The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 22 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
336 km
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 $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Lugano without transferring at least once.
IC 60408 · EC 155:43 AM5h45Karlsruhe Hbf11:28 AMLugano station$591One-way1 transfer
IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 315:43 AM4h45Karlsruhe Hbf10:28 AMLugano station$591One-way2 transfers
ICE 271 · IR 2315 · IC 8655:56 AM5h02Karlsruhe Hbf10:58 AMLugano station$731One-way2 transfers
IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 134:04 AM5h24Karlsruhe Hbf9:28 AMLugano station$1111One-way2 transfers
IC 60403 · IC 6634:04 AM5h54Karlsruhe Hbf9:58 AMLugano station$1111One-way1 transfer
IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 315:43 AM4h45Karlsruhe Hbf10:28 AMLugano station$591One-way2 transfers
ICE 271 · IR 2315 · IC 8655:56 AM5h02Karlsruhe Hbf10:58 AMLugano station$731One-way2 transfers
IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 134:04 AM5h24Karlsruhe Hbf9:28 AMLugano station$1111One-way2 transfers
IC 60408 · EC 155:43 AM5h45Karlsruhe Hbf11:28 AMLugano station$591One-way1 transfer
IC 60403 · IC 6634:04 AM5h54Karlsruhe Hbf9:58 AMLugano station$1111One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Lugano
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe 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 5h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 208 miles (336 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$84 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest |
5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 22m Average total duration 6h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Karlsruhe to Lugano train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Lugano trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 13 | Delayed 2:04 AM 2:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 5h24 | 7:28 AM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
IC 60403 · IC 663 | Delayed 2:04 AM 2:04 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 5h54 | 7:58 AM Lugano station | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 31 | Delayed 3:09 AM 3:09 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 5h19 | 8:28 AM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
IC 60408 · EC 15 | Delayed 3:09 AM 3:09 AMKarlsruhe Hbf | 6h19 | 9:28 AM Lugano station | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
IC 60403 · IC 559 · EC 13 | 2:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h24 | 7:28 AM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
IC 60403 · IC 663 | 2:04 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h54 | 7:58 AM Lugano station | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 · EC 15 | 3:43 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h45 | 9:28 AM Lugano station | 1 transfer | |
IC 60408 · IC 561 · EC 31 | 3:43 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 4h45 | 8:28 AM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 271 · IR 2315 · IC 865 | On time 3:56 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 5h02 | 8:58 AM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Lugano by train or bus
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.
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Lugano trains with Omio?
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 train and bus 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 train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Lugano.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Lugano
Trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) 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 59m.
Distance 208 miles (336 km) |
Average train duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
First train 4:03 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Karlsruhe to Lugano trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Lugano from $32 (€26). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
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.
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.
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.
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Lugano
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Via Basilea.
- Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto
- Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
- Hotel Lugano Dante Center
- Hotel Federale Lugano
- Located in the main hall
- 640 places, covered
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Italy and regional destinations
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- Bus: Several lines available
- Funicular: Lugano Città–Stazione funicular
Most popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Lugano
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

