The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano
Cheapest price
$151
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 h 54 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
202 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Lugano will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $151.
Of the 10 trains that leave Basel for Lugano on Thu, Apr 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 2 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 21 667 | 6679:04 AM2h54Basel SBB11:58 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way0 transfers
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 8658:04 AM2h54Basel SBB10:58 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 158:33 AM2h55Basel SBB11:28 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 86910:04 AM2h54Basel SBB12:58 PMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 339:33 AM2h55Basel SBB12:28 PMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IC 21 667 | 6679:04 AM2h54Basel SBB11:58 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way0 transfers
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 8658:04 AM2h54Basel SBB10:58 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 86910:04 AM2h54Basel SBB12:58 PMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 158:33 AM2h55Basel SBB11:28 AMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 339:33 AM2h55Basel SBB12:28 PMLugano, Stazione$1511One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Basel to Lugano
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 125 miles (202 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $261 Average price |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 16m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Lugano train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lugano trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 · B 5 5123 | 5123 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h05 | 9:09 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 8:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 | 6:33 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 9:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 15 | 15 · B 5 5135 | 5135 | 6:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 9:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 21 667 | 667 · B 5 5147 | 5147 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h05 | 10:09 AM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 553 | 553 · EC 33 | 33 · B 5 5159 | 5159 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h06 | 10:39 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · B 5 5171 | 5171 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 3h05 | 11:09 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 2h54 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel to Lugano by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Lugano?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Lugano
Trains from Basel to Lugano run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€53) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:37, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 125 miles (202 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 125 miles (202 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 1:37 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lugano trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lugano from $37 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Lugano
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Lugano by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lugano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Lugano
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Lugano
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
