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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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About the train journey from Zurich Airport to Lugano
Want to travel from Zurich Airport to Lugano by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Zurich Airport to Lugano usually takes 2 hours 12 minutes on average to travel 163 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 10 minutes. You can expect to find 32 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Zurich Airport and Lugano, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Lugano. SBB are the main train operator on this route and will whisk you to Lugano in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Zurich Airport 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.
Zurich Airport to Lugano by train
| First train | 5:38 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:45 pm | |
| Departure station | Zurich Airport | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 2h 10m | |
| Distance | 101 miles (163 km) | |
| Frequency | 32 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
Want to know more about your journey from Zurich Airport to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Zurich Airport to Lugano by train?
Which train companies operate from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
Is it possible to get from Zurich Airport to Lugano without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
What time does the first train from Zurich Airport to Lugano leave?
What time does the last train from Zurich Airport to Lugano leave?
How often are trains from Zurich Airport and Lugano?
Do you need to book the train from Zurich Airport to Lugano in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
SBB trains from Zurich 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
What Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Zurich Airport 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
What are the onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Zurich Airport to Lugano.
Intercity
Eurocity
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board. |
Can I bring a bike 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility. |
What else do I need to know? | There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Zurich Airport to Lugano?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
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.