- 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 31 Aug
£82
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£101
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
9 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
11 h 13 m
Trains on 31 Aug
7
Distance
369 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Lugano will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
To travel from Salzburg to Lugano you need to make at least 2 changes.
ICE 118 · 19278 · IC 281 · EC 29
RJX13474 · IR 2409+
IC 659
RJX13474+
EC 11
RJX19918+
EC 94 · EC 11
RJX19918+
EC 94+
IR 2409+
IC 659
RJX19910+
REX 1+
EC 192+
IC 881
RJX19912+
EC 190+
IC 885
ICE 118 · 19278 · IC 281 · EC 29
RJX19918+
EC 94+
IR 2409+
IC 659
RJX19918+
EC 94 · EC 11Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a flight costs an average of £224.
Distance: 369 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £224 Average Price |
7h 59m Average total duration 7h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration 8h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration Fastest 5h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX19910+ EC 192+ IC 881+ REX 1 | 9:56 Salzburg Hbf | 9h02 | 18:58 Lugano station | 3 changes | |
RJX19912+ EC 190+ IC 885 | 11:56 Salzburg Hbf | 9h02 | 20:58 Lugano station | 2 changes | |
ICE 118 · 19278 · IC 281 · EC 29 | On time 12:00 Salzburg Hbf | 9h28 | 21:28 Lugano station | 3 changes | |
RJX13474 · IR 2409+ IC 659 | 16:56 Salzburg Hbf | 15h02 | 7:58 Lugano station | 2 changes | |
RJX13474+ EC 11 | 16:56 Salzburg Hbf | 15h32 | 8:28 Lugano station | 1 change | |
RJX19918+ EC 94 · EC 11 | 17:56 Salzburg Hbf | 14h32 | 8:28 Lugano station | 2 changes | |
RJX19918+ EC 94+ IR 2409+ IC 659 | 17:56 Salzburg Hbf | 14h02 | 7:58 Lugano station | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Salzburg to Lugano run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:30, the last at 22:02. The fastest train covers the 369 km distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 369 km |
Average train duration 7h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 32m |
First train 2:30 |
Last train 22:02 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg to Lugano trains use the Salzburg Hbf to Lugano station pair. Use this guide to compare Salzburg and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Salzburg Hbf is 1 km from Salzburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Salzburg Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Imlauer, Stieglitz
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Salzburg Hbf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Salzburg Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Salzburg Hbf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salzburg Hbf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Europa Salzburg, Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre, H+ Hotel Salzburg.
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 options include: Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto, Ristorante La Cucina di Alice
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Lugano. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lugano. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lugano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lugano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano, Hotel Lugano Dante Center, Hotel Federale Lugano.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need