- Must visit
Musée Matisse
Museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, showing paintings, drawings and personal objects in a villa in Cimiez.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Nice
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£47
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£52
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
5 h 24 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
6 h 29 m
Trains on 23 Sept
4
Distance
288 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Nice is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Nice will cost around £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 4 trains from Lugano to Nice, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 288 km distance in an average of 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 32 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.
7:305h24Lugano12:54Nice£471One-way0 changes- 9:307h32Lugano17:02Nice£531One-way0 changes
- 11:305h29Lugano16:59Nice£531One-way0 changes
- 8:307h32Lugano16:02Nice£571One-way0 changes
- 7:305h24Lugano12:54Nice£471One-way0 changes
- 11:305h29Lugano16:59Nice£531One-way0 changes
- 9:307h32Lugano17:02Nice£531One-way0 changes
- 8:307h32Lugano16:02Nice£571One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Lugano to Nice
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Nice among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £62 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £62, while a flight costs an average of £447.
Distance: 288 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price Cheapest | £447 Average Price | £69 Average Price | £140 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Lugano to Nice is a train with an average price of £62.
This is compared to other travel options from Lugano to Nice:
A train is £7 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Lugano to Nice costing on average £69.
A train is £385 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lugano to Nice costing on average £447.
The fastest way to travel from Lugano to Nice is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 19m.
Other travel options to Nice take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 10m.
Train takes on average 8h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Lugano and Nice including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £62 compared to roughly £140 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £78. The journey takes 8h 15m versus 4h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Lugano to Nice train times
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Nice trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:30 Lugano | 5h29 | 16:59 Nice | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:30 Lugano | 5h32 | 20:02 Nice | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| 7:30 Lugano | 5h24 | 12:54 Nice | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:30 Lugano | 7h32 | 16:02 Nice | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:30 Lugano | 7h32 | 17:02 Nice | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Nice 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
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27 Sept
27 Sept
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29 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lugano to Nice
Switzerland
France
Trains from Lugano to Nice run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:55, the last at 18:10. The fastest train covers the 288 km distance in 5h 32m.
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 £29
Distance 288 km |
Average train duration 8h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 5h 32m |
First train 2:55 |
Last train 18:10 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Coach from £29
Train companies: SNCF | TGV INOUI, Regionale, Intercity from Lugano to Nice trainsSNCF | TGV INOUI, Regionale, Intercity trains will get you between Lugano and Nice from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SNCF | TGV INOUI
About
SNCF's TGV INOUI is a premium high-speed train service operating across France and to other European cities. Launched in 2017, it aims to provide an enhanced travel experience with greater comfort, connectivity, and services compared to traditional TGV services. TGV INOUI trains offer features like adjustable seats, electrical outlets, fold-down tables, and dedicated luggage spaces. Passengers can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and access to the TGV INOUI portal for entertainment and journey information. The service also includes a \Bistro TGV INOUI\" for dining, with options for online ordering. SNCF is also introducing a new generation of TGV INOUI trains from 2026, which will be more modular, energy-efficient, and 97% recyclable."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average SNCF | TGV INOUI Duration
10h 39m
Cheapest SNCF | TGV INOUI Price
£56
SNCF | TGV INOUI frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 hand luggage + 2 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (not all trains), at-seat service in 1st class, snack bar/cafe
Seat reservation
Second class: Optional, additional fee. First class: Included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers: Free. Large dogs: Paid ticket required. Guide dogs: Free
Quiet zone
Regionale
About
Regionale is the regional train service of national carrier Trenitalia connecting all of Italy. It is the most convinient way to travel to both big cities and the smallest villages all over the Italian country. The regional trains have different names depending on the region they serve, such as Treno Regionale Veloce (TRV) and Treno Regionale Lento (TRL). Treno Rock and Treno pop are the two new trains part of Trenitalia regionale fleet. Trenitalia Regionale offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets (economy and standard), return tickets, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and power sockets. The most popular routes for Regionale are between Rome and Milan, Naples and Florence, and Turin and Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regionale Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Regionale Price
£48
Regionale frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Free hand luggage allowance included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar service available on some trains with snacks and beverages
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Intercity
About
Trenitalia Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Italian national railway company, Trenitalia. It operates throughout the country, with services running from early morning to late evening. The Intercity trains come in two types: the Intercity Plus, which is the fastest and most comfortable, and the Intercity, which is slightly slower but still offers a comfortable journey. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, power sockets, Wi-Fi, and a bar service. There are several ticket types available, including Standard, Super Economy, and Business. The most popular routes for Trenitalia Intercity are from Rome to Milan, Naples to Florence, and Turin to Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Duration
6h 17m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£43
Intercity frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Nice
Things to do in Nice
Discover the best of Nice — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nice trip today.
- Must visit
Musée National Marc Chagall
Major collection of works by Marc Chagall, especially his Biblical Message cycle, in a purpose-built museum.
