- 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 17 Sept
£38
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£40
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
5 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
5 h 24 m
Trains on 17 Sept
2
Distance
214 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Monterosso al Mare to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Monterosso al Mare to Lugano will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 trains from Monterosso al Mare to Lugano, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 5 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 26 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Monterosso al Mare to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 214 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£42 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £50 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 4h 22m versus 3h 45m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Monterosso al Mare to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 15:02 Monterosso al Mare | 5h26 | 20:28 Lugano | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:06 Monterosso al Mare | 5h22 | 20:28 Lugano | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Monterosso al Mare to Lugano run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:27, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 5h 33m.
Distance 214 km |
Average train duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 33m |
First train 1:27 |
Last train 19:30 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 42 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 Monterosso al Mare 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 Monterosso al Mare to Lugano trains use the Monterosso to Lugano FLP station pair. Use this guide to compare Monterosso al Mare and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Monterosso has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Miky, Ristorante Belvedere
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Monterosso. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Monterosso.
Available at Monterosso: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Monterosso: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Monterosso: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Porto Roca, Hotel Palme, Hotel Margherita.
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 options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante Trani
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano FLP. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano FLP. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano FLP: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano FLP: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano FLP: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano, Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano.
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