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About the train journey from Zagreb to Lugano
Want to travel from Zagreb to Lugano by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Zagreb to Lugano usually takes 15 hours 41 minutes on average to travel 338 miles (544 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 14 hours 18 minutes. You can expect to find 4 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Zagreb and Lugano, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Lugano. You can choose to travel with ÖBB or SBB to get to Lugano – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Zagreb to Lugano in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Lugano, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
FAQs about the train journey from Zagreb to Lugano
Want to know more about your journey from Zagreb to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
What's the distance between Zagreb and Lugano by train?
Who runs the trains from Zagreb to Lugano?
Can you travel from Zagreb to Lugano without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Lugano from Zagreb?
What time is the first train from Zagreb to Lugano?
What time is the last train from Zagreb to Lugano?
How often do trains go from Zagreb to Lugano?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Zagreb to Lugano?
Is there a return trip from Zagreb to Lugano?
ÖBB and SBB trains from Zagreb to Lugano
ÖBB
SBB
ÖBB is the major railway company for Austria, subdivided into several subsidiaries, responsible for certain areas of transport, such as long distance and local transport, the operation of postal buses and the transport of goods. Railjet is ÖBB's high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 143 mph (230 km/h) and connects the main Austrian cities with Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Italy.
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- ÖBB /
- Railjet /
- Nightjet /
- Trains in Austria
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).
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Intercity classes from Zagreb to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when travelling from Zagreb to Lugano.
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- 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 plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zagreb to Lugano.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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 plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.
You can take your bicycle onboard 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.
Cheap train tickets from Zagreb 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 Zagreb 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.