- Must visit
MASI Lugano - LAC
Lugano's leading art museum inside the LAC cultural center, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Cheapest price
$149
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
10 h
Average duration
10 h 23 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
612 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Vienna to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Vienna to Lugano will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $149.
It's difficult to get from Vienna to Lugano without transferring at least once.
IC 548+
RJX 860 · IR 2223+
ICE 272
IC 548+
RJX 860 · IR 2223+
ICE 272
RJX 262 · ECE 192 · IC 881
RJ 752+
RJX 860 · IR 2223+
ICE 272
RJX 860 · IR 2223+
ICE 272+
IC 885
RJX 162+
EC 25
RJX 562 · RJX 162+
EC 25
RJX 662+
S 2+
IR 2219+
IC 780
RJX 262 · ECE 192 · IC 881
RJX 860 · IR 2223+
ICE 272+
IC 885Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Vienna to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a train costs an average of $71.
Distance: 380 miles (612 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$186 Average price | $90 Average price | $83 Average price Cheapest | $250 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 28m Average total duration 10h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 16m Average total duration 14h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Vienna to Lugano:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Vienna to Lugano costing on average $90 (€73).
A bus is $103 (€83) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Vienna to Lugano costing on average $186 (€150).
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 58m.
Bus takes on average 14h 46m.
Tickets start at around $186 (€150) compared to roughly $250 (€201) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $64 (€51). The journey takes 10h 58m versus 9h 28m 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 Vienna to Lugano trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 262 · ECE 192 · IC 881 | On time 8:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h30 | 6:58 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ RJX 162+ EC 25 | 8:34 AM Vienna Airport | 10h54 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
IC 546+ RJX 162+ EC 25 | 8:57 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h31 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
RJX 562 · RJX 162+ EC 25 | 9:02 AM Vienna Airport | 10h26 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
RJX 162+ EC 25 | 9:28 AM Vienna Hbf | 10h00 | 7:28 PM Lugano station | 1 transfer | |
RJX 62 · ECE 98 · IC 889 | On time 12:28 PM Vienna Hbf | 10h30 | 10:58 PM Lugano station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Vienna to Lugano run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€58) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 380 miles (612 km) distance in 10h 0m.
Distance 380 miles (612 km) |
Average train duration 10h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 10h 0m |
First train 4:32 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 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 inside the LAC cultural center, known for modern and contemporary exhibitions and a strong program of temporary shows.
Historic branch of MASI in the old town, hosting exhibitions in an elegant palace setting and complementing the main LAC venue.
The museum institution behind MASI, central to Lugano's visual arts scene and well regarded for Swiss and international art programming.
Lugano's main square and social hub, lined with historic buildings and ideal for experiencing the city's atmosphere day and night.
Lugano's signature lakeside park, loved for its flower beds, old trees, waterfront views, and highly photogenic paths.
The scenic promenade along Lake Lugano, one of the city's essential walks with mountain views and classic postcard scenery.
Creamy risotto cooked with local Merlot wine, a signature Ticinese dish that reflects the region’s strong wine culture and northern Italian influence.
Slow-cooked cornmeal served soft or set, often paired with cheese, mushrooms, or braised meats; it is one of the most traditional staples in Ticino.
Beef braised slowly in red wine and served with polenta, a classic hearty Ticinese comfort dish found in grottos and traditional restaurants.
Established fine dining restaurant in Lugano known for refined Italian cuisine, elegant presentation, and a polished contemporary setting.
Historic hillside grotto above Lugano appreciated for regional specialties, local wines, and a charming traditional setting with scenic appeal.
Well-known traditional grotto-style restaurant serving classic Ticinese dishes in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining. Groceries and takeaway help reduce costs.
Service is usually included. 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 -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Vienna 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.

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