- Must visit
Musée d'art et d'histoire
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
Cheapest price
$111
Average price
$132
Fastest journey
4 h 57 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
217 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Geneva is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Geneva will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
It's difficult to get from Lugano to Geneva without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528
B 5 5132 | 5132 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528
B 1 1168 | 1168 · S 10 30770 | 30770 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528
IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 1 720 | 720
B 5 5068 | 5068 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 2520
IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 1822
IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818
IC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820
IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 5 526 | 526 · IR 90 1826 | 1826
IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 5 528 | 528 · IR 90 1828 | 1828Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Geneva among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. 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 $44, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 134 miles (217 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$130 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $225 Average price | $257 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Geneva:
A bus is $78 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Geneva costing on average $130.
A bus is $174 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Geneva costing on average $225.
Other travel options to Geneva take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 32m.
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around $130 compared to roughly $257 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $128. The journey takes 4h 55m versus 4h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Geneva trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 1 720 | 720 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h40 | 4:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 1822 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 3:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4089 | 4089 · IC 2 1474 | 1474 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 11:17 AM Lugano | 5h38 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 1474 | 1474 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 11:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h25 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1122 | 1122 · S 10 30766 | 30766 · EC 178 | 178 · IR 15 2524 | 2524 | 11:42 AM Lugano | 5h23 | 5:05 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 1 1122 | 1122 · S 10 30766 | 30766 · EC 178 | 178 · IC 5 524 | 524 | 11:42 AM Lugano | 5h13 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 5 5100 | 5100 · EC 178 | 178 · IR 15 2524 | 2524 | 11:42 AM Lugano | 5h23 | 5:05 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 5 5100 | 5100 · EC 178 | 178 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 11:42 AM Lugano | 5h13 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
EC 178 | 178 · IC 5 524 | 524 · IR 90 1824 | 1824 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 4:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
EC 178 | 178 · IR 15 2524 | 2524 | 11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h07 | 5:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
RE 80 25514 | 25514 · PE 72 54 | 54 · EC 142 | 142 · IC 1 722 | 722 | 12:05 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h33 | 5:38 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5116 | 5116 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 1 724 | 724 | 12:42 PM Lugano | 5h56 | 6:38 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 5 5116 | 5116 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 5 526 | 526 · IR 90 1826 | 1826 | 12:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 5:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 1 1144 | 1144 · S 10 30768 | 30768 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 1 724 | 724 | 12:42 PM Lugano | 5h56 | 6:38 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 1 1144 | 1144 · S 10 30768 | 30768 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 5 526 | 526 | 12:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 5:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 5 526 | 526 · IR 90 1826 | 1826 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 5:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 878 | 878 · IC 1 724 | 724 | 12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h40 | 6:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
B 1 1168 | 1168 · S 10 30770 | 30770 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 5 528 | 528 | 1:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 6:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 5 5132 | 5132 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528 | 1:42 PM Lugano | 5h23 | 7:05 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1168 | 1168 · S 10 30770 | 30770 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528 | 1:42 PM Lugano | 5h23 | 7:05 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5132 | 5132 · IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 5 528 | 528 · IR 90 1828 | 1828 | 1:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 6:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 680 | 680 · IC 5 528 | 528 · IR 90 1828 | 1828 | 1:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 6:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 680 | 680 · IR 15 2528 | 2528 | 1:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h07 | 7:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
RE 80 25518 | 25518 · PE 72 64 | 64 · EC 64 | 64 · IR 90 1830 | 1830 | 2:05 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h50 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5148 | 5148 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 1 728 | 728 | 2:42 PM Lugano | 5h56 | 8:38 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 5 5148 | 5148 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 5 530 | 530 · IR 90 1830 | 1830 | 2:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 1 1186 | 1186 · S 10 30772 | 30772 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 5 530 | 530 | 2:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 1 1186 | 1186 · S 10 30772 | 30772 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 1 728 | 728 | 2:42 PM Lugano | 5h56 | 8:38 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 1 728 | 728 | 2:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h40 | 8:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 882 | 882 · IC 5 530 | 530 · IR 90 1830 | 1830 | 2:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 7:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1200 | 1200 · S 10 30774 | 30774 · IC 21 684 | 684 · IC 5 532 | 532 | 3:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 8:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 5 5164 | 5164 · IC 21 684 | 684 · IC 5 532 | 532 · IR 90 1832 | 1832 | 3:42 PM Lugano | 5h13 | 8:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5164 | 5164 · IC 21 684 | 684 · IR 15 2532 | 2532 | 3:42 PM Lugano | 5h23 | 9:05 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1200 | 1200 · S 10 30774 | 30774 · IC 21 684 | 684 · IR 15 2532 | 2532 | 3:42 PM Lugano | 5h23 | 9:05 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 684 | 684 · IC 5 532 | 532 · IR 90 1832 | 1832 | 3:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 8:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 684 | 684 · IR 15 2532 | 2532 | 3:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h07 | 9:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
