- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct
Cheapest price on 20 Oct
£53
Average ticket price on 20 Oct
£80
Fastest journey on 20 Oct
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 20 Oct
2 h 54 m
Trains on 20 Oct
34
Distance
202 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Lugano will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
On Tue 20 Oct, we found 34 trains from Basel to Lugano, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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.
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 2 2165 | 216512:043h06Basel SBB15:10Lugano£531One-way2 changes- IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 87312:042h54Basel SBB14:58Lugano, Stazione£531One-way1 change
- IC 3 569 | 569 · EC 151 | 151 · B 2 2157 | 215711:333h07Basel SBB14:40Lugano£531One-way2 changes
- EC 151 | 151 · B 2 2157 | 215711:073h33Basel SBB14:40Lugano£531One-way1 change
- IC 21 659 | 6595:022h56Basel SBB7:58Lugano, Stazione£591One-way0 changes
- IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 8658:042h54Basel SBB10:58Lugano, Stazione£791One-way1 change
- IC 21 667 | 6679:042h54Basel SBB11:58Lugano, Stazione£661One-way0 changes
- IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 86910:042h54Basel SBB12:58Lugano, Stazione£671One-way1 change
- IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 87312:042h54Basel SBB14:58Lugano, Stazione£531One-way1 change
- IC 21 671 | 67111:042h54Basel SBB13:58Lugano, Stazione£641One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Lugano
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from Basel to Lugano run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:37, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 2h 48m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Distance 202 km |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 0:37 |
Last train 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Live departures
Basel to Lugano train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC 21 659 | 659 | 5:02 Basel SBB | 2h56 | 7:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 | 5:02 Basel SBB | 3h11 | 8:13 Lugano | 1 change | |
| IC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 · B 4 4041 | 4041 | 5:02 Basel SBB | 3h14 | 8:16 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 551 | 551 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 5061 | 5:33 Basel SBB | 3h10 | 8:43 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 551 | 551 · EC 11 | 11 | 5:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 8:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IC 3 551 | 551 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 5061 · B 4 4049 | 4049 | 5:33 Basel SBB | 3h13 | 8:46 Lugano | 3 changes | |
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 8:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · B 3 3095 | 3095 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 9:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 | 6:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 9:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IC 3 559 | 559 · EC 13 | 13 · B 3 3107 | 3107 | 6:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 9:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 | 7:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 9:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 21 663 | 663 · B 3 3119 | 3119 | 7:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 10:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 31 | 31 · B 3 3131 | 3131 | 7:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 10:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 561 | 561 · EC 31 | 31 | 7:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 10:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 10:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 3 3143 | 3143 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 11:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 | 8:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 11:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · B 3 3155 | 3155 | 8:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 11:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 | 9:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 11:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 · B 3 3167 | 3167 | 9:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 12:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
| IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 | 9:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 12:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 · B 3 3179 | 3179 | 9:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 12:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 10:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 12:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · B 3 3191 | 3191 | 10:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 13:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| TGV 9203 | 9203 · EC 19 | 19 | 10:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 13:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| TGV 9203 | 9203 · EC 19 | 19 · B 3 3203 | 3203 | 10:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 13:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IC 21 671 | 671 | 11:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 13:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 21 671 | 671 · B 3 3215 | 3215 | 11:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 14:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
| EC 151 | 151 · B 2 2157 | 2157 | 11:07 Basel SBB | 3h33 | 14:40 Lugano | 1 change | |
| EC 151 | 151 | 11:07 Basel SBB | 3h21 | 14:28 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
| IC 3 569 | 569 · EC 151 | 151 | 11:33 Basel SBB | 2h55 | 14:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
| IC 3 569 | 569 · EC 151 | 151 · B 2 2157 | 2157 | 11:33 Basel SBB | 3h07 | 14:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 2 2165 | 2165 | 12:04 Basel SBB | 3h06 | 15:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
| IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 | 12:04 Basel SBB | 2h54 | 14:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: SBB from Basel to Lugano trainsSBB trains will get you between Basel and Lugano from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SBB Duration
2h 48m
Cheapest SBB Price
£42
SBB frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Lugano
Things to do in Lugano
Discover the best of Lugano — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lugano trip today.
- Recommended
Museo delle Culture
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.
- Recommended
Museo delle Dogane Svizzere
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.
- Must visit
Piazza della Riforma
Elegant central square facing the lake, lined with historic buildings and arcades. It is the classic meeting point for views, walks and city atmosphere.
- Must visit
Parco Ciani
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.
- Must visit
Lungolago di Lugano
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Polenta
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.
- Gluten-free
Brasato al Merlot
Slow-cooked beef braise in red wine, traditionally served with polenta. It is a classic celebratory dish in Ticino and northern Italian-influenced homes.
- Gluten-free
Salame ticinese
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.
Ristorante Galerie Arté al Lago
Elegant dining room in central Lugano offering refined Italian cuisine, seafood and tasting menus in a formal atmosphere.
Grotto della Salute
Historic grotto-style venue known for Ticinese classics, local wines and a relaxed traditional atmosphere near the centre.
La Cucina di Alice
Well-known lakeside restaurant serving fish, pasta and regional dishes with scenic views and a polished but approachable setting.
Swiss franc (CHF, Fr.)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 3.50-5.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
SBB Mobile
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.60
- Day pass
- CHF 5.20
To the city centre
Lugano Stazione -> Piazza della Riforma, Lugano
- Distance
- 1.0 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Arcobaleno fares are zone-based; central Lugano uses 1 zone, and the ticket is valid on buses, trains and the Lugano Station–Centre funicular within its validity.
- Buy tickets before boarding where possible using SBB Mobile or official sales channels; fare products in Lugano are provided through the Arcobaleno tariff network.
FAQs: Basel to Lugano train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Lugano can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £81.
The train journey from Basel to Lugano covers a distance of 202 km and takes approximately 2h 48m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Basel to Lugano is 202 km.
The first train from Basel to Lugano leaves at 0:37.
The last train from Basel to Lugano departs at 23:05.
Trains from Basel to Lugano run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Basel to Lugano.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Lugano. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by SBB.
Yes, there is a night train from Basel to Lugano.
The train station in Basel that goes to Lugano is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Lugano, Stazione.
Booking trains from Basel to Lugano in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Basel to Lugano is considered scenic, as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Swiss Alps, offering views of mountains, lakes, and charming villages along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Lugano.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Lugano
Most Basel to Lugano trains use the Basel SBB to Lugano, Stazione station pair. Use this guide to compare Basel and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basel
Arrival train stations in Lugano
Which Basel station do trains to Lugano leave from?
Trains from Basel to Lugano leave from Basel SBB. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTer · 5m · £1 · every ~2 min
Bus50 · 4m · £2 · every ~15 min
Tram11 · 5m · £2
1, 3, 2 · 7m · £2 · every ~25 min
Basel SBB train station facilities and services
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13
City-centre transport
Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus30 · 11m · £3 · every ~18 min
Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · £3 · every ~20 min
Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Which Lugano station do trains from Basel arrive at?
Trains from Basel to Lugano arrive at Lugano, Stazione. Lugano, Stazione is from Lugano city centre.
Lugano, Stazione6900 Lugano, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Lugano, Stazione from Lugano city centre
Bus6 · 7m · £3 · every ~10 min
6 · 10m · £3 · every ~10 min
461 · 12m · £6 · every ~5 min
Lugano, Stazione train station facilities and services
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
More options for your journey from Basel to Lugano
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lugano and Basel
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