- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Lugano will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 5 trains from Bologna to Lugano, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 251 km distance in an average of 4 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 52 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.

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Trains from Bologna to Lugano run on average 45 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 251 km distance in 1h 35m.
Distance 251 km |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 45 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 35m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bologna to Lugano.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Lugano trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9504+ EuroCity 14 | 7:31 Bologna Centrale | 2h57 | 10:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9508+ EuroCity 178 | 8:36 Bologna Centrale | 3h14 | 11:50 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
EuroCity 30 | 9:06 Bologna Centrale | 4h22 | 13:28 Lugano FLP | 0 changesdirect | |
9908+ EuroCity 16 | 9:06 Bologna Centrale | 5h22 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9968+ EuroCity 16 | 9:11 Bologna Centrale | 5h17 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9968+ EuroCity 150 | 9:11 Bologna Centrale | 3h17 | 12:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9512+ EuroCity 150 | 9:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 12:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9912+ EuroCity 16 | 10:06 Bologna Centrale | 4h22 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce 3840 · Regionale TRENORD 2628+ EuroCity 32 | 10:10 Bologna Centrale | 5h18 | 15:28 Lugano FLP | 2 changes | |
9972+ EuroCity 16 | 10:11 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9972+ EuroCity 22 | 10:11 Bologna Centrale | 7h17 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9916+ EuroCity 16 | 11:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9974+ EuroCity 16 | 11:11 Bologna Centrale | 3h17 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9974+ EuroCity 22 | 11:11 Bologna Centrale | 6h17 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9520+ EuroCity 16 | 11:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 14:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9920+ EuroCity 22 | 12:06 Bologna Centrale | 5h22 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9976+ EuroCity 24 | 12:11 Bologna Centrale | 6h17 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9976+ EuroCity 22 | 12:11 Bologna Centrale | 5h17 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9524+ EuroCity 32 | 12:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 15:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9924+ EuroCity 22 | 13:06 Bologna Centrale | 4h22 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9978+ EuroCity 22 | 13:11 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9978+ EuroCity 24 | 13:11 Bologna Centrale | 5h17 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9514+ EuroCity 20 | 13:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 16:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2490+ EuroCity 24 | 13:50 Bologna Centrale | 4h38 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9928+ EuroCity 22 | 14:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9928+ EuroCity 306 | 14:06 Bologna Centrale | 5h22 | 19:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9928+ EuroCity 24 | 14:06 Bologna Centrale | 4h22 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9532+ EuroCity 22 | 14:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 17:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
Intercity 608+ EuroCity 306 | 15:04 Bologna Centrale | 4h24 | 19:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9932+ EuroCity 24 | 15:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9982+ EuroCity 306 | 15:11 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 19:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9982+ EuroCity 24 | 15:11 Bologna Centrale | 3h17 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9584+ EuroCity 24 | 15:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 18:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+ EuroCity 126 | 15:50 Bologna Centrale | 4h38 | 20:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
8134+ EuroCity 28 | 16:06 Bologna Centrale | 5h22 | 21:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
8134+ EuroCity 306 | 16:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 19:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
8134+ EuroCity 126 | 16:06 Bologna Centrale | 4h22 | 20:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9540+ EuroCity 306 | 16:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 19:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9940+ EuroCity 126 | 17:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 20:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9986+ EuroCity 126 | 17:11 Bologna Centrale | 3h17 | 20:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9986+ EuroCity 28 | 17:11 Bologna Centrale | 4h17 | 21:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9544+ EuroCity 126 | 17:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 20:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
9946+ EuroCity 28 | 18:06 Bologna Centrale | 3h22 | 21:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9588+ EuroCity 28 | 18:36 Bologna Centrale | 2h52 | 21:28 Lugano FLP | 1 change | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
![]() | 4:58 Bologna | 4h52 | 9:50 Lugano | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 5:58 Bologna | 4h52 | 10:50 Lugano | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Lugano.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna 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 Bologna to Lugano trains use the Bologna Centrale to Lugano FLP station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna Mazzini is 3 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Mazzini has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food options include: CA.FÉ MAZZINI, Gelateria Mazzini
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Mazzini.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Mazzini: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Camplus Mazzini, Hotel Blumen, Hotel Sant'Orsola City House.
Bologna S. Vitale is 2 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna S. Vitale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
ATMs are available at Bologna S. Vitale.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Parking, WC.
Available at Bologna S. Vitale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna S. Vitale: Elevators, ramps.
Lugano FLP has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Lugano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.
Check train stations information for Bologna and Lugano, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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