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Trains from Geneva to Lugano

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Geneva to Lugano

How to travel from Geneva to Lugano by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Geneva to Lugano? Look no further.

There are around 36 trains per day running between Geneva and Lugano, which usually take 5 hours 47 minutes to complete the 135 miles (217 km) journey. It can take as little as 4 hours 53 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Lugano from Geneva, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. Hop on a train operated by either Trenitalia or SBB to reach your destination in no time. These train companies are the main operators of services on this route and run modern comfortable trains to make your journey as relaxing as possible.

You can save money on train tickets from Geneva to Lugano if you book in advance. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Lugano from Geneva

First train

04:46

Last train

23:21

Departure stationGeneva
Arrival stationLugano
Journey time

From 4h 53m

Distance

135 miles (217 km)

Frequency

36 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS, Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Geneva to Lugano?

Want to know more about your journey from Geneva to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Geneva to Lugano?

You can get from Geneva to Lugano by train in 5 hours and 47 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 4 hours and 53 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Geneva to Lugano take?

The average journey time by train between Geneva and Lugano is 5 hours and 47 minutes, with around 36 trains per day running on this route. 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 Geneva and Lugano by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Geneva to Lugano is 4 hours and 53 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Geneva to Lugano?

No, there are no direct train services from Geneva to Lugano. Travelling from Geneva to Lugano by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What are the train times from Geneva to Lugano?

Check out the next trains departing from Geneva to Lugano for Tuesday 3rd March 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:3515:585h 23m, 1 change
11:0515:584h 53m, 2 changes
11:5416:585h 4m, 1 change
12:0516:584h 53m, 2 changes
12:3517:585h 23m, 1 change
13:0517:584h 53m, 2 changes
13:5418:585h 4m, 1 change
14:0518:584h 53m, 2 changes
14:3519:585h 23m, 1 change
15:0519:584h 53m, 2 changes

SBB and Trenitalia trains from Geneva to Lugano

You can travel from Geneva to Lugano on SBB and Trenitalia trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

More information

What Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Geneva to Lugano?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Geneva to Lugano.

Second Class

From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

  • SeatSeatSeat reservation
  • PlugPlugPower sockets
  • PlusPlusClothes hanger
  • ReadingReadingReading light
  • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
  • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

    First Class

    In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:

    • SeatSeatSeat reservation
    • PlugPlugPower sockets
    • PlusPlusClothes hanger
    • ReadingReadingReading light
    • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
    • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

      What are the onboard services on Trenitalia Eurocity?

      Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Lugano.

      LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
      • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
      • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
      RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
      • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
      • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
      WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

      Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

      ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

      Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

      ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

      Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

      PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

      Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

      WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

      All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

      InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

      A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

      How do I find cheap train tickets from Geneva 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

      The price of train tickets from Geneva to Lugano starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

      2. Be flexible with your travel times

      If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

      3. Buy a rail pass

      If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

      4. Choose a slower or connecting train

      On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

      5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

      Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

      6. Take a night train

      Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

      For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

      §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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