Lugano to Basel train with SBB

Sat, Sep 05
+ Add return
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Basel

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

Cheapest price on Sep 05

$73

Average ticket price on Sep 05

$103

Fastest journey on Sep 05

2 h 53 m

Average journey duration on Sep 05

2 h 53 m

Trains on Sep 05

37

Distance

202 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lugano to Basel will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 05, we found 37 trains from Lugano to Basel, including 3 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 05 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .

On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 53 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.

  • SBBB 4 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 668
    7:47 AM3h08
    Lugano
    10:55 AMBasel SBB
    $731One-way
    1 transfer
  • SBBB 4 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 668 · IC 61 964 | 964
    7:47 AM3h13
    Lugano
    11:00 AMBasel SBB
    $741One-way
    2 transfers
  • SBBIC 31466 | 31466 · IR 27 2464 | 2464+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2010 | 2010
    7:30 AM3h14
    Lugano, Stazione
    10:44 AMBasel SBB
    $751One-way
    2 transfers
  • SBBIC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312
    7:02 AM2h53
    Lugano, Stazione
    9:55 AMBasel SBB
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • SBBB 4 4027 | 4027 · IC 31466 | 31466 · IR 27 2464 | 2464+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2010 | 2010
    7:17 AM3h27
    Lugano
    10:44 AMBasel SBB
    $791One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Lugano to Basel

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Basel among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 46m. 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 bus costs an average of $58, while a flight costs an average of $316.

Distance: 125 miles (202 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$92

Average price

$58

Average price

Cheapest

$316

Average price

$115

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

15h 25m

Average total duration

13h 25m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Lugano to Basel is a bus with an average price of $58.

This is compared to other travel options from Lugano to Basel:

A bus is $34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Basel costing on average $92.

A bus is $259 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Basel costing on average $316.

The fastest way to travel from Lugano to Basel is by train with an average journey time of 3h 16m.

Other travel options to Basel take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 59m.

Flight takes on average 13h 25m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lugano and Basel including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lugano to Basel among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 8m faster (3h 16m by train vs 3h 24m by car) and roughly $23 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($92 vs $115). 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, Trenitalia EuroCity, 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.

Live departures

Lugano to Basel train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Basel trains for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
SBBB 4 4041 | 4041 · EC 10 | 10 · IC 3 564 | 5648:17 AM Lugano
3h09
11:26 AM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBEC 10 | 10 · IC 3 564 | 5648:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h56
11:26 AM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4049 | 4049 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 23168:47 AM Lugano
3h08
11:55 AM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBIC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 23169:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h53
11:55 AM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4057 | 4057 · EC 12 | 12 · TGV 9218 | 92189:17 AM Lugano
3h09
12:26 PM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBEC 12 | 12 · TGV 9218 | 92189:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h56
12:26 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4065 | 4065 · IC 21 672 | 6729:47 AM Lugano
3h08
12:55 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4065 | 4065 · IC 21 672 | 672 · ICE 106 | 1069:47 AM Lugano
3h13
1:00 PM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBIC 21 672 | 672 · ICE 106 | 10610:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h58
1:00 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBIC 21 672 | 67210:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h53
12:55 PM Basel SBB0 transfersDirect
SBBB 4 4073 | 4073 · EC 14 | 14 · IC 3 568 | 56810:17 AM Lugano
3h09
1:26 PM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBEC 14 | 14 · IC 3 568 | 56810:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h56
1:26 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4081 | 4081 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 232010:47 AM Lugano
3h08
1:55 PM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBIC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 232011:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h53
1:55 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4089 | 4089 · IC 2 1474 | 1474 · TGV 9222 | 922211:17 AM Lugano
3h09
2:26 PM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBIC 2 1474 | 1474 · TGV 9222 | 922211:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h56
2:26 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4097 | 4097 · EC 178 | 17811:47 AM Lugano
3h08
2:55 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBEC 178 | 17812:02 PM Lugano, Stazione
2h53
2:55 PM Basel SBB0 transfersDirect
SBBB 4 4105 | 4105 · EC 150 | 15012:17 PM Lugano
3h09
3:26 PM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBEC 150 | 15012:30 PM Lugano, Stazione
2h56
3:26 PM Basel SBB0 transfersDirect
SBBB 4 4019 | 4019 · IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 23126:47 AM Lugano
3h08
9:55 AM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBIC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 23127:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h53
9:55 AM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4027 | 4027 · IC 31466 | 31466 · IR 27 2464 | 2464+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2010 | 20107:17 AM Lugano
3h27
10:44 AM Basel SBB3 transfers
SBBIC 31466 | 31466 · IR 27 2464 | 2464+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2010 | 20107:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
3h14
10:44 AM Basel SBB2 transfers
SBBB 4 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 6687:47 AM Lugano
3h08
10:55 AM Basel SBB1 transfer
SBBB 4 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 668 · IC 61 964 | 9647:47 AM Lugano
3h13
11:00 AM Basel SBB2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Basel by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
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Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Basel

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Basel run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 but you can travel from only $40 by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:37, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 2h 53m.