- Recommended
MAMAC
Museum of modern and contemporary art with strong twentieth-century collections and rooftop terraces near Place Garibaldi.
- Must visit
Promenade des Anglais
Famous seafront promenade for walking, cycling and beach views, lined with palms and Belle Époque façades.
- Must visit
Vieux Nice
Historic old town of narrow lanes, baroque churches, markets and lively squares, ideal for wandering on foot.
- Must visit
Place Masséna
Grand square between the old town and modern centre, known for arcades, sculptures and evening illumination.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Socca
Thin chickpea flour pancake baked in a wood oven with olive oil and pepper. A signature Niçoise street food with Ligurian roots.
- Gluten-free
Salade niçoise
Salad of raw seasonal vegetables, tomatoes, olives, anchovies, tuna and egg. It is the classic dish most associated with Nice.
Pissaladière
Small round tart filled with onions, anchovies and olives. A traditional Niçoise snack often sold in bakeries and markets.
Le Chantecler
Elegant dining room serving refined Mediterranean cuisine with sea views on the Promenade des Anglais. Good for a more polished meal.
Acchiardo
Traditional Niçoise restaurant in the old town known for local classics such as petits farcis and stockfish in a warm, rustic setting.
Chez Pipo
Lively institution near Cours Saleya famous for socca, petits farcis and other Niçoise staples in a busy, old-school dining room.
Euro (€)
Nice is pricier than many French cities, with higher hotel and seafront dining costs, though buses, trams and simple local eateries help keep daily spending manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €25-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service. Taxis are often rounded up, and small change is fine in cafés.
Lignes d'Azur Tickets
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.70
- Day pass
- €5.00
To the city centre
Nice-Ville -> Place Masséna, Nice
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Buy and validate your ticket before boarding; Lignes d'Azur states ticket purchase is expected before getting on board. Contactless card reloading is available via the official app.
- Nice-Ville is also called Nice Thiers on Lignes d'Azur sales information. Ticket machines are available at the station arrival hall.
FAQs: Lugano to Nice train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Nice 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 Nice, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Lugano to Nice can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Lugano to Nice covers a distance of 288 km and takes approximately 5h 32m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Lugano to Nice is 288 km.
The first train from Lugano to Nice leaves at 2:55.
The last train from Lugano to Nice departs at 18:10.
Trains from Lugano to Nice run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Lugano to Nice.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lugano to Nice.
To get from Lugano to Nice, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Lugano to Nice.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Nice is Lugano FLP, and it arrives at Ventimiglia station.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Nice is by coach, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Lugano to Nice 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 Nice offers a scenic experience, showcasing stunning views of the Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, and charming Mediterranean landscapes as it travels through Switzerland and France.
A day trip from Lugano to Nice is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 32m each way. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 288 km.
In Nice, you can explore the vibrant Cours Saleya Market, visit the stunning Nice Cathedral, and enjoy performances at the Nice Opera House. Discover the natural beauty of Phoenix Park, a large botanical garden and zoo, or take a boat tour along the French Riviera's stunning coastline. For breathtaking views, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and visit Castle Hill. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Musée Matisse and the Marc Chagall National Museum. Don't miss the charming Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets and vibrant markets.
To fully experience Nice, plan for at least three to four days to explore its beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Lugano to Nice.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Lugano and Nice
Most Lugano to Nice trains use the Lugano FLP to Ventimiglia Stazione station pair. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Nice 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 Nice
Which Lugano station do trains to Nice leave from?
Trains from Lugano to Nice leave from Lugano FLP. The station is from Lugano city centre at Piazzale Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
Lugano FLPPiazzale Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland+41 91 923 23 23
City-centre transport
Getting to Lugano FLP from Lugano city centre
BusSeveral lines available
FunicularConnection to Lugano city center
Lugano FLP train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
Lugano, Stazione6900 Lugano, Switzerland
City-centre transport
Getting to Lugano, Stazione from Lugano city centre
Bus6 · 7m · £3 · every ~10 min
6 · 10m · £3 · every ~10 min
461 · 12m · £5 · every ~5 min
Lugano, Stazione train station facilities and services
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Which Nice station do trains from Lugano arrive at?
Trains from Lugano to Nice most often arrive at Ventimiglia Stazione. Some services arrive at Nice Ville, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Nice arrival station.
Nice VilleAvenue Thiers, 06008 Nice, France+33 493870707
City-centre transport
Getting to Nice Ville from Nice city centre
Bus99 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
Nice Ville train station facilities and services
Nice Ville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Agora, PAUL, Sushi Side, Factory Donuts, Deli & Cia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located on the forecourt of the station, on the right when exiting the station hall.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 15:30. Information desks are located in the station main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nice Ville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nice Ville: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nice Ville: Level access from the entrance to the station, barrier-free toilets, magnetic induction loops. Assistance offered by Accès Plus to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, located in the central hall.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Trocadero, Ibis Nice Centre Gare, Hotel Belle Meuniere.
More options for your journey from Lugano to Nice
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Nice and Lugano
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