Basel to Lugano train with SBB

Fri 05 Jun
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano

Showing times and prices for 05 Jun

Cheapest price

£51

Average price

£91

Fastest journey

2 h 59 m

Average duration

2 h 59 m

Trains per day

106

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 £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.

Fast trains

Of the 106 trains that leave Basel for Lugano every day 2 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 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.

  • SBBIC 21 659 | 659
    4:553h03
    Basel SBB
    7:58Lugano, Stazione
    £511One-way
    0 changes
  • SBBIC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047
    4:553h18
    Basel SBB
    8:13Lugano
    £531One-way
    1 change
  • SBBIC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 · B 4 4041 | 4041
    4:553h21
    Basel SBB
    8:16Lugano
    £531One-way
    2 changes
  • SBBIC 61 987 | 987 · IC 21 691 | 691
    20:533h05
    Basel SBB
    23:58Lugano, Stazione
    £531One-way
    1 change
  • SBBIC 61 989 | 989 · IR 26 2343 | 2343 · IC 2 893 | 893 · S 10 25149 | 25149
    21:533h32
    Basel SBB
    1:25Lugano, Stazione
    £551One-way
    3 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 £27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. 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 £27, and a flight costs an average of £65.

Distance: 202 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£80

Average Price

£40

Average Price

Cheapest

£315

Average Price

3h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

4h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 1m

Average total duration

10h 1m

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 today, Thursday 4 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
SBBIR 37 2265 | 2265 · IC 2 869 | 8699:43 Basel SBB
3h15
12:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIC 61 965 | 965 · IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 8699:53 Basel SBB
3h05
12:58 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
SBBIR 36 1967 | 1967 · EC 19 | 1910:07 Basel SBB
3h21
13:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 27 2467 | 2467 · EC 19 | 19+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2023 | 202310:13 Basel SBB
3h15
13:28 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
SBBIC 61 31101 | 31101 · IC 21 671 | 67110:53 Basel SBB
3h05
13:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBEC 151 | 15111:04 Basel SBB
3h24
14:28 Lugano, Stazione0 changesdirect
SBBIR 36 1969 | 1969 · EC 151 | 15111:07 Basel SBB
3h21
14:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 27 2469 | 2469 · EC 151 | 151+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2025 | 202511:13 Basel SBB
3h15
14:28 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
Friday 5 June
SBBIC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 50474:55 Basel SBB
3h18
8:13 Lugano1 change
SBBIC 21 659 | 6594:55 Basel SBB
3h03
7:58 Lugano, Stazione0 changesdirect
SBBIC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 · B 4 4041 | 40414:55 Basel SBB
3h21
8:16 Lugano2 changes
SBBIR 36 1957 | 1957 · EC 11 | 115:07 Basel SBB
3h21
8:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 36 1957 | 1957 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 5061 · B 4 4049 | 40495:07 Basel SBB
3h39
8:46 Lugano3 changes
SBBIR 36 1957 | 1957 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 50615:07 Basel SBB
3h36
8:43 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 607 | 607 · IR 27 2457 | 2457 · S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 115:16 Basel SBB
3h12
8:28 Lugano, Stazione3 changes
SBBIC 61 607 | 607 · IR 27 2457 | 2457 · S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 115:16 Basel SBB
3h30
8:46 Lugano5 changes
SBBIC 61 607 | 607 · IR 27 2457 | 2457 · S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 115:16 Basel SBB
3h27
8:43 Lugano4 changes
SBBIR 37 2257 | 2257 · IC 2 861 | 8615:43 Basel SBB
3h15
8:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 37 2257 | 2257 · IC 2 861 | 861 · B 3 3095 | 30955:43 Basel SBB
3h27
9:10 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 957 | 957 · IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 8615:53 Basel SBB
3h05
8:58 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
SBBIC 61 957 | 957 · IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · B 3 3095 | 30955:53 Basel SBB
3h17
9:10 Lugano3 changes
SBBIC 3 559 | 559 · EC 30313 | 303136:29 Basel SBB
2h59
9:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIC 3 559 | 559 · EC 30313 | 30313 · B 5 5087 | 50876:29 Basel SBB
3h10
9:39 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 10959 | 10959 · IC 21 663 | 663 · B 5 5099 | 50996:53 Basel SBB
3h16
10:09 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 10959 | 10959 · IC 21 663 | 6636:53 Basel SBB
3h05
9:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIC 3 561 | 561 · EC 30331 | 303317:29 Basel SBB
2h59
10:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIC 3 561 | 561 · EC 30331 | 30331 · B 5 5111 | 51117:29 Basel SBB
3h10
10:39 Lugano2 changes
SBBIR 37 2261 | 2261 · IC 2 865 | 8657:43 Basel SBB
3h15
10:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 37 2261 | 2261 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 5 5123 | 51237:43 Basel SBB
3h26
11:09 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 31271 | 31271 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 8657:53 Basel SBB
3h05
10:58 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
SBBIC 61 31271 | 31271 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 5 5123 | 51237:53 Basel SBB
3h16
11:09 Lugano3 changes
SBBIC 3 563 | 563 · EC 30315 | 30315 · B 5 5135 | 51358:29 Basel SBB
3h10
11:39 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 3 563 | 563 · EC 30315 | 303158:29 Basel SBB
2h59
11:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIC 61 10963 | 10963 · IC 21 667 | 667 · B 5 5147 | 51478:53 Basel SBB
3h16
12:09 Lugano2 changes
SBBIC 61 10963 | 10963 · IC 21 667 | 6678:53 Basel SBB
3h05
11:58 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 36 1965 | 1965 · EC 153 | 1539:07 Basel SBB
3h21
12:28 Lugano, Stazione1 change
SBBIR 36 1965 | 1965 · EC 153 | 153 · B 5 5159 | 51599:07 Basel SBB
3h32
12:39 Lugano2 changes
SBBIR 27 2465 | 2465+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2021 | 2021+SBBEC 153 | 1539:13 Basel SBB
3h15
12:28 Lugano, Stazione2 changes
SBBIR 27 2465 | 2465+Voralpen ExpressIR VAE 2021 | 2021+SBBEC 153 | 153 · B 5 5159 | 51599:13 Basel SBB
3h26
12:39 Lugano3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare coach, train 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.