RE 80 25522 | 25522 · PE 72 76 | 76 · EC 44 | 44 · IC 1 730 | 730 | 4:05 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h33 | 9:38 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5184 | 5184 · IC 2 886 | 886 · IC 5 534 | 534 · RE 33 18482 | 18482 | 4:44 PM Lugano | 5h42 | 10:26 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 886 | 886 · IC 5 534 | 534 · RE 33 18482 | 18482 | 4:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h28 | 10:26 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 461 556 | 556 · IC 21 688 | 688 · IR 15 2536 | 2536 · RE 33 18484 | 18484 | 5:44 PM Lugano | 5h44 | 11:28 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 688 | 688 · IR 15 2536 | 2536 · RE 33 18484 | 18484 | 5:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h30 | 11:28 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 461 564 | 564 · IC 2 890 | 890 · IC 5 538 | 538 · RE 33 18486 | 18486 | 6:44 PM Lugano | 5h46 | 12:30 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 890 | 890 · IC 5 538 | 538 · RE 33 18486 | 18486 | 6:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h32 | 12:30 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1298 | 1298 · S 10 30782 | 30782 · IC 21 692 | 692 · IR 15 2540 | 2540 | 7:42 PM Lugano | 5h40 | 1:22 AM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 5 5242 | 5242 · IC 21 692 | 692 · IR 15 2540 | 2540 · RE 33 18488 | 18488 | 7:44 PM Lugano | 5h38 | 1:22 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 692 | 692 · IR 15 2540 | 2540 · RE 33 18488 | 18488 | 7:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 5h24 | 1:22 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 2 2278 | 2278 · IC 2 894 | 894 · IC 5 542 | 542 · IC 5 504 | 504 | 8:47 PM Lugano | 10h08 | 6:55 AM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
IC 2 894 | 894 · IC 5 542 | 542 · IC 5 504 | 504 · IR 1804 | 1804 | 8:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 9h57 | 6:55 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 2 2286 | 2286 · IC 21 696 | 696 · IC 8 842 | 842 · IR 15 2504 | 2504 | 9:47 PM Lugano | 9h18 | 7:05 AM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 696 | 696 · IC 8 842 | 842 · IR 15 2504 | 2504 | 9:58 PM Lugano, Stazione | 9h07 | 7:05 AM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 3 3082 | 3082 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 1 716 | 716 | 8:44 AM Lugano | 5h54 | 2:38 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 3 3082 | 3082 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818 | 8:44 AM Lugano | 5h11 | 1:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 1 716 | 716 | 8:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h40 | 2:38 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818 | 8:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 1:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1084 | 1084 · S 10 30762 | 30762 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 2520 | 9:42 AM Lugano | 5h23 | 3:05 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
B 5 5068 | 5068 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 2520 | 9:42 AM Lugano | 5h23 | 3:05 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1084 | 1084 · S 10 30762 | 30762 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 | 9:42 AM Lugano | 5h13 | 2:55 PM Geneva station | 4 transfers | |
B 5 5068 | 5068 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820 | 9:42 AM Lugano | 5h13 | 2:55 PM Geneva station | 3 transfers | |
IC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 2520 | 9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h07 | 3:05 PM Geneva station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 1820 | 9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 4h57 | 2:55 PM Geneva station | 2 transfers | |
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 Geneva run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 but you can travel from only $44 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (217 km) distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 134 miles (217 km) |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Geneva — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Geneva trip today.
A major fine arts museum with strong Swiss and European collections, from Old Masters to modern art, in a grand historic building.
An international museum explaining the Red Cross, humanitarian action, and human rights through strong multimedia exhibitions.
An inventive museum of clocks, watches, automata, and enamels that highlights Geneva’s world-famous watchmaking heritage.
Geneva’s historic heart has narrow lanes, small squares, and centuries of architecture, making it the city’s essential walking district.
A lakeside promenade with gardens, monuments, and classic views of the Jet d’Eau, perfect for an easy first walk in Geneva.
A scenic lakeside English-style garden known for flowers, waterfront paths, and the famous Flower Clock near the city center.
Melted cheese fondue shared from a communal pot, usually with bread. A classic Romandy winter dish strongly tied to Geneva dining culture.
Raclette is melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. It is a beloved Swiss alpine specialty widely enjoyed in Geneva.
A comforting potato and cheese gratin from western Switzerland. Geneva versions often feature local tomme or Gruyère-style cheeses.
Refined fine dining by Lake Geneva with polished service and French-influenced cuisine in an elegant luxury hotel setting.
Elegant gastronomic restaurant inside Hotel Beau-Rivage, known for classic French technique, seasonal menus, and formal lakeside dining.
Historic traditional brasserie known for Geneva classics, generous portions, and an old-town atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Geneva is pricier than most European cities. Hotels, dining, and daily transit are costly, though efficient public transport and supermarket meals can reduce visitor spending.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round taxi fares up slightly; in cafes, round up or leave small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Geneva 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 Geneva, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lugano to Geneva trains use the Lugano, Stazione to Genève station pair, with some services arriving at Genève, Cornavin. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Geneva 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 Città (funicolare) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano Città (funicolare).
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.
Genève has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Bistrot de Charlotte, Les Brasseurs, La Matze Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Warwick Geneva, Hotel Cornavin, ibis Styles Genève Gare.
Genève, Cornavin has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: La Matze Restaurant
ATMs are available at Genève, Cornavin.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève, Cornavin: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève, Cornavin.
Genève-Aéroport is 4 km from Geneva city centre. Public transport options include:
Genève-Aéroport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Le Chef Genève Aéroport, Montreux Jazz Café
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Genève-Aéroport. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Genève-Aéroport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Genève-Aéroport: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Genève-Aéroport: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Novotel Suites Geneva, ibis Geneva Airport Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need