- 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 on 03 Sept
£41
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£56
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
1 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
1 h 40 m
Trains on 03 Sept
29
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lucerne to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lucerne to Lugano will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 29 trains from Lucerne to Lugano, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 40 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
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 2 2165 | 2165
IC 21 659 | 659
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861
IC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873
IC 21 675 | 675
IC 21 671 | 671
IC 21 667 | 667
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, while a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 126 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest | £67 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Lucerne to Lugano:
A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lucerne to Lugano costing on average £51.
Other travel options to Lugano take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 56m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 29m.
The journey is about 16m faster (1h 56m by train vs 2h 12m by car) and roughly £16 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£51 vs £67). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 21 659 | 659 | 6:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 7:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 | 6:18 Lucerne station | 1h55 | 8:13 Lugano | 1 change | |
IC 21 659 | 659 · B 5 5047 | 5047 · B 4 4041 | 4041 | 6:18 Lucerne station | 1h58 | 8:16 Lugano | 2 changes | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 | 6:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 8:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 5061 | 6:39 Lucerne station | 2h04 | 8:43 Lugano | 2 changes | |
S 3 21323 | 21323 · EC 11 | 11 · B 5 5061 | 5061 · B 4 4049 | 4049 | 6:39 Lucerne station | 2h07 | 8:46 Lugano | 3 changes | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 | 7:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 8:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 · IC 2 861 | 861 · B 3 3095 | 3095 | 7:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 9:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
EC 13 | 13+ IR VAE 2015 | 2015 | 7:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 9:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
IC 21 663 | 663 | 8:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 9:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 21 663 | 663 · B 3 3119 | 3119 | 8:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 10:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
EC 31 | 31+ IR VAE 2017 | 2017 | 8:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 10:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
EC 31 | 31 · B 3 3131 | 3131+ IR VAE 2017 | 2017 | 8:39 Lucerne station | 2h01 | 10:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 9:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 10:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 3 3143 | 3143 | 9:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 11:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
EC 15 | 15+ IR VAE 2019 | 2019 | 9:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 11:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
EC 15 | 15 · B 3 3155 | 3155+ IR VAE 2019 | 2019 | 9:39 Lucerne station | 2h01 | 11:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 10:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 11:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 21 667 | 667 · B 3 3167 | 3167 | 10:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 12:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
IC 21 671 | 671 · B 2 2149 | 2149 | 12:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 14:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
IC 21 671 | 671 | 12:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 13:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 151 | 151+ IR VAE 2025 | 2025 | 12:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 14:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
EC 151 | 151 · B 2 2157 | 2157+ IR VAE 2025 | 2025 | 12:39 Lucerne station | 2h01 | 14:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 | 13:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 14:58 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 · IC 2 873 | 873 · B 2 2165 | 2165 | 13:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 15:10 Lugano | 2 changes | |
EC 21 | 21+ IR VAE 2027 | 2027 | 13:39 Lucerne station | 1h49 | 15:28 Lugano, Stazione | 1 change | |
EC 21 | 21 · B 2 2173 | 2173+ IR VAE 2027 | 2027 | 13:39 Lucerne station | 2h01 | 15:40 Lugano | 2 changes | |
IC 21 675 | 675 | 14:18 Lucerne station | 1h40 | 15:58 Lugano, Stazione | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 21 675 | 675 · B 2 2181 | 2181 | 14:18 Lucerne station | 1h52 | 16:10 Lugano | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Lucerne to Lugano run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 126 km |
Average train duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:18 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne to Lugano trains use the Luzern Bhf to Lugano, Stazione station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano-Paradiso. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luzern Bhf 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 options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Luzern, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Luzern Bahnhofquai 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, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Schiff, Restaurant Opus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bahnhofquai.
Nearby hotels include Hotel des Balances, Hotel Monopol Luzern, Hotel Waldstätterhof.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Lugano-Paradiso is 1 km from Lugano city centre. Public transport options include:
Lugano-Paradiso has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Lugano-Paradiso.
ATMs are available at Lugano-Paradiso.
Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Parking, WC.
Available at Lugano-Paradiso: Bike Rental.
Lugano Città (funicolare) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano Città (funicolare).
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need