- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for Old Masters and major modern collections. A top cultural stop in Basel.
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
3 h 2 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
102
Distance
202 km
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 $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 102 trains that leave Lugano for Basel on Sat, Jun 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 2 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 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.
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 · ICE 374 | 374
S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 · ICE 374 | 374
B 4 4003 | 4003 · IC 21 664 | 664 · IC 61 30960 | 30960
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 37 2256 | 2256
B 461 592 | 592 · S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312 · ICE 372 | 372
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316 · IC 6 966 | 966
IC 21 668 | 668 · IC 61 964 | 964
IC 21 672 | 672 · ICE 106 | 106
EC 178 | 178 · IC 61 972 | 972Omio 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 prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $464 Average price | $114 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 59m Average total duration 19h 59m Onboard + 3h 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Lugano to Basel:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Basel costing on average $105 (€85).
A bus is $410 (€331) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Basel costing on average $464 (€375).
Other travel options to Basel take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
Flight takes on average 19h 59m.
The journey is about 6m faster (3h 18m by train vs 3h 24m by car) and roughly $9 (€8) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($105 (€85) vs $114 (€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, 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.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Basel trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B 461 592 | 592 · S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 | 1:37 AM Lugano | 6h27 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 4 transfers | |
B 461 592 | 592 · S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 37 2256 | 2256 | 1:37 AM Lugano | 6h39 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 37 2256 | 2256 | 2:56 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h20 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
S 10 25100 | 25100 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 · ICE 374 | 374 | 2:56 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h08 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 37 2256 | 2256 | 4:32 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h44 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 · ICE 374 | 374 | 4:32 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h32 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4003 | 4003 · IC 21 664 | 664 · IC 61 30960 | 30960 | 5:44 AM Lugano | 3h20 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4019 | 4019 · IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 37 2260 | 2260 | 6:47 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4019 | 4019 · IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312 · ICE 372 | 372 | 6:47 AM Lugano | 3h17 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312 · ICE 372 | 372 | 7:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 37 2260 | 2260 | 7:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4027 | 4027 · IC 31466 | 31466+ IR VAE 2010 | 2010+ IR 27 2464 | 2464 | 7:17 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 31466 | 31466+ IR VAE 2010 | 2010+ IR 27 2464 | 2464 | 7:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 10:46 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 668 · IC 61 964 | 964 | 7:47 AM Lugano | 3h17 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 668 | 668 · IC 61 964 | 964 | 8:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4043 | 4043 · EC 10 | 10 · IR 36 1966 | 1966 | 8:17 AM Lugano | 3h35 | 11:52 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4043 | 4043 · EC 10 | 10+ IR VAE 2012 | 2012+ IR 27 2466 | 2466 | 8:17 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 11:46 AM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
EC 10 | 10 · IR 36 1966 | 1966 | 8:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 11:52 AM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
EC 10 | 10+ IR VAE 2012 | 2012+ IR 27 2466 | 2466 | 8:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 11:46 AM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4051 | 4051 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 37 2264 | 2264 | 8:47 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4051 | 4051 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316 · IC 6 966 | 966 | 8:47 AM Lugano | 3h17 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 37 2264 | 2264 | 9:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316 · IC 6 966 | 966 | 9:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4059 | 4059 · EC 12 | 12+ IR VAE 2014 | 2014+ IR 27 2468 | 2468 | 9:17 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4059 | 4059 · EC 12 | 12 · IR 36 1968 | 1968 | 9:17 AM Lugano | 3h35 | 12:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 12 | 12 · IR 36 1968 | 1968 | 9:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 12:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
EC 12 | 12+ IR VAE 2014 | 2014+ IR 27 2468 | 2468 | 9:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 12:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4067 | 4067 · IC 21 672 | 672 · ICE 106 | 106 | 9:47 AM Lugano | 3h17 | 1:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 672 | 672 · ICE 106 | 106 | 10:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 1:04 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4075 | 4075 · EC 14 | 14+ IR VAE 2016 | 2016+ IR 27 2470 | 2470 | 10:17 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 1:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4075 | 4075 · EC 14 | 14 · IR 36 1970 | 1970 | 10:17 AM Lugano | 3h35 | 1:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 14 | 14+ IR VAE 2016 | 2016+ IR 27 2470 | 2470 | 10:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 1:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 14 | 14 · IR 36 1970 | 1970 | 10:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 1:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4083 | 4083 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 2320 · IC 6 970 | 970 | 10:47 AM Lugano | 3h18 | 2:05 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4083 | 4083 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 37 2268 | 2268 | 10:47 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 2:16 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 2320 · IC 6 970 | 970 | 11:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h03 | 2:05 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 37 2268 | 2268 | 11:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 2:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4091 | 4091 · IC 2 1474 | 1474+ IR VAE 2018 | 2018+ IR 27 2472 | 2472 | 11:17 AM Lugano | 3h29 | 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4091 | 4091 · IC 2 1474 | 1474 · IR 36 1972 | 1972 | 11:17 AM Lugano | 3h35 | 2:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1474 | 1474 · IR 36 1972 | 1972 | 11:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 2:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 1474 | 1474+ IR VAE 2018 | 2018+ IR 27 2472 | 2472 | 11:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 2:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4099 | 4099 · EC 178 | 178 · IC 61 972 | 972 | 11:47 AM Lugano | 3h17 | 3:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 178 | 178 · IC 61 972 | 972 | 12:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 3:04 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4107 | 4107 · EC 150 | 150 | 12:17 PM Lugano | 3h19 | 3:36 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
