- Must visit
MASI Lugano at LAC
Lugano’s flagship art museum presents modern and contemporary exhibitions in a lakeside cultural centre. A top stop for architecture, art and temporary shows.
Cheapest price
£11
Average price
£11
Fastest journey
27 m
Average duration
31 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
18 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Balerna to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Balerna to Lugano will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
Of the 10 trains that leave Balerna for Lugano every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 18 km distance in an average of 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 32 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.
S 10 25162 | 25162 · B 1 1085 | 1085
S 10 25111 | 25111 · RE 80 25808 | 25808 · B 1 1061 | 1061
S 10 25113 | 25113 · RE 80 25810 | 25810
S 10 25114 | 25114 · B 1 1077 | 1077
S 10 25111 | 25111 · RE 80 25808 | 25808
S 10 25114 | 25114
S 10 25160 | 25160
S 10 25162 | 25162
S 10 25113 | 25113 · RE 80 25810 | 25810
S 10 25111 | 25111 · RE 80 25808 | 25808The table below shows live departures for Balerna to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S 10 25111 | 25111 · RE 80 25808 | 25808 · B 1 1061 | 1061 | 8:02 Balerna station | 0h42 | 8:44 Lugano | 2 changes | |
S 10 25111 | 25111 · RE 80 25808 | 25808 | 8:02 Balerna station | 0h32 | 8:34 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
S 10 25160 | 25160 | 8:23 Balerna station | 0h31 | 8:54 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
S 10 25160 | 25160 · B 1 1069 | 1069 | 8:23 Balerna station | 0h37 | 9:00 Lugano | 1 change | |
S 10 25114 | 25114 · B 1 1077 | 1077 | 8:57 Balerna station | 0h33 | 9:30 Lugano | 1 change | |
S 10 25114 | 25114 | 8:57 Balerna station | 0h27 | 9:24 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
S 10 25113 | 25113 · RE 80 25810 | 25810 | 9:02 Balerna station | 0h32 | 9:34 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
S 10 25113 | 25113 · RE 80 25810 | 25810 · B 1 1081 | 1081 | 9:02 Balerna station | 0h43 | 9:45 Lugano | 2 changes | |
S 10 25162 | 25162 · B 1 1085 | 1085 | 9:23 Balerna station | 0h37 | 10:00 Lugano | 1 change | |
S 10 25162 | 25162 | 9:23 Balerna station | 0h31 | 9:54 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Balerna to Lugano run on average 14 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 18 km distance in 27m.
Distance 18 km |
Average train duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 27m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 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 flagship art museum presents modern and contemporary exhibitions in a lakeside cultural centre. A top stop for architecture, art and temporary shows.
A lakeside museum in Villa Ciani with exhibitions on Swiss customs, arts and regional culture. It is a manageable visit near the city centre and park.
Museum of customs and smuggling history in Cantine di Gandria. It offers a distinctive local story in a scenic lakeside setting reached on foot or by boat.
Elegant central square facing the lake, lined with historic buildings and arcades. It is the classic meeting point for views, walks and city atmosphere.
Large lakeside park with mature trees, lawns, sculptures and open views. Ideal for a relaxed stroll close to museums, the waterfront and the city centre.
The main promenade along Lake Lugano, popular for walking, photographs and easy access to cultural sites. A simple way to enjoy the city’s lakeside setting.
Creamy polenta from maize meal, a staple in Ticino often served with braised meats or cheese. It reflects the region’s Alpine-Italian food heritage.
Slow-cooked beef braise in red wine, traditionally served with polenta. It is a classic celebratory dish in Ticino and northern Italian-influenced homes.
Air-dried raw salami from Ticino pork, seasoned and cured. It is a traditional local charcuterie eaten as an antipasto or with bread and wine.
Elegant dining room in central Lugano offering refined Italian cuisine, seafood and tasting menus in a formal atmosphere.
Historic grotto-style venue known for Ticinese classics, local wines and a relaxed traditional atmosphere near the centre.
Well-known lakeside restaurant serving fish, pasta and regional dishes with scenic views and a polished but approachable setting.
Lugano is pricier than many Swiss and Italian-border cities, with high hotel rates, dining costs and everyday expenses; public transport is efficient but not cheap.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service in restaurants; round up taxi fares; small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Lugano Stazione -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Balerna 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 Balerna to Lugano trains use the Balerna to Lugano, Stazione station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano, Stazione Nord. Use this guide to compare Balerna and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Balerna has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Balerna.
ATMs are available at Balerna.
Available at Balerna: Parking, WC.
Available at Balerna: Bike Rental.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Lugano, Stazione Nord has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione Nord.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need