- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 4 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
279 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Pisa to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Pisa to Lugano will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 5 trains that leave Pisa for Lugano on Wed, Jul 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 8 h 26 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Pisa to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 173 miles (279 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Pisa to Lugano:
A bus is $17 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Pisa to Lugano costing on average $59 (€59).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 55m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€59) compared to roughly $144 (€144) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $85 (€85). The journey takes 5h 14m versus 4h 4m 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 Pisa to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:33 AM Pisa | 5h55 | 10:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:48 AM Pisa | 6h40 | 11:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 AM Pisa | 6h28 | 11:28 AM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:02 AM Pisa | 8h26 | 1:28 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:36 AM Pisa | 7h52 | 1:28 PM Lugano | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Pisa to Lugano run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€38) but you can travel from only $31 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:26, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 5h 49m.
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average train duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€38) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 5h 49m |
First train 3:26 AM |
Last train 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
Lugano’s leading art museum presents major modern and contemporary exhibitions in a striking lakeside cultural complex.
Intimate museum inside the church complex, famous for Bernardino Luini frescoes and Renaissance religious art of exceptional local importance.
Museum and archive dedicated to writer Hermann Hesse in nearby Montagnola. It is essential for literary fans and lovers of the Collina d’Oro setting.
Lugano’s elegant waterfront park offers flowerbeds, sculptures, and lake views. It is one of the city’s most relaxing and photogenic walking areas.
The city’s famous shopping street is lined with arcades, boutiques, and historic buildings. It is ideal for strolling through central Lugano.
Main square facing the lake and city hall, often animated by markets and events. It is the natural hub of Lugano’s historic center.
A rich polenta dish from Ticino, often topped with braised beef, rabbit, or cheese. It reflects the region's Alpine farming roots and northern Italian influence.
Slow-cooked beef braise in red wine, commonly served with polenta. It is a hearty Ticinese classic suited to the cooler mountain climate.
Lake fish such as perch or pike-perch, usually simply grilled or pan-fried. It showcases the fresh catch from nearby lakes in southern Switzerland.
Elegant Michelin-starred dining at Villa Principe Leopoldo, known for refined Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views over Lugano.
Historic lakeside restaurant serving polished Ticinese and Italian dishes in a classic setting near Parco Ciani.
Traditional grotto-style venue above Lugano, appreciated for local specialties, grilled meats, polenta, and a rustic hillside atmosphere.
Very high by Swiss standards: hotels, dining, and local transport usually cost more than in nearby Italian cities and many European lake destinations.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent restaurant service. Round up small taxi fares and café bills.
Official public transport app
Lugano Stazione -> Piazza della Riforma
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Pisa to Lugano 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 Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Pisa to Lugano trains use the Pisa Centrale to Lugano FLP station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano. Use this guide to compare Pisa and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Pisa Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: McDonald's, Panetteria Binario 1
There is free Wi-Fi available at the McDonald's.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 20:30. Information desks are located just outside the station on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Luggage storage is there is a luggage storage office near the end of Platform 1.
Available at Pisa Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pisa Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pisa Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators, ramps, and disabled parking. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Hotel NH Pisa, Hotel La Pace, Hotel Maria.
Pisa San Rossore is 1 km from Pisa city centre. Public transport options include:
Pisa San Rossore has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Ristorante pizzeria, SushiKing, Ristorante Cinese Oriente
The ticket office is open 24/7.
Available at Pisa San Rossore: Parking, WC.
Available at Pisa San Rossore: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pisa San Rossore: Elevators on every platform. Sala Blu services can be reached at +39 0647308579.
Nearby hotels include Rosso di Sera Relais Tuscany, Le Cascine, Camping Village Torre Pendente.
Pisa, Aeroporto Galilei Di Pisa is 1 km from Pisa city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Pisa, Aeroporto Galilei Di Pisa has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pisa, Aeroporto Galilei Di Pisa.
Lugano FLP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Lugano 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: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need