Basel to Lugano train with SBB

Fri 05 Dec
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

£58

Average price

£81

Fastest journey

2 h 55 m

Average duration

3 h 6 m

Trains per day

5

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 £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Basel for Lugano every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.

SBB
06:163h25
Basel
09:41Lugano
£581One-way
0 changes
SBB
04:063h35
Basel
07:41Lugano
£641One-way
0 changes
SBB
15:113h17
Basel
18:28Lugano
£901One-way
0 changes
SBB
06:563h06
Basel
10:02Lugano
£961One-way
0 changes
SBB
05:332h55
Basel
08:28Lugano
£961One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Basel to Lugano

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a flight costs an average of £67.

Distance: 202 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£85

Average Price

£39

Average Price

Cheapest

£196

Average Price

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 33m

Average total duration

4h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 47m

Average total duration

7h 47m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Basel to Lugano train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Saturday 6 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 16:08
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
sbb05:33 Basel
2h55
08:28 Lugano0 changesdirect
sbb06:56 Basel
3h06
10:02 Lugano0 changesdirect
sbb07:37 Basel
3h25
11:02 Lugano0 changesdirect
sbb12:45 Basel
3h17
16:02 Lugano0 changesdirect
sbb15:11 Basel
3h17
18:28 Lugano0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Lugano by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Lugano?

The best time to book your train from Basel to Lugano is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Basel to Lugano route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Basel to Lugano per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Basel to Lugano.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Lugano

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Lugano run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 2h 55m.

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 £26
Distance
202 km
Average train duration
3h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
£54
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 55m
First train
04:32
Last train
23:05
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 £26

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lugano trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lugano from £26. 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 Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£54
SBB frequency
8 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

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
£100
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
8 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 25m
Südostbahn frequency
4 a day

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.

FAQs
A day trip from Basel to Lugano is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 55m. However, there are 8 trains available per day. Distance is 202 km.
Three to four days in Lugano allows visitors to explore its key attractions, enjoy the picturesque lake, hike surrounding mountains, and experience the local culture and cuisine.
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.
In Lugano, you can enjoy scenic boat tours and lakeside promenades on Lake Lugano, with stunning views. Hike or take a funicular to Monte San Salvatore for breathtaking regional vistas. Explore vibrant local markets for a taste of Swiss culture, or visit the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola. Stroll through Lugano's Old Town to discover charming shops and cafes. For the best sights, Monte Brè offers panoramic views of the Alps, while Parco Ciani provides walking paths and gardens. The LAC hosts cultural events, and Swissminiatur showcases miniature Swiss landmarks. Gandria, a lakeside village, features narrow streets and traditional architecture.
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.
The train distance from Basel to Lugano is 202 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Lugano can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £85.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Lugano. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Lugano is by coach, costing approximately £26.
The train journey from Basel to Lugano covers a distance of 202 km and takes approximately 2h 55m. Trains run 8 per day.
To get from Basel to Lugano, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train station in Basel that goes to Lugano is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Lugano, Stazione.
The first train from Basel to Lugano leaves at 4:32.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basel to Lugano.
The last train from Basel to Lugano departs at 23:05.
Trains from Basel to Lugano run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Basel to Lugano.
There is no night train service from Basel to Lugano.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Lugano

Basel
Lugano
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel Bad Bhf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel Bad Bhf for your trip from Basel to Lugano.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Les Gareçons
  • Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Alexander
  • Hotel Wettstein
  • Hotel Balade
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 330 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
  • Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
Public transport options for Basel Bad Bhf
  • Tram: Line 2, Line 6
  • Bus: Several lines available
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Da Roberto
  • Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Victoria
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
  • Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
  • Hall 3: shopping and services area
Public transport options for Basel SBB
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available
Basel St JohannParkingDiningATMTaxisWCBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
WCWC
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 52 places, covered

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