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Zurich to Lugano from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Zurich, Switzerland
to
Lugano, Switzerland

How to Get from Zurich 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.

$20 by busBest price
154.7 kmDistance
2h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Zurich 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
2h  43m
Estimated price
$60-120
Recommended
Company
Gruppo Di Maio
Bus
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$20-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 154.7 km
Duration: 2h 6m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  17m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
2h  6m
Estimated price
$65-120
Company
Various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  11m
Estimated price
$139-418

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Train $77 $41 $42 $41 $80 $40 $56
Fly $98 $98 $110 $122 $148 $165 $132
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Zurich to Lugano

The journey from Zurich to Lugano offers a striking contrast between Zurich's bustling urban landscape and Lugano's serene lakeside charm, making your travel experience diverse and enriching.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lugano

Lugano boasts charming neighborhoods each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Parco Ciani
• Features a beautiful park by the lake.
• Ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics.
Castagnola
• Offers stunning views of Lake Lugano.
• Known for its tranquil atmosphere and art galleries.
Lugano Centro
• Vibrant shopping and dining options abound.
• Home to historical sites and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Lugano's Attractions

Optimal timing can elevate your experience at Lugano's stunning sights.

Monte Brè
Visit early morning or late afternoon for breathtaking views and fewer visitors.
Parco Ciani
Weekdays, especially in spring, offer peaceful walks amidst blooming flowers.
Lugano's City Center
Early evening on weekdays allows a relaxed exploration of shops and cafes.

Lugano Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lugano enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities, while summer draws visitors for its vibrant lakeside ambience.

Dining in Lugano: A Culinary Contrast

For a true taste of Lugano, try the risotto alla commerci, a creamy rice dish that celebrates local ingredients and is far more rustic compared to Zurich’s refined gastronomic scene. The inviting lakeside restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to savor the flavors of the region while enjoying picturesque views.

Zurich - Lugano operators

Explore transport companies operating between Zurich 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 Zürich Hb to Lugano

Average Duration
2h 43m
Estimated price
$60-120

Train from Malpensa Aeroporto T1 to Mendrisio

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$27-50
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+39 0827 34 117
Website
http://gruppodimaio.it

Bus from Zürich to Lugano

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$20-28
Contact phone
48/796 473 308
Website
http://autokarpolska.com.pl

Bus from Zürich to Lugano

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$22-30
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.swiss.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP)

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$150-650
Website
https://www.ethiopianairlines.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP)

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$140-450

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

Traveling between Zurich 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 drive from Zurich to Lugano, covering a distance of 206.0 km in approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. 💰 Indulge in the flexibility of car travel with prices ranging from €37 to €55 for the trip from Zurich to Lugano.
Average price
€37 - €55
🚂 Traveling from Zurich to Lugano by train is a convenient and scenic journey. The direct train operated by Swiss Railways takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes to reach Lugano from Zurich, covering a distance of 177 km. 🌄 Enjoy picturesque views as you pass through beautiful Swiss landscapes on your way to Lugano. Trains depart every 30 minutes from Zürich Hb station, providing frequent and reliable service for travelers exploring this route. 🎫 Ticket prices for the Zurich to Lugano train vary from €55 to €110, offering affordable transportation options for those looking to experience the charm of both cities.
Departure Point
Zürich Hb station
Arrival Point
Lugano station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train route from Zurich to Lugano, operated primarily by the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), you have catering services available onboard. You can enjoy snacks, light meals, and beverages from the trolley service on most trains. If you’re in First Class, you might also find complimentary services, including higher-quality food and drinks. Be sure to check the SBB website for specific train details: sbb.ch
• You’ll find several seating options on this route. The SBB offers First Class (with more spacious seating and quieter compartments), Second Class (which is comfortable and offers standard seating), and sometimes Business Class on specific trains. Consider booking First Class for a more relaxed experience, especially on longer journeys. Check available seating and reserve online: sbb.ch
• For your arrival in Lugano, navigate the station efficiently. Lugano Station has luggage storage services available where you can leave your bags safely while you explore the city. Restrooms are located within the station, and there are no showers. Keep an eye out for signs leading to the exit and local transport. After that, use Bus 1, which directly connects Lugano Station to the city center in about 10 minutes, providing a quick and easy way to get to your destination.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Zurich to Lugano is by taking a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport, which only takes 55 minutes.
Departure Point
Zurich Airport
Arrival Point
Milan Malpensa Airport
🚌 The direct bus from Zurich to Lugano operates twice a week on Monday and Friday, taking approximately 4 hours for the journey. Services are provided by Gruppo Di Maio, departing from Zurich station and arriving at Lugano station. 🌄 Route 1: With a transfer in Milan, the trip from Zurich to Lugano takes about 6 hours and 35 minutes, covering a distance of 354 km. Step 1 involves a FlixBus from Zurich Central Bus Station Sihlquai to Milan Lampugnano, then another FlixBus to Lugano via Zurich Bus Station. 🚆 Route 3: For a quicker option, there is a route involving a train transfer in Locarno. The journey takes 2 hours and 43 minutes, covering 177 km. The first leg is on a Südostbahn train departing from Zurich HB to Arth-Goldau, followed by a long-distance train to Lugano operated by Schweizerische Bundesbahnen.
Departure Point
Zürich station
Arrival Point
Lugano station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Zurich to Lugano.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Zurich and Lugano is 154.5 km, with a road distance of 206.6 km. Traveling by train from Zurich to Lugano takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes, while taking a combination of flight and train can take around 4 hours and 11 minutes. By car, the journey from Lugano to Zurich typically takes 2 hours and 17 minutes, and by bus, it takes around 4 hours.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Zurich to Lugano is by bus, which is priced between €18-€28 for a 4-hour journey. However, for a more time-efficient option, taking the night train is the fastest way to reach Lugano from Zurich in just 2h 6m, with costs ranging from €60-€110.
The prices for traveling between Zurich and Lugano vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Taking the train can cost between €55 to €110, while opting for the bus may range from €18 to €28.
To travel from Zurich to Lugano without using public transportation, you can opt to drive the 206.0 km distance, which takes around 2 hours and 17 minutes. The cost of renting a car for this journey typically ranges from €37 to €55.
The most convenient way to travel from Zurich to Lugano without a car is by train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes. The train journey is efficient and comfortable, offering scenic views along the way. Tickets for the train ride typically range from €55 to €110, depending on the class of service chosen.
Yes, there is a direct link between Zurich and Lugano. You can take a direct train operated by Swiss Railways that departs from Zurich Hb station and arrives at Lugano station. The journey by train takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes, with services running every day. Additionally, there is also a direct bus service provided by Gruppo Di Maio that departs from Zurich twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Fridays, and arrives at Lugano after a 4-hour journey.
The flight between Zurich and Lugano typically entails a quick direct flight from Zurich Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport, taking approximately 55 minutes.
There are over 5,515 hotels available in Lugano providing travelers with a wide range of options to choose from. Prices for accommodation in Lugano start at €56 per night, making it accessible for various budgets.