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Milan to Lugano from $6: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Milan, Italy
to
Lugano, Switzerland

How to Get from Milan 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.

$6 RideshareBest price
78 kmDistance
56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Milan 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
1h  15m
Estimated price
$26-70
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  16m
Estimated price
$6-6
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 78 km
Duration: 56m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$15-23

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $8 $8 $8 $8 $8 $8 $8
Train $24 $24 $24 $24 $24 $24 $24
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Traveling From Milan to Lugano

Embarking on a journey from Milan to Lugano reveals a fascinating shift from the vibrant urban energy of Italy to the serene beauty of the Swiss lakeside.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lugano

Lugano boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Parco Ciani
• Scenic park with lush greenery and walking trails.
• Ideal for picnics and family activities.
Melide
• Quieter atmosphere with lakeside restaurants.
• Close to the famous Swiss Miniatur park.
Cassarate
• Vibrant area near the lake and local markets.
• Easy access to public transportation.

Best Times To Visit Lugano's Attractions

Timing your visit to Lugano's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Lake Lugano
Visit in the early morning for peaceful views and fewer tourists.
Monte Brè
Late afternoon trips offer stunning sunset vistas with fewer crowds.
Parco Ciani
Weekdays are best for a tranquil stroll among scenic greenery.

Lugano Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lugano enjoys a mild, temperate climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters, making it an inviting destination throughout the year. Spring and early autumn provide the best conditions for outdoor exploration, while winter brings a cozy charm that affects both the pace and activities available.

Dining Recommendation in Lugano

Try the local risotto al pesce persico at Ristorante Da Candida, where the emphasis on fresh lake fish showcases a culinary style distinct from Milan's bustling trattorias. The charming lakeside setting and focus on seasonal, local ingredients create a dining experience that feels both intimate and authentically Swiss.

Milan - Lugano operators

Explore transport companies operating between Milan 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 Milano Centrale to Lugano

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$30-60
Contact phone
+39 06 68475475
Website
https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html

Train from Milano Centrale to Lugano

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$26-70
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Other from Milan to Lugano

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$6-6

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

Traveling between Milan 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 picturesque journey from Milan to Lugano, spanning a short but scenic 78.9 km drive that takes about 56 minutes. 💰 Explore affordable travel options ranging from €14 to €21 by car to reach Lugano from Milan. Consider utilizing carpooling services like Blablacar for a budget-friendly and environmentally conscious ride sharing experience.
Average price
€14 - €21
Useful tips for car travellers
• Keep an eye out for gas stations along the A2 highway; on average, prices hover around €1.80 per liter in Italy and CHF 1.85 per liter in Switzerland.
• As you approach Lugano, familiarize yourself with the restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the city center to avoid fines; parking costs generally range from CHF 15 to CHF 30 per day, so consider finding a spot in a nearby parking garage like the Autorimessa di Lugano.
• Download the Waze app for traffic updates and detours as you travel, and remember that in Switzerland, speed limits are strictly enforced, with fines increasing substantially for violations, so keep to the 80 km/h limit on roads and 120 km/h on highways.
🌄 Travelers can enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque countryside during the approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes journey from Milan to Lugano. Operated by Swiss Railways, the train offers a comfortable and relaxing travel experience for those looking to explore both Italy and Switzerland in one trip. 💸 Ticket prices for the Milan to Lugano train range from €24 to €65, making it an affordable transportation option for those seeking to discover the charm and beauty of both destinations.
Departure Point
Milano Centrale station
Arrival Point
Lugano station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the Milan to Lugano route include a café and a dining car offering a selection of beverages, light snacks, and sandwiches. Make sure to pre-order if you prefer a hot meal, as they offer fresh local dishes that change regularly.
• The trains on this route typically offer First Class, Business Class, and Economy options. First Class compartments provide more spacious seating and additional services, such as complimentary newspapers and refreshments. Business Class offers a slightly upgraded experience with more legroom, while Economy Class is comfortable for budget travelers. The trains are operated mainly by Trenitalia and SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). For more details, visit their websites: Trenitalia and SBB.
• Upon arriving at Lugano station, you can find luggage lockers available for a fee, making it easy to explore the city without your bags. The station has clean restrooms but does not currently provide shower facilities. To get to the city center quickly, take bus line 1 or bus line 6; they run frequently and take about 10 minutes. Check local schedules on Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi for updated timings.
The distance is 79.0 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 mins to reach Lugano. You can catch a FlixBus departing from Milan Lampugnano and arriving at Lugano. 🛣️ Choose your route wisely – whether you opt for the Zurich, Basel, Amsterdam, or Prague connection, the journey will take around 1 hour and 20 mins to 1 hour and 45 mins. Each route offers its own unique sights and experiences as you travel from Milan to Lugano with FlixBus.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Milan to Lugano.

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The distance between Milan and Lugano is approximately 64.4 km or 78.4 km by road. If you choose to travel by train, the typical travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Milan to Lugano is to rideshare, which costs €5 and takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes. This is a relatively inexpensive and efficient way to travel between the two cities. However, if you prefer a quicker option, driving would be the best choice as it takes only 56 minutes. The cost for driving ranges from €14 to €21.
When traveling from Milan to Lugano the prices for a train ticket typically range from €23 to €64.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, a good option to get from Milan to Lugano is to use Blablacar's carpooling service. This allows you to find rideshare options between the two cities, even if you don't have a driver's license. The driving distance between Milan and Lugano is 78.9km, and it usually takes around 56 minutes to drive there. The prices for carpooling services typically range from €14 to €21.
To travel from Milan to Lugano without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and tickets cost between €23 and €64.
Yes, there is a direct link between Milan and Lugano by train. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and departs every 30 minutes from Milano Centrale station. The service is operated by Swiss Railways and operates daily.
There are many accommodation options near Lugano. With over 5045 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Lugano start at €55 per night.