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Lugano to Zurich from $20: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Lugano, Switzerland
to
Zurich, Switzerland

How to Get from Lugano to Zurich: 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.

$20 by busBest price
154.5 kmDistance
2h 17m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Lugano to Zurich 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
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  57m
Estimated price
$45-120
Recommended
Company
Bartolini Turismo
Bus
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$20-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 154.5 km
Duration: 2h 17m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  24m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  17m
Estimated price
$40-60

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 10/03Tu 11/03We 12/03Th 13/03Fr 14/03Sa 15/03Su 16/03
Train $45 $43 $44 $45 $46 $44 $43
Fly $88 $78 $75 $80 $104 $94 $97
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Traveling From Lugano to Zurich

The journey from Lugano to Zurich showcases a striking contrast between Lugano's serene lakeside charm and Zurich's vibrant urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Zurich

Zurich offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive atmosphere.

Zurich Old Town (Altstadt)
• Cobblestone streets filled with history and culture.
• Charming cafes and boutique shops at every turn.
Kreis 5 (Zurich West)
• A hub for art galleries and trendy restaurants.
• Nightlife thrives with vibrant bars and clubs.
Seefeld
• Beautiful lakeside promenade ideal for leisurely strolls.
• Upscale shops and fine dining experiences abound.

Best Times To Visit Zurich's Attractions

Timing your visits to Zurich's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Lake Zurich
Visit early morning or late afternoon for peaceful scenery and fewer people.
Bahnhofstrasse
Go on weekdays before noon to avoid heavy shopping crowds.
Uetliberg Mountain
Hike on weekday mornings for tranquil views and fewer hikers.

Zurich Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Zurich experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, offering pleasant summer warmth and cozy winters with snowfall. Planning your visit around the mild spring or fall can enhance your outdoor activities and city exploration, as the weather is generally more comfortable.

Dining Recommendation in Zurich

Try the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes at a local restaurant like Restaurant Swiss Chuchi, where tender veal in a creamy white wine sauce reflects Zurich’s rich culinary heritage. This dish provides a delightful contrast to the Italian-inspired flavors of Lugano, showcasing local ingredients and a distinctive urban atmosphere.

Lugano - Zurich operators

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

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

Train from Lugano to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
2h 57m
Estimated price
$60-120
Contact phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Train from Lugano to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
2h 57m
Estimated price
$45-120
Contact phone
+41 58 580 70 70
Website
https://www.sob.ch

Train from Cadenazzo to Zürich Hb

Average Duration
3h 9m
Estimated price
0-0
Bus
Contact phone
+39 0825-26416
Website
https://www.bartolinipullman.it

Bus from Paradiso to Zürich

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$55-55
Contact phone
+39 0827 34 117
Website
https://www.gruppodimaio.it

Bus from Lugano to Zürich

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$20-29
Contact phone
48/796 473 308
Website
https://www.autokarpolska.com.pl

Bus from Lugano to Zürich

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$22-30

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

Traveling between Lugano and Zurich 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.

🚗 Experience the picturesque journey from Lugano to Zurich, crossing over 200 km of stunning Swiss landscapes in just 2 hours and 17 minutes. 🏞️ 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of cost-effective travel with prices ranging from €37 to €55 for the scenic drive from Lugano to Zurich. 🛣️
Average price
€37 - €55
🚆 The train journey from Lugano to Zurich is a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two Swiss cities, departing hourly and taking approximately 2 hours and 57 minutes. 💰 Depending on the class of travel and time of booking, ticket prices for the Lugano to Zurich train range from €41 to €110, providing flexibility and affordability for your transit across Switzerland.
Departure Point
Lugano station
Arrival Point
Zürich Hb station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Lugano to Zurich, you can enjoy onboard catering services provided by SBB. The trains typically have a bistro car where you can purchase a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Additionally, some trains feature a cart service that provides refreshments at your seat. Be sure to check the menu upon boarding!
• The trains from Lugano to Zurich offer several seating options, including First Class and Second Class. First Class seats are more spacious and come with complimentary coffee and tea refreshments. Second Class seats are comfortable and provide good legroom but do not come with complimentary services. Be sure to reserve your seats in advance for a more enjoyable travel experience.
• There are multiple operators for this route, including SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and Trenitalia for cross-border services. You can find schedules and book tickets on their official websites: SBB and Trenitalia. For real-time train schedules, you can also check the SBB timetable.
• Upon arrival at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB), you’ll find that the station is well equipped with facilities. You can leave your luggage at the left luggage office (Gepäckaufbewahrung) for a fee, and there are clean restrooms available throughout the station. For a quick shower, check out the Fitness Centre 'Holmes Place,' located nearby.
• To reach Zurich city center quickly from the train station, use the local trams. Tram line 4 takes you directly into the heart of the city, and tram numbers 6 and 10 are also efficient options. You can purchase a ticket from the vending machines located within the station. The tram stops are conveniently located across from the main entrance of Zurich HB.
🕰️ With a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the landscapes along the route while heading from Lugano to Zurich.
Departure Point
Paradiso station
Arrival Point
Zurich station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Lugano to Zurich.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Lugano and Zurich is 154.5 km by train, with a travel time of 1 hour and 57 minutes. By car, the distance is slightly longer at 206.3 km, and the travel time is approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. Taking a combination of train and flight will take around 4 hours and 14 minutes, while traveling by bus will take approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Lugano to Zurich is by bus, which typically takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes and costs between €18 and €27. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option would be to take the train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes and costs between €41 and €101.
The prices for traveling from Lugano to Zurich by train range from €41 to €101. Alternatively, taking a bus from Zurich to Lugano would cost between €18 and €27.
To get from Lugano to Zurich without using public transportation, you can opt to drive by car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 206.0 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete the journey. If you choose to drive, the prices for car rentals vary from €37 to €55.
The best way to travel from Lugano to Zurich without a car is by train. The train journey takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes, and fares range from €41 to €101.
Yes, there is a direct link between Lugano and Zurich. You can take a train operated by Swiss Railways, which departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus operated by Bartolini Turismo that departs four times a week and takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
The flight between Lugano and Zurich typically takes around 55 minutes. However, please note that there is no direct flight between these two cities and flights usually operate via Milan Malpensa Airport.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Zurich with over 647 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Zurich start at €71 per night.

Trips from Lugano