Trains from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano
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Taking the train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano in 3 hours 42 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano? We’ve got you covered.
It usually takes around 5 hours 22 minutes to travel the 116 miles (187 km) from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 42 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 33 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 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.
Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano by train
| First train | 04:21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:38 | |
| Departure station | Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 3h 42m | |
| Distance | 116 miles (187 km) | |
| Frequency | 33 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
Trenitalia trains from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano
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
Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 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.
- 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 Trenitalia Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano.
- 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano take?
The average journey time by train between Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino and Lugano is 5 hours and 22 minutes, with around 33 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino and Lugano by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano is 3 hours and 42 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano?
No, there are no direct train services from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano. Travelling from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano leave?
The first train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano leaves at 04:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano leave?
The last train from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano leaves at 20:38. 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 Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino and Lugano by train?
Trains travelling from Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino to Lugano cover a distance of around 116 miles (187 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino.