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Trains from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino

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  3. Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino

Taking the train from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino in 3 hours 44 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 4 hours 51 minutes to travel the 116 miles (187 km) from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 44 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 35 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 Trenitalia trains during your journey, as they are the main operator of services on this route.

Train tickets from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino start from £29.20 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino? 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.

Trains to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino from Lugano

It takes an average of 4h 51m to travel from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino by train, over a distance of around 116 miles (187 km). There are normally 35 trains per day travelling from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino and tickets for this journey start from £29.20 when you book in advance.

First train

01:26

Last train

21:55

Departure stationLugano
Arrival stationSanta Margherita Ligure-Portofino
Journey time

From 3h 44m

Distance

116 miles (187 km)

Frequency

35 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £29.20

Train and bus operators

Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino?

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

How do I travel from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino?

You can get from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino by train in 4 hours and 51 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 44 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino take?

The average journey time by train between Lugano and Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino is 4 hours and 51 minutes, with around 35 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.

How much does the train from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino cost?

Train tickets from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino can start from as little as £29.20 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

What's the fastest journey time between Lugano and Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino is 3 hours and 44 minutes.

What are the train times from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino?

Check out the next trains departing from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino for Tuesday 21st October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:0214:144h 12m, 2 changes
10:3014:544h 24m, 2 changes
11:0215:414h 39m, 2 changes
11:3016:014h 31m, 1 change
12:0216:144h 12m, 3 changes
12:0216:374h 35m, 2 changes
12:3016:544h 24m, 3 changes
12:3017:024h 32m, 2 changes
13:0217:144h 12m, 1 change
13:3017:143h 44m, 1 change

Trenitalia trains from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino

You can travel from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino on 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.

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 Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino.

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 Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino.

      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 Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino?

      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 Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino starts at £29.20§ 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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