What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
About the train journey from Madrid to Lugano
Want to travel from Madrid to Lugano by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Madrid to Lugano usually takes 23 hours 26 minutes on average to travel 744 miles (1197 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 16 hours 42 minutes. You can expect to find 11 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Madrid and Lugano, you’ll need to make 3 changes on your way to Lugano. You can choose to travel with TGV, AVE or Renfe to get to Lugano. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Madrid to Lugano in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Lugano, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you’re ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Trains to Lugano from Madrid
| First train | 06:16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:07 | |
| Departure station | Madrid | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 16h 42m | |
| Distance | 744 miles (1197 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | 3 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, SBB CFF FFS, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Flixbus, iryo, OUIGO, Regiojet, Renfe, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs, TGV Lyria, Trenitalia |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Madrid to Lugano?
Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Madrid to Lugano?
How far is Lugano from Madrid by train?
Which trains run from Madrid to Lugano?
Can I get from Madrid to Lugano without flying?
What is the best way to get from Madrid to Lugano?
When is the first train from Madrid to Lugano?
When is the last train from Madrid to Lugano?
How often do trains run from Madrid to Lugano?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Madrid to Lugano?
Looking for a return trip from Madrid to Lugano?
AVE, OUIGO, iryo and Renfe trains from Madrid to Lugano
AVE
OUIGO
iryo
Renfe
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
More information
OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.
More information
Operating since the end of 2022, iryo is a new high-speed train company in Spain. It’s a consortium between the Spanish airline Air Norstrum and the train company Trenitalia, one of the greatest leaders in European rail transport. The first private Spanish high-speed company to operate, iryo runs high-speed services on the Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona route and connects Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia/Alicante and Madrid – Cordoba – Seville/Malaga. They are doing this all with a fleet of ETR1000 model trains that offer the highest level of comfort in Spain, with a combination of advanced propulsion and highest quality onboard services, including WiFi connection and catering service. 98% of the parts of the trains are 100% recyclable, making this trip sustainable as well!
More information
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
More information
What TGV INOUI, TGV Lyria, RegioJet and Intercity classes are there from Madrid to Lugano?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, TGV Lyria, RegioJet and Intercity when travelling from Madrid to Lugano.
TGV INOUI
TGV Lyria
RegioJet
Intercity
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première
When travelling in Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as food sold at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
Première Signature
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Première Signature class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary meal at seat
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
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
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
What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, TGV Lyria, RegioJet and Intercity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid to Lugano.
TGV INOUI
TGV Lyria
RegioJet
Intercity
What luggage limits are there? | On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised. All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains. |
What special assistance is available? | For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart). |
What luggage limits are there? | You can take luggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains: Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar carriage or at your seat, with a Standard or Première TGV Lyria ticket. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Families can reserve two different areas on the train: The Family Square, located in carriages 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a pushchair. You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of carriages 7 and 17, and the lower deck of carriages 1 and 11.
|
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7. Dogs on a lead may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20. |
What special assistance is available? | 2 seats in carriages 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair. |
What else do I need to know? | You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers. |
What 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. |
|---|---|
What 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. |
What 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. |
What 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains. |
Can 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. |
What special assistance is available? | Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains. |
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | 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. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | 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. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | 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. |
Can I bring pets on board? | 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. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Lugano?
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
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.