- Must visit
MASI Lugano
Lugano’s main art museum, spread across LAC and Palazzo Reali, with major modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong Swiss-Italian focus.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riomaggiore to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $62, and a bus costs an average of $56.
Distance: 137 miles (221 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 25m Average total duration 7h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riomaggiore to Lugano:
A train is $8 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Riomaggiore to Lugano costing on average $71 (€58).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 55m.
Tickets start at around $62 (€51) compared to roughly $69 (€57) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7 (€6). The journey takes 4h 46m versus 3h 35m 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 Riomaggiore to Lugano trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:12 AM Riomaggiore | 7h16 | 2:28 PM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Riomaggiore to Lugano run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) but you can travel from only $56 (€46) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:30, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 137 miles (221 km) distance in 6h 7m.
Distance 137 miles (221 km) |
Average train duration 4h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€51) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 6h 7m |
First train 8:30 AM |
Last train 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 2 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 main art museum, spread across LAC and Palazzo Reali, with major modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong Swiss-Italian focus.
Major cultural center for visual art and performances; not only a museum venue but one of the city’s key contemporary culture hubs.
Historic MASI venue in a former palace showing temporary exhibitions and selections from the cantonal art collection.
Lugano’s signature lakeside park with flowerbeds, old trees, promenades, and postcard views; a classic first stop.
The city’s main square, lined with arcaded buildings and often used for events, markets, and evening strolls.
Scenic promenade along Lake Lugano, ideal for walking, photography, and enjoying the city’s relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Creamy risotto cooked with Ticino Merlot wine, reflecting the canton’s strong wine culture and Italian-speaking culinary identity.
Traditional cornmeal staple of Ticino, served soft or set, often alongside stews or cheese and deeply rooted in local mountain cooking.
Beef braised slowly in Merlot wine, a classic Ticinese dish prized for its rich sauce and connection to local vineyards.
Recognized fine dining venue in Lugano with creative Italian cuisine, tasting menus, and a contemporary upscale atmosphere.
Established Lugano restaurant known for refined Italian and regional cuisine, polished service, and an elegant setting.
Classic hillside grotto popular for authentic Ticinese dishes, wine, and a charming traditional setting above Lugano.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and restaurant meals. Supermarkets and takeaway spots help reduce daily costs.
Service is included in bills. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Lugano Railway Station, Lugano -> Lugano Centro, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riomaggiore 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 Riomaggiore to Lugano trains use the Riomaggiore to Lugano FLP station pair. Use this guide to compare Riomaggiore and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Riomaggiore has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food options include: Binariozero, Enoteca Dau Cila
Ticket office support is available at Riomaggiore.
Available at Riomaggiore: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Riomaggiore: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riomaggiore: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Villa Argentina, Hotel La Zorza, Hotel Due Gemelli.
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.
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