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 $40
Distance
125 miles (202 km)
Average train duration
3h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$75
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
2h 53m
First train
12:37 AM
Last train
10:05 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 days
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 $40

Train companies: SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Lugano to Basel trainsSBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Lugano and Basel from $40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SBB Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest SBB Price
$75
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Trenitalia EuroCity Duration
2h 56m
Cheapest Trenitalia EuroCity Price
$111
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Price
$140
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
7 a day

Complete guide to Basel

Things to do in Basel

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

  • Must visit

Kunstmuseum Basel

One of Europe’s leading art museums, with outstanding Old Masters and modern works. An essential stop for Basel’s world-class cultural scene.

  • Must visit

Museum Tinguely

A major contemporary art museum in a former paper mill, known for ambitious temporary exhibitions and a beautiful riverside location.

  • Must visit

Fondation Beyeler

A renowned private museum presenting modern and contemporary art in a landmark building by Renzo Piano, set within a landscaped park.

Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)

Very high hotel, dining, and everyday costs; transit is efficient but not cheap. Basel is pricier than most European city breaks.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 12-20 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 4.50-6 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up small amounts in cafes, add about CHF 5-10 in restaurants for good service, and round up taxi fares.

FAQs: Trains from Lugano to Basel

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Basel 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 Basel, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Lugano to Basel can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $75, while the average price is around $92.
The train from Lugano to Basel takes 2h 53m and runs 14 per day.
The first train from Lugano to Basel leaves at 12:37 AM.
The distance by train from Lugano to Basel is 125 miles (202 km).
The last train from Lugano to Basel leaves at 10:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Lugano to Basel.
Yes, there is a direct train from Lugano to Basel. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lugano to Basel.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Basel is Lugano, Stazione, which connects to Basel SBB.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Basel is by bus, with a cost of around $40.
Yes, the train journey from Lugano to Basel is scenic, offering views of the Swiss Alps, picturesque towns, and beautiful lakes along the route.
A day trip from Lugano to Basel is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 53m. There are 8 train trips available per day, with a distance of 125 miles (202 km).
In Basel, you can visit the Tinguely Museum to see kinetic sculptures by Jean Tinguely, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and explore the charming Old Town with its medieval buildings and vibrant markets. Art enthusiasts can visit the Fondation Beyeler for modern and tribal art or attend Art Basel for contemporary artworks. Notable sights include the Gothic Basel Minster, the Kunstmuseum Basel, the playful Tinguely Fountain, Basel Zoo, and the historically significant Rathaus Basel with its red sandstone facade.
Two to three days are sufficient to explore Basel's key attractions, including its museums, old town, and the Rhine River.
Yes, you can take the train from Lugano to Basel.
Since both Lugano and Basel are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Basel include Colmar, Strasbourg, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lugano to Basel among Omio's users.
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 Basel, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transportation and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and overpriced taxi rides have also been reported. Staying alert and using official transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Lugano to Basel

Most Lugano to Basel trains use the Lugano, Stazione to Basel SBB station pair, with some services arriving at Basel, Brausebad. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Basel train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Lugano
Arrival train stations in Basel

Which Lugano station do trains to Basel leave from?

Trains from Lugano to Basel leave from Lugano, Stazione. The station is from Lugano city centre at 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
Lugano, Stazione6900 Lugano, SwitzerlandAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Lugano, Stazione from Lugano city centre

Bus6 · 7m · $4 · every ~10 min
6 · 10m · $4 · every ~10 min
461 · 12m · $7 · every ~5 min

Lugano, Stazione train station facilities and services

Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.

Lugano-Paradiso6900 Paradiso, SwitzerlandParkingDiningATMWCHotelBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Lugano-Paradiso from Lugano city centre

Lugano-Paradiso is 1 km from Lugano city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainS10, S, Re80, Re84, S90 · 3m · $2 · every ~11 min
Bus1, 2 · 8m · $4 · every ~19 min
434 · 10m · $2 · every ~3 min
2 · 23m · $4 · every ~9 min

Lugano-Paradiso train station facilities and services

Lugano-Paradiso has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Lugano-Paradiso.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Lugano-Paradiso.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Bike Rental.

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