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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Taking the train from Lucerne to Lugano
Chill out, enjoy some lake-based leisure, and munch on Michelin-starred cuisine in Lugano - one of Switzerland's finest tourist destinations. Taking the train from Lucerne to Lugano is comfortable and quick, with regular departures and no need to change along the way. When you need to relax and zone out, heading south to Lugano couldn't be easier.
The journey from Lucerne to Lugano is relatively short, as the route is included in SBB's high-speed network. This means that travellers can reach the city in just over two hours, even though Lugano and Lucerne are around 120 miles apart. You can spice up the journey in the on-board restaurant, check in as much luggage as you require, and take bikes as well. Whatever your travel needs, taking the train is the best way to go.
There are plenty of reasons to head to Lugano as soon as possible. The lake offers relaxing tours (often with gourmet food, live music, and Champagne thrown in). You can visit museums, shop for luxury goods on Via Nassa, just a 5-minute drive from the station, or venture into the Alps for something further afield. If our top tips have you convinced, use our handy Journey Planner to book your tickets, or read on for more need-to-know information on the route from Lucerne to Lugano.
Lucerne to Lugano by train
| First train | 6:18 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:18 pm | |
| Departure station | Lucerne | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 1h 40m | |
| Distance | 78 miles (126 km) | |
| Frequency | 32 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Lucerne to Lugano
Want to know more about your journey from Lucerne to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is the train ride from Lucerne to Lugano?
Who operates the trains from Lucerne to Lugano?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Lucerne to Lugano?
What is the best way to travel to Lugano from Lucerne?
What time does the first train run from Lucerne to Lugano?
How late does the train from Lucerne to Lugano run?
How many trains go from Lucerne to Lugano per day?
When do tickets from Lucerne to Lugano go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Lucerne to Lugano?
SBB trains from Lucerne to Lugano
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity and Eurocity classes from Lucerne to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Lucerne to Lugano.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lucerne to Lugano.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Lucerne to Lugano
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Lucerne to Lugano by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.