EC 150 | 150 | 12:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h06 | 3:36 PM Basel SBB | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4115 | 4115 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 37 2272 | 2272 | 12:47 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4115 | 4115 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 26 2324 | 2324 · ICE 276 | 276 | 12:47 PM Lugano | 3h17 | 4:04 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 26 2324 | 2324 · ICE 276 | 276 | 1:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 4:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 37 2272 | 2272 | 1:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4123 | 4123 · EC 30 | 30 · IR 36 1976 | 1976 | 1:17 PM Lugano | 3h35 | 4:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4123 | 4123 · EC 30 | 30+ IR VAE 2022 | 2022+ IR 27 2476 | 2476 | 1:17 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
EC 30 | 30+ IR VAE 2022 | 2022+ IR 27 2476 | 2476 | 1:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 4:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 30 | 30 · IR 36 1976 | 1976 | 1:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 4:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4131 | 4131 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 61 976 | 976 | 1:47 PM Lugano | 3h17 | 5:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 61 976 | 976 | 2:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 5:04 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4137 | 4137 · EC 16 | 16 · IR 36 1978 | 1978 | 2:17 PM Lugano | 3h35 | 5:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4137 | 4137 · EC 16 | 16+ IR VAE 2024 | 2024+ IR 27 2478 | 2478 | 2:17 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 5:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
EC 16 | 16+ IR VAE 2024 | 2024+ IR 27 2478 | 2478 | 2:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 5:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 16 | 16 · IR 36 1978 | 1978 | 2:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 5:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4147 | 4147 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 26 2328 | 2328 · IC 6 978 | 978 | 2:47 PM Lugano | 3h17 | 6:04 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4147 | 4147 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 37 2276 | 2276 | 2:47 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 37 2276 | 2276 | 3:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 6:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 26 2328 | 2328 · IC 6 978 | 978 | 3:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 6:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4155 | 4155 · EC 152 | 152 · IR 36 1980 | 1980 | 3:17 PM Lugano | 3h35 | 6:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4155 | 4155 · EC 152 | 152+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026+ IR 27 2480 | 2480 | 3:17 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 6:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
EC 152 | 152 · IR 36 1980 | 1980 | 3:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 6:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
EC 152 | 152+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026+ IR 27 2480 | 2480 | 3:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 6:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4161 | 4161 · IC 21 684 | 684 · ICE 100 | 100 | 3:47 PM Lugano | 3h17 | 7:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 684 | 684 · ICE 100 | 100 | 4:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 7:04 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4171 | 4171 · EC 20 | 20 · IR 36 1982 | 1982 | 4:17 PM Lugano | 3h35 | 7:52 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4171 | 4171 · EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028+ IR 27 2482 | 2482 | 4:17 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 7:46 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028+ IR 27 2482 | 2482 | 4:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h16 | 7:46 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
EC 20 | 20 · IR 36 1982 | 1982 | 4:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h22 | 7:52 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4179 | 4179 · IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 26 2332 | 2332 · IC 6 982 | 982 | 4:47 PM Lugano | 3h17 | 8:04 PM Basel SBB | 3 transfers | |
B 4 4179 | 4179 · IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 37 2280 | 2280 | 4:47 PM Lugano | 3h29 | 8:16 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 37 2280 | 2280 | 5:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h14 | 8:16 PM Basel SBB | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 26 2332 | 2332 · IC 6 982 | 982 | 5:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 3h02 | 8:04 PM Basel SBB | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Lugano to Basel run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) 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.
Distance 125 miles (202 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Trains per day 12 |
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 63 days |
Discover the best of Basel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Basel trip today.
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for Old Masters and major modern collections. A top cultural stop in Basel.
World-class museum in nearby Riehen with outstanding modern and contemporary art, plus a celebrated park setting.
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic works, this museum is one of Basel’s most distinctive and widely visited art venues.
The city’s essential walking area, packed with medieval streets, historic squares, fountains, and major sights.
Central square in front of the Town Hall, lively with markets and one of Basel’s best-known urban scenes.
Picturesque district with canals, historic buildings, and a quieter atmosphere often called one of Basel’s prettiest neighborhoods.
A dark, slow-roasted flour soup traditionally served during Basel Fasnacht. It is one of the city’s most iconic seasonal specialties.
Basel’s famous spiced biscuit made with honey, nuts, candied peel, and Kirsch icing. It is the city’s best-known traditional sweet.
A savory Swiss cheese tart popular in Basel bakeries and homes, often eaten for lunch or a light meal.
An established fine dining address in a historic guild house, known for polished seasonal cuisine and elegant Basel ambiance.
A well-known Basel restaurant near the arts district, serving refined Swiss and European cuisine in a lively brasserie setting.
A historic traditional restaurant in the Old Town known for Swiss specialties, regional dishes, and a cozy heritage atmosphere.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Supermarkets and lunch deals help reduce costs.
Service is included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but not required. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Basel SBB -> Barfüsserplatz, 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.

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