Lugano to Zurich train with SBB

Fri 21 Nov
+ Add return
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Zurich

Showing times and prices for 22 Nov

Cheapest price

£45

Average price

£59

Fastest journey

1 h 53 m

Average duration

1 h 58 m

Trains per day

15

Distance

155 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lugano to Zurich will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

Of the 15 trains that leave Lugano for Zurich every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 155 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 8 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.

SBBIC 2 870 | 870
09:021h53
Lugano, Stazione
10:55Zurich HB
£451One-way
0 changes
SBBIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418
10:021h53
Lugano, Stazione
11:55Zurich HB
£451One-way
1 change
SBBIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2119 | 2119
10:022h23
Lugano, Stazione
12:25Zurich HB
£461One-way
2 changes
SBBIC 2 870 | 870 · RE 48 4918 | 4918
09:022h08
Lugano, Stazione
11:10Zürich Oerlikon
£471One-way
1 change
SBBIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418 · RE 48 4920 | 4920
10:022h08
Lugano, Stazione
12:10Zürich Oerlikon
£471One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Lugano to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a flight costs an average of £73.

Distance: 155 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£62

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£187

Average Price

2h 48m

Average total duration

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

58m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

LAER

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 Zurich train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Zurich trains for today, Friday 21 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 00:25
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
sbbEC 10 | 10 · S 5 18538 | 1853807:30 Lugano, Stazione
2h14
09:44 Zurich Altstetten1 change
sbbEC 10 | 1007:30 Lugano, Stazione
1h57
09:27 Zurich HB0 changesdirect
sbbEC 10 | 10 · S 9 18938 | 1893807:30 Lugano, Stazione
2h14
09:44 Zürich Oerlikon1 change
sbbIC 2 870 | 87008:02 Lugano, Stazione
1h53
09:55 Zurich HB0 changesdirect
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · RE 48 4918 | 491808:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h08
10:10 Zürich Oerlikon1 change
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · S 5 18540 | 1854008:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h12
10:14 Zurich Altstetten1 change
sbbEC 12 | 1208:30 Lugano, Stazione
1h57
10:27 Zurich HB0 changesdirect
sbbEC 12 | 12 · S 9 18942 | 1894208:30 Lugano, Stazione
2h14
10:44 Zürich Oerlikon1 change
sbbEC 12 | 12 · S 5 18542 | 1854208:30 Lugano, Stazione
2h14
10:44 Zurich Altstetten1 change
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418 · RE 48 4920 | 492009:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h08
11:10 Zürich Oerlikon2 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2575 | 2575 · S 5 18546 | 1854609:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h42
11:44 Zurich Altstetten3 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418 · S 5 18544 | 1854409:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h12
11:14 Zurich Altstetten2 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2575 | 2575 · S 9 18946 | 1894609:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h42
11:44 Zürich Oerlikon3 changes
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 241809:02 Lugano, Stazione
1h53
10:55 Zurich HB1 change
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2575 | 257509:02 Lugano, Stazione
2h23
11:25 Zurich HB2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Zurich 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.

Fri
21 Nov
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Lugano to Zurich?

The best time to book your train from Lugano to Zurich is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Lugano to Zurich route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Lugano to Zurich 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 Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Zurich

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Zurich run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 155 km distance in 1h 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 £15
Distance
155 km
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£40
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
00:08
Last train
23:51
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 £15

Train companies: SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Lugano to Zurich trainsSBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Lugano and Zurich from £15. 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
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
£40
SBB frequency
19 a day
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
1h 57m
Cheapest Price
£71
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
7 a day

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£84
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
18 a day

FAQs: Lugano to Zurich train

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

FAQs
In Zurich, you can hike or take a train to the summit of Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. Indulge in shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets. Explore the diverse habitats and wildlife at Zurich Zoo, or enjoy a performance at the renowned Opera House. Wander through the serene Botanical Garden with its wide variety of plant species. Visit the picturesque Lake Zurich for recreational activities, or stroll through the historic Old Town with its medieval buildings and cultural landmarks. Discover art at Kunsthaus Zurich and explore Swiss cultural history at the Swiss National Museum. Relax in Lindenhof park, offering beautiful city views and a glimpse into Zurich's Roman history.
To fully experience Zurich, spending three to four days allows time to explore its cultural landmarks, enjoy the picturesque Lake Zurich, and visit nearby attractions like Uetliberg Mountain.
A day trip from Lugano to Zurich may not be feasible as the journey duration is 1h 53m. However, trains run 19 times per day, covering a distance of 155 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Lugano and Zurich. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).
The train distance from Lugano to Zurich is 155 km.
To get from Lugano to Zurich, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
The train journey from Lugano to Zurich covers a distance of 155 km and takes approximately 1h 53m. Trains run 19 per day.
The first train from Lugano to Zurich leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Lugano to Zurich departs at 23:51.
The train journey from Lugano to Zurich is considered scenic, offering views of the picturesque Swiss countryside, including the serene Lake Lugano, the majestic Alps, and charming villages along the way.
Booking trains from Lugano to Zurich in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Trains from Lugano to Zurich run approximately 19 times per day.
There is no night train service from Lugano to Zurich.
The cost of a train ticket from Lugano to Zurich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The cheapest way to get from Lugano to Zurich is by coach, costing approximately £15.
The train station in Lugano that goes to Zurich is Lugano, Stazione, and it arrives at Zurich HB.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Lugano to Zurich.
Yes, you can take the train from Lugano to Zurich.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lugano and Zurich

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

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