Trains from Lucerne to Lugano
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Taking the train from Lucerne to Lugano
Chill out, enjoy some lake-based leisure, and munch on Michelin-starred cuisine in Lugano - one of Switzerland's finest tourist destinations. Taking the train from Lucerne to Lugano is comfortable and quick, with regular departures and no need to change along the way. When you need to relax and zone out, heading south to Lugano couldn't be easier.
The journey from Lucerne to Lugano is relatively short, as the route is included in SBB's high-speed network. This means that travellers can reach the city in just over two hours, even though Lugano and Lucerne are around 120 miles apart. You can spice up the journey in the on-board restaurant, check in as much luggage as you require, and take bikes as well. Whatever your travel needs, taking the train is the best way to go.
There are plenty of reasons to head to Lugano as soon as possible. The lake offers relaxing tours (often with gourmet food, live music, and Champagne thrown in). You can visit museums, shop for luxury goods on Via Nassa, just a 5-minute drive from the station, or venture into the Alps for something further afield. If our top tips have you convinced, use our handy Journey Planner to book your tickets, or read on for more need-to-know information on the route from Lucerne to Lugano.
SBB trains from Lucerne 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).
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Intercity and Eurocity classes from Lucerne to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Lucerne to Lugano.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- 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 plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lucerne to Lugano.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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.
There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.
You can take your bicycle onboard 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.
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.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
You can take your bike onboard 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 travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
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.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne to Lugano take?
The average journey time by train between Lucerne and Lugano is 2 hours and 43 minutes, with around 28 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 Lucerne and Lugano by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lucerne to Lugano is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Lucerne to Lugano?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lucerne to Lugano without having to change trains. There are 9 direct trains from Lucerne 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 Lucerne to Lugano leave?
The first train from Lucerne to Lugano leaves at 06:18. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lucerne to Lugano leave?
The last train from Lucerne to Lugano leaves at 23:18. 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 Lucerne and Lugano by train?
Trains travelling from Lucerne to Lugano cover a distance of around 78 miles (126 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Lucerne. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Lucerne to Lugano.