Fri
05 Jun
Sat
06 Jun
Sun
07 Jun
Mon
08 Jun
Tue
09 Jun
Wed
10 Jun
Thu
11 Jun
Fri
12 Jun
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13 Jun
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14 Jun
Mon
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16 Jun
Wed
17 Jun
Thu
18 Jun
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19 Jun
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20 Jun
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21 Jun
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22 Jun
Tue
23 Jun
Wed
24 Jun
Thu
25 Jun

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 12 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.

There are 2 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 54m.

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
3h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£51
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 54m
First train
0:37
Last train
23:05
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
35 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

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lugano trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn 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 Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Price
£51
SBB frequency
12 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 Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Price
£109
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
19 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 54m
Südostbahn frequency
6 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
The cost of a train ticket from Basel to Lugano can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £80.
The train journey from Basel to Lugano covers a distance of 202 km and takes approximately 2h 54m. Trains run 12 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 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basel to Lugano.
Yes, there is a direct train between Basel and Lugano. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
To get from Basel to Lugano, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Basel to Lugano.
The train station in Basel that goes to Lugano is Basel SBB, and it arrives at Lugano, Stazione.
The cheapest way to get from Basel to Lugano is by coach, costing approximately £27.
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.
A day trip from Basel to Lugano is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 54m. However, there are 8 trains available per day. Distance is 202 km.
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.
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, you can take the train 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 SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Lugano.
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, Brausebad
information
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

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