85012, 85014, 85018, 85020, 85022, 85024, 85026, 85030, 85032, 85034, 85040, 85042, 85046, 85052, 85054, 85056, 85058, 85060, 85064, 85068, 85070, 85074, 85078, 85082, 85084, 85086, 85088, 85090, 85178, 85278, 85311, 85390, 85392, 85396, 85400, 85402, 85404, 85406, 85408, 85410, 85412, 85414, 85416, 85418, 85420, 85422, 85424, 85426, 85428, 85430, 85432, 85434, 85436, 85438, 85440, 85442, 85444, 85446, 85448, 85450, 85452, 85454, 85456, 85458, 85460, 85462, 85466, 85468, 85470, 85474, 85476, 85478, 85480, 85482, 85484, 85488, 85500, 85502, 85504, 85506, 85508, 85510, 85512, 85514, 85516, 85518, 85520, 85522, 85524, 85526, 85528, 85530, 85532, 85534, 85536, 85538, 85540, 85546, 85548, 85551, 85557, 85559, 85561, 85563, 85565, 85567, 85569, 85571, 85573, 85575, 85577, 85579, 85581, 85583, 85585, 85589, 85591, 85597, 85599, 85605, 85607, 85611, 85615, 85619, 85623, 85629, 85631, 85633, 85635, 85639, 85641, 85645, 85647, 85651, 85653, 85655, 85659, 85661, 85665, 85669, 85673, 85675, 85679, 85681, 85685, 85687, 85689, 85821, 85916, 85918, 85922, 85932, 85936, 85938, 85940, 85942, 85946, 85948, 85950, 85952, 85954, 85956, 85958, 85960, 85962, 85964, 85966, 85968, 85970, 85972, 85974, 85976 · 6m · every ~10 min
Tram2, Nl2 · 6m · every ~11 min

Karlsruhe Hbf train station facilities and services

Karlsruhe Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.

More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Lugano

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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