- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
62
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lucerne to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lucerne to Lugano will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 62 trains that leave Lucerne for Lugano on Sat, Aug 29, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest trains will take 1 h 44 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.
IC 10367 | 10367
S 3 21389 | 21389 · IC 2 895 | 895
IC 21 691 | 691
IC 21 687 | 687
IC 21 683 | 683
IR 26 2339 | 2339 · IC 2 889 | 889
IC 21 691 | 691
IC 21 687 | 687
IC 1455 | 1455 · IC 2 865 | 865
IC 21 663 | 663Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $92 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Lucerne to Lugano:
A bus is $54 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lucerne to Lugano costing on average $71.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 56m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 29m.
The journey is about 16m faster (1h 56m by train vs 2h 12m by car) and roughly $22 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($71 vs $92). 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.
Direct services run with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
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 Lucerne to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 21 659 | 659 · B 461 709 | 709 | 6:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h56 | 8:14 AM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 659 | 659 | 6:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h44 | 8:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5059 | 5059 | 6:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h00 | 8:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 | 6:39 AM Lucerne station | 1h49 | 8:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5059 | 5059 · B 1 1064 | 1064 | 6:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h03 | 8:42 AM Lugano | 3 transfers | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 | 7:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h44 | 9:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · B 461 713 | 713 | 7:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h56 | 9:14 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR VAE 2015 | 2015+ EC 13 | 13 · B 5 5067 | 5067 | 7:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h00 | 9:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR VAE 2015 | 2015+ IC 10361 | 10361 · B 4 4066 | 4066 | 7:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h13 | 9:52 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR VAE 2015 | 2015+ IC 10361 | 10361 | 7:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h02 | 9:41 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2015 | 2015+ EC 13 | 13 | 7:39 AM Lucerne station | 1h49 | 9:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 663 | 663 · B 461 717 | 717 | 8:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h56 | 10:14 AM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 663 | 663 | 8:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h44 | 10:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR VAE 2017 | 2017+ IC 10363 | 10363 · B 4 4082 | 4082 | 8:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h13 | 10:52 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR VAE 2017 | 2017+ EC 301 | 301 | 8:39 AM Lucerne station | 1h49 | 10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2017 | 2017+ IC 10363 | 10363 | 8:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h02 | 10:41 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2017 | 2017+ EC 301 | 301 · B 5 5113 | 5113 | 8:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h00 | 10:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 1455 | 1455 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 461 721 | 721 | 9:20 AM Lucerne station | 1h54 | 11:14 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 1455 | 1455 · S 10 30767 | 30767 · B 461 721 | 721 | 9:20 AM Lucerne station | 1h54 | 11:14 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 1455 | 1455 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 9:20 AM Lucerne station | 1h42 | 11:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 1455 | 1455 · S 10 30767 | 30767 | 9:20 AM Lucerne station | 1h45 | 11:05 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2019 | 2019+ EC 15 | 15 | 9:39 AM Lucerne station | 1h49 | 11:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2019 | 2019+ EC 15 | 15 · B 5 5137 | 5137 | 9:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h00 | 11:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 10367 | 10367 · B 4 4098 | 4098 | 9:46 AM Lucerne station | 2h06 | 11:52 AM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
IC 10367 | 10367 | 9:46 AM Lucerne station | 1h55 | 11:41 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 21 667 | 667 · B 461 725 | 725 | 10:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h56 | 12:14 PM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 10:18 AM Lucerne station | 1h44 | 12:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR VAE 2021 | 2021+ EC 153 | 153 | 10:39 AM Lucerne station | 1h49 | 12:28 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IR VAE 2021 | 2021+ EC 153 | 153 · B 5 5161 | 5161 | 10:39 AM Lucerne station | 2h00 | 12:39 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Lucerne to Lugano run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 but you can travel from only $14 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne to Lugano trains use the Luzern Bhf to Lugano, Stazione station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano-Paradiso. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luzern Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Luzern, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Luzern Bahnhofquai has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Schiff, Restaurant Opus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bahnhofquai.
Nearby hotels include Hotel des Balances, Hotel Monopol Luzern, Hotel Waldstätterhof.
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.
Lugano Città (funicolare) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano Città (funicolare).
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need