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Travelling from Lugano to Milan by train

Located on the Italian Swiss border, Lugano is the ideal starting point to explore Italy by train, especially because its train station is well-connected to Milan. Trenitalia offers plenty of direct Eurocity connections every day between Lugano and Milan Central Station. No need to take the car and get stuck in traffic or rack your brains finding a parking space in the lively Italian metropolis. Travelling by train is so much faster and convenient – it only takes about an hour to get from Lugano to Milan! And if you travel in First Class, you can enjoy all the amenities on board.

Milan Central Station is monumental, it’s one of the largest and most fascinating rail stations in Europe. A city of arts and history, Milan boasts a wide range of interesting museums you shouldn’t miss. Not to mention that it’s one of the world’s most important fashion capitals and a shopping lover’s paradise.

Ready to book? Check train times, ticket prices and FAQs about the journey from Lugano to Milan Central Station.

Trains to Milan Central Station from Lugano

It takes an average of 1h 47m to travel from Lugano to Milan Central Station by train, over a distance of around 38 miles (61 km). There are normally 34 trains per day travelling from Lugano to Milan Central Station and tickets for this journey start from £22.80 when you book in advance.

First train

01:26

Last train

21:55

Departure stationLugano
Arrival stationMilan Central Station
Journey time

From 1h 18m

Distance

38 miles (61 km)

Frequency

34 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £22.80

Train and bus operators

BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Flixbus, Itabus, Marino, Regiojet, Trenitalia, Trenord

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Lugano to Milan Central Station?

Want to know more about your journey from Lugano to Milan Central Station? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Milan Central Station from Lugano?

To travel to Milan Central Station from Lugano, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 1 hour and 47 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 18 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Lugano to Milan Central Station?

Trains from Lugano to Milan Central Station take an average of 1 hour and 47 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 18 minutes. You'll usually find 34 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Lugano to Milan Central Station by train?

Train tickets from Lugano to Milan Central Station can start from £22.80 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Lugano and Milan Central Station by train?

The quickest journey time between Lugano and Milan Central Station by train is 1 hour and 18 minutes.

What are the train times from Lugano to Milan Central Station?

Check out the next trains departing from Lugano to Milan Central Station for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:0211:201h 18m, direct
10:3011:531h 23m, direct
11:0212:201h 18m, direct
12:0213:201h 18m, direct
12:3013:531h 23m, direct
13:0214:201h 18m, direct
13:3014:531h 23m, direct
14:0215:201h 18m, direct
14:3015:531h 23m, direct
15:0216:201h 18m, direct

SBB, Trenitalia and Trenord trains from Lugano to Milan Central Station

You can travel from Lugano to Milan Central Station on SBB, Trenitalia and Trenord 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.

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).

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.

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.

What RegioJet, Trenord, Regional trains and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Lugano to Milan Central Station?

Compare the different travel classes offered by RegioJet, Trenord, Regional trains and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Lugano to Milan Central Station.

What are the onboard services on RegioJet, Trenord, Regional trains and Trenitalia Eurocity?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Lugano to Milan Central Station.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • 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.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenitalia's regional trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Trenitalia's regional trains 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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
  • Children under 4 can travel for free if they’re accompanied by an adult and a seat is not assigned to them.
  • Children aged 4-11 can get 50% off. Older children will need to have a full-price ticket.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • You can take your bike, hoverboard, monowheel or e-scooter free of charge if it can be folded and doesn’t exceed these dimensions: 120 x 80 x 45cm.
  • If your bike can’t be folded, you’ll need to buy a bike ticket or another Second Class ticket.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • Small pets can travel on Trenitalia's regional trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232 which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

Air-conditioning is available on Trenitalia's regional trains.

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 Milan Central Station?

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 Milan Central Station starts at £22.80§ 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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