Lugano to Geneva train with SBB

Fri 17 Apr
+ Add return
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Geneva

Showing times and prices for 18 Apr

Cheapest price

£109

Average price

£128

Fastest journey

4 h 53 m

Average duration

5 h 1 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

217 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lugano to Geneva will cost around £128 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £109.

Fast trains

To travel from Lugano to Geneva you need to make at least one change.

  • SBBB 4 4051 | 4051 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 900 | 900
    8:475h38
    Lugano
    14:25Geneva station
    £1091One-way
    2 changes
  • SBBB 4 4051 | 4051 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 1818
    8:475h08
    Lugano
    13:55Geneva station
    £1101One-way
    3 changes
  • SBBRE 80 5102 | 5102 · PE 72 32 | 32 · EC 40 | 40
    7:055h26
    Lugano, Stazione
    12:31Geneva station
    £1311One-way
    2 changes
  • SBBRE 80 5100 | 5100 · RE 73 120 | 120 · EC 60 | 60 · IR 90 1814 | 1814
    6:055h50
    Lugano, Stazione
    11:55Geneva station
    £1311One-way
    3 changes
  • SBBIC 21 668 | 668 · IC 5 516 | 516 · IR 90 1816 | 1816
    8:024h53
    Lugano, Stazione
    12:55Geneva station
    £1321One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, flight and coach for Lugano to Geneva

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Geneva among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 45m. 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 £33, and a flight costs an average of £42.

Distance: 217 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£91

Average Price

£38

Average Price

Cheapest

£141

Average Price

5h 27m

Average total duration

4h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 5m

Average total duration

4h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 45m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

0.7 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Air Baltic

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Lugano to Geneva train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Geneva trains for today, Friday 17 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
sbbB 4 4049 | 4049 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 18186:47 Lugano
5h08
11:55 Geneva station3 changes
sbbB 4 4049 | 4049 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IC 1 716 | 7166:47 Lugano
5h38
12:25 Geneva station2 changes
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · IC 1 716 | 7167:02 Lugano, Stazione
5h23
12:25 Geneva station1 change
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · IC 5 518 | 518 · IR 90 1818 | 18187:02 Lugano, Stazione
4h53
11:55 Geneva station2 changes
sbbB 4 4065 | 4065 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 18207:47 Lugano
5h08
12:55 Geneva station3 changes
sbbB 4 4065 | 4065 · IC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 25207:47 Lugano
5h18
13:05 Geneva station2 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IC 5 520 | 520 · IR 90 1820 | 18208:02 Lugano, Stazione
4h53
12:55 Geneva station2 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 15 2520 | 25208:02 Lugano, Stazione
5h03
13:05 Geneva station1 change
sbbB 4 4081 | 4081 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 1 720 | 7208:47 Lugano
5h38
14:25 Geneva station2 changes
sbbB 4 4081 | 4081 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 18228:47 Lugano
5h08
13:55 Geneva station3 changes
sbbIC 2 874 | 874 · IC 5 522 | 522 · IR 90 1822 | 18229:02 Lugano, Stazione
4h53
13:55 Geneva station2 changes
sbbIC 2 874 | 874 · IC 1 720 | 7209:02 Lugano, Stazione
5h23
14:25 Geneva station1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, flight and coach 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
18 Apr
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08 May

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

The best time to book your train from Lugano to Geneva is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Lugano to Geneva route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Lugano to Geneva 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 Lugano to Geneva.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Geneva

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Geneva run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 217 km distance in 4h 53m.

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 £33
Distance
217 km
Average train duration
4h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£54
Trains per day
17
Fastest train
4h 53m
First train
0:03
Last train
23:38
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
42 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 £33

Train companies: SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Lugano to Geneva trainsSBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Lugano and Geneva from £33. 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
4h 53m
Cheapest Price
£54
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

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Price
£179
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£186
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Lugano to Geneva train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Lugano to Geneva can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Lugano to Geneva covers a distance of 217 km and takes approximately 4h 53m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from Lugano to Geneva is 217 km.
The first train from Lugano to Geneva leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Lugano to Geneva departs at 23:38.
Trains from Lugano to Geneva run approximately 17 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Lugano to Geneva.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lugano to Geneva.
To get from Lugano to Geneva, you can choose from several travel options including train, flight and coach.
There is no night train service from Lugano to Geneva.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Geneva is Lugano, Stazione, and it arrives at Geneva station.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Geneva is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Lugano to Geneva 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 Lugano to Geneva is scenic, offering stunning views of the Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, and charming countryside landscapes along the route.
A day trip from Lugano to Geneva is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 53m. The distance is 217 km and there are 15 trains available per day.
In Geneva, you can explore the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and historical buildings, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Geneva for stunning views of the city and surrounding Alps, and visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum to learn about humanitarian efforts. Discover the vibrant Carouge district with its bohemian atmosphere and artisan shops, and relax at Bains des Pâquis, a popular lakeside spot for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss the Jet d'Eau, a large fountain on Lake Geneva, and St. Pierre Cathedral for its archaeological site and panoramic views. Parc des Bastions offers a scenic escape with its Reformation Wall and giant chess boards, while the Palais des Nations provides insight into the United Nations' European headquarters. For watch enthusiasts, the Patek Philippe Museum showcases a vast collection of timepieces and horological artifacts.
To explore Geneva's main attractions, including the Jet d'Eau, St. Pierre Cathedral, and the United Nations Office, a stay of two to three days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Lugano to Geneva.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lugano and Geneva

Lugano
Geneva
The major train station for departures in Lugano is Lugano, Stazione. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lugano, Stazione for your trip from Lugano to Geneva.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Lugano Città (funicolare)Accessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
WCWC
HotelHotel
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

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