Lugano to Frankfurt am Main train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Wed 23 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£36

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£36

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

6 h 7 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

6 h 14 m

Trains on 23 Sept

6

Distance

458 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

To travel from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106 · ICE 596
    10:026h07
    Lugano station
    16:09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 278
    10:027h07
    Lugano station
    17:09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 870 · IR 2316 · ICE 370
    9:026h07
    Lugano station
    15:09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
    £361One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnEC 10 · ICE 370
    8:306h39
    Lugano station
    15:09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
    £361One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 668 · ICE 108 · ICE 598
    8:026h07
    Lugano station
    14:09Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
    £361One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Lugano to Frankfurt am Main

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £59 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £59, while a flight costs an average of £402.

Distance: 458 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach
Driving

£101

Average Price

£402

Average Price

£59

Average Price

Cheapest

£137

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 27m

Average total duration

5h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

11h 24m

Average total duration

10h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Air Dolomiti

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is a coach with an average price of £59.

This is compared to other travel options from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main:

A coach is £42 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main costing on average £101.

A coach is £343 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main costing on average £402.

The fastest way to travel from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 17m.

Other travel options to Frankfurt am Main take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 57m.

Coach takes on average 10h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lugano and Frankfurt am Main including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 23m faster (5h 57m by train vs 6h 20m by car) and roughly £36 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£101 vs £137). 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.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Lugano to Frankfurt am Main train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Frankfurt am Main trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 878 · IR 2324 · ICE 276
On time
13:02 Lugano station
6h07
19:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnEC 30+TGVTGV 9226+Deutsche BahnICE 70
On time
13:30 Lugano station
6h10
19:40 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Wednesday 23 September
Deutsche BahnIC 668 · ICE 108 · ICE 598
On time
8:02 Lugano station
6h07
14:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnEC 10 · ICE 370
On time
8:30 Lugano station
6h39
15:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
1 change
Deutsche BahnIC 870 · IR 2316 · ICE 370
On time
9:02 Lugano station
6h07
15:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnEC 12+TGVTGV 9218+Deutsche BahnICE 72
On time
9:30 Lugano station
6h10
15:40 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 106 · ICE 596
On time
10:02 Lugano station
6h07
16:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 672 · ICE 278
On time
10:02 Lugano station
7h07
17:09 Frankfurt (Main) Hbf
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Frankfurt am Main 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Lugano to Frankfurt am Main trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all trains services from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 22:55. The fastest train covers the 458 km distance in 5h 38m.

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
Flight from £18
Distance
458 km
Average train duration
5h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£43
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
5h 38m
First train
0:19
Last train
22:55
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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
Flight from £18

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Lugano and Frankfurt am Main from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Deutsche Bahn Duration
5h 38m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£43
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Frankfurt am Main

Things to do in Frankfurt am Main

Discover the best of Frankfurt am Main — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Frankfurt am Main trip today.

  • Must visit

Städel Museum

Major art museum on the Museumsufer with European masterpieces from the Middle Ages to modern art in a substantial permanent collection.

  • Must visit

Senckenberg Naturmuseum

Extensive natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, fossils and scientific exhibits, especially popular for families and rainy days.

  • Recommended

Museum für Moderne Kunst

Museum of modern and contemporary art known for its striking triangular building and rotating exhibitions near the old town.

Euro (€)

Moderate for Germany: hotels and dining cost more than smaller cities, but public transport is efficient and many everyday meals remain reasonably priced.

Average meal costs

Budget
€8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
€18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
€70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
€3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is not usually included. Round up or tip about 5-10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and leave small change in cafés.

FAQs: Lugano to Frankfurt am Main train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main 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 Frankfurt am Main, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £101.
The train journey from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main covers a distance of 458 km and takes approximately 5h 38m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is 458 km.
The first train from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main leaves at 0:19.
The last train from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main departs at 22:55.
Trains from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main run approximately 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.
To get from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Frankfurt am Main is Lugano station, and it arrives at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is by flight, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is considered scenic, as it passes through the picturesque Swiss Alps, offering views of lush valleys, charming villages, and serene lakes. As the train travels north, passengers can also enjoy the rolling hills and vineyards of the German countryside, making it a visually pleasing experience.
A day trip from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 38m. The distance between the two cities is 458 km, and there are 8 trips per day available by train.
In Frankfurt am Main, you can ascend the Main Tower for panoramic city views, explore the vibrant Kleinmarkthalle for diverse culinary delights, and visit the Senckenberg Natural History Museum, renowned for its dinosaur fossils. Stroll along the River Main for scenic vistas, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the Zeil, the city's premier shopping street. Key sights include the historic Römer city hall, the Städel Museum with its extensive art collection, the Palmengarten botanical garden, the Goethe House museum, and the impressive Frankfurt Cathedral.
To explore the key attractions and get a sense of the city, you typically need about 2 to 3 days in Frankfurt am Main.
Yes, you can take the train from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lugano and Frankfurt am Main

Most Lugano to Frankfurt am Main trains use the Lugano to Frankfurt (Main) Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Frankfurt (Main) Süd. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Frankfurt am Main train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Lugano
Arrival train stations in Frankfurt am Main

Which Lugano station do trains to Frankfurt am Main leave from?

Trains from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main leave from Lugano. The station is from Lugano city centre at Piazzale della Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
LuganoPiazzale della Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland+41 91 923 23 23WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Lugano from Lugano city centre

Bus6 · 7m · £3 · every ~10 min
6 · 10m · £3 · every ~10 min
461 · 12m · £5 · every ~5 min

Lugano train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.

More options for your journey from Lugano to Frankfurt am Main

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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