Trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano
is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets
Compare prices from over 270 rail and coach companies in Europe
Buy your tickets with us and easily find them on your phone
Safely pay with PayPal, Visa and all international payment cards
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Taking the train from Karlsruhe to Lugano in 5 hours 37 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Karlsruhe to Lugano? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 16 minutes to travel the 208 miles (335 km) from Karlsruhe to Lugano by train, although you can get there in as little as 5 hours 37 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 23 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You can travel with DB trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.
Train tickets from Karlsruhe to Lugano are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.
Keen to book your train tickets to Lugano? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.
Karlsruhe to Lugano by train
| First train | 04:10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:13 | |
| Departure station | Karlsruhe | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 5h 37m | |
| Distance | 208 miles (335 km) | |
| Frequency | 23 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators | Deutsche Bahn, Flixbus, Onebus |
Deutsche Bahn trains from Karlsruhe to Lugano
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.
More information
Cheap train tickets from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Lugano take?
The average journey time by train between Karlsruhe and Lugano is 6 hours and 16 minutes, with around 23 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 Karlsruhe and Lugano by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Karlsruhe to Lugano is 5 hours and 37 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Karlsruhe to Lugano?
No, there are no direct train services from Karlsruhe to Lugano. Travelling from Karlsruhe to Lugano by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leave?
The first train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leaves at 04:10. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leave?
The last train from Karlsruhe to Lugano leaves at 23:13. 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 Karlsruhe and Lugano by train?
Trains travelling from Karlsruhe to Lugano cover a distance of around 208 miles (335 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Karlsruhe.