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Getting from Milan to Lugano by train
Taking a trip over the Italian border and through to Switzerland is a lot easier than you may think. Crossing rivers and mountains, lakes and wooded peaks, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. There’s only one way to soak up the stunning views from Milan to Lugano, and that’s by train.
Board a Eurocity service in central Milan and be transported on a ride through the tip of Lake Como to the picturesque Swiss city of Lugano. Lugano station is centrally located, you’ll arrive in the heart of the city close to Lugano Lake and the nearby cultural sights in less than an hour and a half.
So, what are you waiting for? Find everything you need to know about train timetables and tickets from Milan to Lugano below.
Milan Central Station to Lugano by train
It takes an average of 1h 43m to travel from Milan Central Station to Lugano by train, over a distance of around 38 miles (61 km). There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Milan Central Station to Lugano and tickets for this journey start from £22.66 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:25 | |
| Departure station | Milan Central Station | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 1h 15m | |
| Distance | 38 miles (61 km) | |
| Frequency | 33 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £22.66 | |
| Train and bus operators | Regiojet, Marino, BlaBlaCar Bus, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Flixbus, Trenord, Calanda Viaggi (Bus) |
FAQs about the train journey from Milan Central Station to Lugano
Want to know more about your journey from Milan Central Station to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
What's the distance between Milan Central Station and Lugano by train?
Who runs the trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
Can you travel from Milan Central Station to Lugano without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Lugano from Milan Central Station?
What time is the first train from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
What time is the last train from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
How often do trains go from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
Is there a return trip from Milan Central Station to Lugano?
Trenitalia, SBB and Trenord trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano
Trenitalia
SBB
Trenord
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.
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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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Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.
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RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Milan Central Station to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Milan Central Station to Lugano.
RegioJet
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
Low cost
Although Low Cost is the cheapest option offered by RegioJet, this class boasts a variety of free services, including WiFi, newspapers and an entertainment platform.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Standard
In addition to the amenities of the Economy class, you will also enjoy Italian coffee, complimentary tea and juice, power sockets and adjustable seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Relax
In the Relax class, you’ll take advantage of all the amenities in Standard and Low-Cost, as well as large fold-down tables, comfy leather seats and individual seating.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Business
Travel in RegioJet’s Business class for a premium experience. During your journey, you can rest or work quietly in the quiet carriage and enjoy spacious seats.
- Free WiFi
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Onboard app service
- Catering at your seat
- Power sockets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Fold-down table
- Leather seats
- Quiet area
- More legroom
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat – just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
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.
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More 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:
- Seat reservation
- Power sockets
- Clothes hanger
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- More legroom
Onboard services on RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano.
RegioJet
Trenord
Trenitalia Eurocity
There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself.
Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.
Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.
Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.
Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.
It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
- You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap.
- Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last coaches of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.
- 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.
- 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.
Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.
Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.
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.
Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.
All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.
A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.
Cheap train tickets from Milan Central Station 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 Milan Central Station 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.
