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Geneva to Lugano from $42: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Geneva, Switzerland
to
Lugano, Switzerland

How to Get from Geneva to Lugano: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$42 by busBest price
219.79 kmDistance
4h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Geneva to Lugano with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train
Average Duration
5h  42m
Estimated price
$147-262
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
7h  5m
Estimated price
$42-61
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 219.79 km
Duration: 4h

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$75-110
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
6h  31m
Estimated price
$111-203
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  18m
Estimated price
$112-346
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
5h  48m
Estimated price
$116-202
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  15m
Estimated price
$169-478
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Geneva to Lugano

The journey from Geneva, a vibrant hub known for its international flair and lakeside charm, to Lugano, where Italian influence meets stunning mountain scenery, offers a delightful contrast in experiences that caters to diverse travel preferences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lugano

Lugano boasts charming neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics and attractions.

City Center
• Bustling shops and cafes line the picturesque streets.
• Home to cultural institutions like the Art Museum.
Paradiso
• Offers stunning views of Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains.
• Features a relaxing lakeside promenade for leisurely strolls.
Vigée
• Known for its beautiful villas and lush gardens.
• Less crowded, providing a peaceful escape from tourist hotspots.

Best Times To Visit Lugano's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Lugano.

Parco Ciani
Early mornings or weekdays provide tranquility and picturesque views.
Monte Brè
Late afternoons during weekdays offer stunning sunsets without the crowds.
Lugano Lakeside Promenade
Visit early in the evening to enjoy leisurely walks with fewer tourists.

Lugano Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lugano enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it an inviting year-round destination. Spring and early autumn offer delightful conditions for outdoor activities, while summer's warmth can enhance lakefront experiences and winter’s cooler temperatures create a cozy atmosphere.

Dining Recommendation in Lugano

In Lugano, indulge in the local specialty of risotto alla tessinense, a creamy rice dish infused with saffron and often featuring fresh seasonal ingredients from the region. The relaxed and inviting atmosphere of Lugano’s trattorias not only showcases authentic Italian flavors but also offers a more intimate dining experience compared to the cosmopolitan eateries you might find in Geneva.

Geneva - Lugano operators

Explore transport companies operating between Geneva and Lugano, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en

Train from Genève to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
2h 41m
Estimated price
$90-170

Train from Zürich Hb to Lugano

Average Duration
2h 43m
Estimated price
$55-100

Train from Geneve to Domodossola

Average Duration
2h 33m
Estimated price
$85-160

Train from Genève to Brig

Average Duration
2h 33m
Estimated price
$70-130

Train from Brig to Domodossola

Average Duration
28m
Estimated price
$12-23
Plane Show flights
Website
swiss.com

Plane from Geneva (GVA) to Zurich (ZRH)

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$100-390

Plane from Geneva (GVA) to Milano Malpensa (MXP)

Average Duration
2h 52m
Estimated price
$170-490
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Geneva to Milano, Autostazione Lampugnano

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
$27-40

Bus from Milano, Autostazione Lampugnano to Lugano

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$16-23
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Bus from Geneva - Bus station to Milano, Autostazione Lampugnano

Average Duration
5h 15m
Estimated price
$25-40
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
48/796 473 308
Website
autokarpolska.com.pl

Other from Milano, Autostazione Lampugnano to Lugano

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$16-23

Geneva to Lugano: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Geneva and Lugano offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Geneva to Lugano, spanning a breathtaking distance of 373.4 km. The journey promises around 4 hours of driving through picturesque Swiss landscapes and charming towns. 💰 Explore a range of options for your budget, with prices to journey from Geneva to Lugano by car ranging from €69 to €101. 🌄 As you travel from Geneva to Lugano, revel in the changing vistas from the cosmopolitan city to the stunning lakeside destination. Discover the beauty of Switzerland as you make memories on this unforgettable drive.
Average price
€69 - €101
🚆 Geneva to Lugano by train involves a transfer at Zürich Hb and takes approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes. The journey is operated by Swiss Railways. 🚆 The distance between Geneva and Lugano is around 434 km. One possible route includes a transfer at Olten before reaching Lugano. The total journey time is 5 hours and 33 minutes. 🚆 Another option is to transfer at Zurich HB on the way to Lugano, with a total travel time of 5 hours and 46 minutes covering a distance of 451 km. This route includes a second transfer at Como S. Giovanni.
Departure Point
Genève station
Arrival Point
Lugano station
🛫 Flying from Geneva to Lugano is a convenient and quick option for travelers. The quickest flight from Geneva Airport to Zurich Airport only takes 45 minutes. 🌄 Enjoy stunning views of the Swiss landscape as you soar towards Lugano. Royal Jordanian and Swiss are popular airlines that offer flights between Geneva and Zurich.
Departure Point
Geneva Airport
Arrival Point
Zurich Airport
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Geneva to Lugano, travelers can take a bus service with transfers at Milano, Autostazione Lampugnano. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes. 🌍 The first route option takes around 9 hours and 10 minutes to reach Lugano from Geneva, covering a distance of 519 km. It involves a transfer at Milan Lampugnano bus station and then a second bus towards Basel SBB, with a total of 1 transfer. 🌞 Another route alternative is a 10-hour and 15-minute journey to Lugano from Geneva, spanning 606 km with 2 transfers. This route includes transfers at Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai and Constance Döbeleplatz before reaching Lugano.
Departure Point
Geneva station
Arrival Point
Lugano station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Geneva to Lugano.

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The distance between Geneva and Lugano is approximately 218.9 km by air or train. By train, the journey takes around 5 hours and 1 minute, while taking a flight to Zurich and then a train to Lugano takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Driving by car from Lugano to Geneva takes around 4 hours, while traveling by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 19 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Geneva to Lugano is by bus, with prices ranging from €32-€59. However, this option also has the longest travel time, taking approximately 7 hours and 19 minutes. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach Lugano is by driving, which takes around 4 hours and costs approximately €68-€100.
When traveling from Geneva to Lugano, the price for a train ticket can range from €136 to €242. On the other hand, the price of a bus ticket from Lugano to Geneva can range from €35 to €54.
To get from Geneva to Lugano without using public transportation, you can opt to drive yourself. The driving distance is approximately 373.4 km, and it takes around 4 hours to reach Lugano from Geneva by car. The prices for renting a car and fuel costs may vary but can range from €68 to €100 for the round trip.
The most convenient way to travel from Geneva to Lugano without a car is by train. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and 1 minute and involves a transfer in Zürich. Tickets for this route cost between €136 and €245.
There is no direct train or bus link between Geneva and Lugano. However, you can travel from Geneva to Lugano by train with a transfer at Zuerich Hb, which takes approximately 5 hours and 1 minute. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Geneva to Lugano with a transfer in Milan, which takes approximately 7 hours and 19 minutes.
The flight between Geneva and Lugano typically does not exist as there are no direct flights between the two cities. The quickest option is to take a flight from Geneva Airport to Zurich Airport, which takes approximately 45 minutes. From Zurich, you can then take a train or another mode of transportation to reach Lugano. The cost of the flight from Geneva to Zurich varies depending on the airline and time of booking, but it typically ranges from around 100 to 200 Swiss Francs.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Lugano. With over 5045+ hotels available, travelers have a wide range to choose from. Prices for hotels start at €54, making it possible to find a suitable option for various budgets.