Milan to Lugano train

Trains from Milan to Lugano

Trains from Milan to Lugano typically depart twice a day, except for Sundays, when there’s usually only one departure. This means there’s 13 trains per week. The journey is about 38 miles (62 km) and takes between 2h 30min and 3h. There are no direct trains between Milan and Lugano so you can expect one or two changes along the way. When you arrive in Lugano, Switzerland, there are many attractions waiting for you, such as the beautiful Lake Lugano and Villa Carlotta.

Milan to Lugano Train Time: Daily Departures

There are only two trains from Milan to Lugano per day, and only one on Sundays. These trains, all operated by Trenitalia, typically leave in the morning. The first train of the day leaves around 5:40 a.m. and the last train leaves around 6:30 a.m. There are no direct trains from Milan to Lugano, so you can expect one or two changes in Monzo and Chiasso.

How long is the journey by train from Milan to Lugano?

Trains from Milan to Lugano usually take between 2h 30min and 3h to reach their final destination. There are no direct trains from Milan to Lugano, so your journey will have either one or two changes. If you choose the route with only one change, you’ll transfer trains in Chiasso. If you choose the route with two changes, you’ll transfer in both Monzo and Chiasso before reaching Lugano.

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Milan to Lugano?

Departure train station: All trains from Milan to Lugano will depart from Milan Porta Garibaldi station. This train station is located 1.55 miles (2.5 km) from the city center and can easily be reached on foot from the center within about 30min. Alternatively, you can take the subway from the center, which takes a little less than 15min. Milan Porta Garibaldi has many amenities to offer travelers, such as free wifi, several shops and restaurants, and public restrooms.

Arrival train station: All trains along this route will arrive into Lugano Stazione, which is the city’s main train station. The station is located super close to the city center. You can walk there within about 6min, or you can take bus 4 to reach it in 12min. The Lugano station offers free wifi to travelers, as well as shops, restaurants, and a medical center. There are also disability services and public restrooms available here.

Which train companies travel from Milan to Lugano?

The only train company offering service between Milan and Lugano is Trenitalia, Italy’s main train service company. However, when you change trains, you may board one operated by SBB, the Swiss train provider working in tandem with Trenitalia.

Trenitalia trains from Milan to Lugano

Trenitalia currently offers two departures per day from Milan to Lugano, except on Sundays, when it only offers one. There are no direct trains on this route and you will have one or two changes as a result, usually in Monzo and Chiasso. When you change trains in Chiasso, you will likely board an SBB train for the second part of your journey as you will have already entered Switzerland. Trenitalia offers high-speed train service on Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Frecciabianca trains that can travel at 186 mph (300 km/h). Trenitalia offers three types of tickets: Base, Economy, and Super Economy or Ordinaria tickets. SBB trains offer similar amenities.

Train Milan to Lugano: Services on Board

Trenitalia provides many services on board for travelers taking their high-speed trains from Milan to Lugano. The amenities available to you will depend on which seating class and type of ticket you choose to book. If you’re in Standard seating, you’ll have access to free wifi, tables with bistro table service, charging outlets, and access to an entertainment portal. One step up in Premium class, you’ll have access to all those amenities as well as larger seats, complimentary newspapers and a welcome drink. Business class has access to all of the above, plus more leg room, table service, and higher quality products. And finally, Executive class passengers have access to everything we’ve already mentioned, plus access to the Freccia Club, a private meeting room, and swiveling chairs. All luggage is free to travel on Trenitalia trains as long as it fits reasonably. You can bring your bike on the train for free as long as it is disassembled and fits in a small space. However, you can place assembled bikes in the special bicycle car for a small fee. Cats and other small animals can be taken on the train for free provided they stay in their crate during the journey. Dogs are allowed for a small additional fee as long as they are muzzled and leashed. This rule does not apply to guide dogs. Trenitalia also offers services and assistance for disabled people upon request. SBB also provides free wifi to all passengers on-board as well as a refreshment service. The luggage and pet policies are also the same since you may be boarding an SBB train simply for a connection.

How to find cheap train tickets from Milan to Lugano?

There are a few ways to find cheap train tickets from Milan to Lugano. First, be sure to book as far in advance as possible. Train tickets for this route typically go on sale a few months in advance and prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. It also helps to be flexible with your travel dates and try not to travel during rush hour. The faster trains also tend to be more expensive, so if you’re really on a budget, consider taking a slower train or the route with more connections. Of the ticket types offered by Trenitalia, the cheapest will be Super Economy, although this will give you less flexibility to change your ticket. Standard seating will also be the cheapest of the ticket classes offered. You can also check to see if you are eligible for any family or group discounts during your travel.