Trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
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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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Traveling from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train
Looking to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 1 hour 28 minutes though. You'll usually find 21 trains per day running along the 46 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Lugano. You'll probably be traveling with SBB train to get to Lugano, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Lugano by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train
| First train | 00:26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:26 | |
| Departure station | Milan Malpensa Airport | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 1h 28m | |
| Distance | 28 miles (46 km) | |
| Frequency | 21 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, Trenord |
SBB trains from Milan Malpensa Airport 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
Trenord classes from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord when traveling from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano.
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat - just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your bags in the dedicated baggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
Onboard services on Trenord
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano.
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
Kids under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap. Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains.
- Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm (31.4 x 47.2 x 17.7 inches) are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike.
- Please note that the last cars of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re traveling. They need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 8.15 am to 7:45 pm) at least 48 hours before departure.
Cheap train tickets from Milan Malpensa Airport 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 Milan Malpensa Airport 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.
FAQs for Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
Want to know more about your journey from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano take?
The average journey time by train between Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano is 2 hours and 15 minutes, with around 21 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 Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano is 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano without having to change trains. There are 18 direct trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leave?
The first train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leaves at 00:26. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leave?
The last train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leaves at 23:26. 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 Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano by train?
Trains travelling from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano cover a distance of around 28 miles (46 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.