- Recommended
Museo Castelgrande
Main museum inside Castelgrande, presenting Bellinzona's archaeology and history within an exceptional UNESCO setting.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
16 m
Average duration
22 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
22 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Bellinzona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Bellinzona will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 10 trains that leave Lugano for Bellinzona on Tue, Aug 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 22 km distance in an average of 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 29 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.
B 461 516 | 516 · S 10 25112 | 25112
EC 10 | 10
B 2 2066 | 2066 · S 10 30760 | 30760
B 3 3082 | 3082 · IC 2 870 | 870
S 10 30760 | 30760
EC 10 | 10
S 10 30760 | 30760
S 10 25112 | 25112
B 461 516 | 516 · S 10 25112 | 25112
B 4 4041 | 4041 · EC 10 | 10Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Bellinzona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $4, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 13 miles (22 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m Average total duration 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Lugano to Bellinzona:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Bellinzona costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Bellinzona take longer:
Bus takes on average 25m.
The journey is about 13m faster (18m by train vs 31m by car) and roughly $41 (€33) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $61 (€49)). 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 Lugano to Bellinzona trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B 1 1208 | 1208 · S 10 25128 | 25128 | 4:12 PM Lugano | 0h31 | 4:43 PM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
RE 80 25506 | 25506 · S 20 25630 | 25630 | 8:05 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0h36 | 8:41 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
B 461 516 | 516 · S 10 25112 | 25112 | 8:14 AM Lugano | 0h29 | 8:43 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4041 | 4041 · EC 10 | 10 | 8:17 AM Lugano | 0h29 | 8:46 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
S 10 25112 | 25112 | 8:25 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0h18 | 8:43 AM Bellinzona station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 10 | 10 | 8:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0h16 | 8:46 AM Bellinzona station | 0 transfersDirect | |
RE 80 25808 | 25808 · S 20 25632 | 25632 | 8:35 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0h36 | 9:11 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
B 2 2066 | 2066 · S 10 30760 | 30760 | 8:41 AM Lugano | 0h32 | 9:13 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
B 3 3082 | 3082 · IC 2 870 | 870 | 8:44 AM Lugano | 0h32 | 9:16 AM Bellinzona station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4049 | 4049 · RE 80 25508 | 25508 · S 20 25634 | 25634 | 8:47 AM Lugano | 0h54 | 9:41 AM Bellinzona station | 2 transfers | |
S 10 30760 | 30760 | 8:55 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0h18 | 9:13 AM Bellinzona station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Lugano to Bellinzona run on average 19 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 13 miles (22 km) distance in 18m.
Distance 13 miles (22 km) |
Average train duration 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 18m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bellinzona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bellinzona trip today.
Main museum inside Castelgrande, presenting Bellinzona's archaeology and history within an exceptional UNESCO setting.
Museum space in Montebello Castle with exhibits linked to the fortress and regional heritage, plus memorable castle views.
Museum venue in Sasso Corbaro Castle, combining fortress atmosphere with cultural displays in a striking hilltop location.
Historic quarter climbing toward the castles, attractive for narrow lanes, stone houses and a strong medieval atmosphere.
Bellinzona's main old-town square, lined with arcades and historic buildings; ideal for orienting yourself in the city center.
Lively central square known for markets and events, surrounded by elegant facades and close to major monuments.
Polenta cooked slowly from cornmeal, often served with braised meats or cheese. A staple of Ticino mountain cooking and one of the region’s most emblematic dishes.
Slow-cooked beef stew braised in Merlot, Ticino’s signature wine. It reflects the canton’s strong wine culture and hearty alpine-Italian food tradition.
Air-dried beef from the Alpine region, sliced thin. It is prized locally for its intense flavor and long preservation tradition in mountain areas.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining in Bellinzona, known for refined seasonal cuisine and polished service in a sophisticated setting.
Historic grotto-style venue popular for Ticinese classics, local wines, and a relaxed traditional atmosphere near Bellinzona’s castles.
Well-known casual pizzeria and restaurant serving Italian and regional dishes in a lively, central setting with dependable local popularity.
Bellinzona is pricey versus many European cities. Hotels, dining, and everyday items cost more, though public transport is efficient and some lunch deals help manage budgets.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave about CHF 1-5 at cafes and casual meals, 5-10% for excellent restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Bellinzona 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 Bellinzona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lugano to Bellinzona trains use the Lugano, Stazione to Bellinzona station pair. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Bellinzona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Bellinzona has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Casa del Popolo, Ristorante Locanda Orico
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Bellinzona. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bellinzona. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bellinzona: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bellinzona: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bellinzona: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Internazionale Bellinzona, Hotel & SPA Internazionale, Hotel Unione.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need