Trains from Lugano to Vienna
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About the train journey from Lugano to Vienna
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The train from Lugano to Vienna usually takes 12 hours 37 minutes on average to travel 613 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 9 hours 55 minutes. You can expect to find 20 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Lugano and Vienna, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Vienna. You can choose to travel with Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or ICE to get to Vienna. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Lugano to Vienna in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $52.89.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Vienna, 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.
Lugano to Vienna by train
It takes an average of 12h 37m to travel from Lugano to Vienna by train, over a distance of around 381 miles (613 km). There are normally 20 trains per day traveling from Lugano to Vienna and tickets for this journey start from $52.89 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:02 | |
| Departure station | Lugano | |
| Arrival station | Vienna | |
| Journey time | 9h 55m | |
| Distance | 613 miles (381 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From $52.89 | |
| Train and bus operators | Meridian, Regiojet, Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SBB CFF FFS, Flixbus, Westbahn, Union Ivkoni (Bus), Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord |
Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SBB and WESTbahn trains from Lugano to Vienna
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
SBB
WESTbahn
The Deutsche Bahn Group is owned by the German State and controls the majority of rail traffic in Germany as well as in many border regions of the country. Every year, Deutsche Bahn transports several million passengers and many stations in Germany are served exclusively by DB trains, including the ICE, IC and EC fleet.
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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.
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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WESTbahn is Austria's first private long-distance rail company with trains running from Vienna to Salzburg via St. Pölten, Amstetten, Linz, Wels and Attnang-Puchheim. This route is one of the most important in Austria, covering a distance of around 155 miles (250 km) and a duration of about 2h 30m. The company offers many discounted fares, allows travel with pets and bicycles and has no baggage restrictions.
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Cheap train tickets from Lugano to Vienna
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 Lugano to Vienna 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.
FAQs for Lugano to Vienna
How long does the train from Lugano to Vienna take?
The average journey time by train between Lugano and Vienna is 12 hours and 37 minutes, with around 20 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Lugano and Vienna by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lugano to Vienna is 9 hours and 55 minutes.
How much does the train from Lugano to Vienna cost?
Train tickets from Lugano to Vienna can start from as little as $52.89 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Lugano to Vienna?
No, there are no direct train services from Lugano to Vienna. Travelling from Lugano to Vienna by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Lugano to Vienna leave?
The first train from Lugano to Vienna leaves at 04:32. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lugano to Vienna leave?
The last train from Lugano to Vienna leaves at 22:02. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Lugano and Vienna by train?
Trains travelling from Lugano to Vienna cover a distance of around 381 miles (613 km) during the journey.