Zurich to Lugano train with SBB

Mon, Dec 15
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Lugano

Showing times and prices for Dec 15

Cheapest price

$68

Average price

$87

Fastest journey

1 h 53 m

Average duration

1 h 54 m

Trains per day

15

Distance

155 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Lugano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Zurich to Lugano will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.

Fast trains

Of the 15 trains that leave Zurich for Lugano on Mon, Dec 15, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 15 the direct trains cover the 155 km distance in an average of 1 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .

On Mon, Dec 15 the slowest trains will take 1 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.

SBBIR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667
10:05AM1h53
Zurich HB
11:58AMLugano, Stazione
$681One-way
1 transfer
SBBIC 2 865 | 865
09:05AM1h53
Zurich HB
10:58AMLugano, Stazione
$681One-way
0 transfers
SBBIR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 663
08:05AM1h53
Zurich HB
09:58AMLugano, Stazione
$701One-way
1 transfer
SBBS 5 18535 | 18535 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 667
09:46AM2h12
Zurich Altstetten
11:58AMLugano, Stazione
$721One-way
2 transfers
SBBS 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 2 865 | 865
08:46AM2h12
Zurich Altstetten
10:58AMLugano, Stazione
$721One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Zurich to Lugano

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Lugano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a flight costs an average of €83.

Distance: 96 miles (155 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€69

Average price

€17

Average price

Cheapest

€292

Average price

2h 42m

Average total duration

2h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 10m

Average total duration

2h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 47m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

SWISS

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Zurich to Lugano train times

The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Lugano trains for today, Sunday, December 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:43 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
sbbS 5 18571 | 18571 · IC 2 885 | 8855:46 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
7:58 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 6 18671 | 18671 · IC 2 885 | 8855:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h07
7:58 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbIC 2 885 | 8856:05 PM Zurich HB
1h53
7:58 PM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbIC 732 | 732 · EC 70029 | 700296:15 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h13
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18573 | 18573 · EC 70029 | 700296:16 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 9 18973 | 18973 · EC 29 | 296:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h12
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18573 | 18573 · EC 29 | 296:16 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbEC 29 | 296:33 PM Zurich HB
1h55
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbEC 70029 | 700296:33 PM Zurich HB
1h55
8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18575 | 18575 · IR 46 2437 | 2437 · IC 21 687 | 6876:46 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
8:58 PM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
sbbS 6 18675 | 18675 · IR 46 2437 | 2437 · IC 21 687 | 6876:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h07
8:58 PM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
sbbIR 46 2437 | 2437 · IC 21 687 | 6877:05 PM Zurich HB
1h53
8:58 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbIC 1 734 | 734 · IC 2 1487 | 14877:15 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h13
9:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18577 | 18577 · IC 2 1487 | 14877:16 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
9:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 9 18977 | 18977 · IC 2 1487 | 14877:16 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h12
9:28 PM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbIC 2 1487 | 14877:33 PM Zurich HB
1h55
9:28 PM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18583 | 18583 · IR 46 2441 | 2441 · IC 21 691 | 6918:46 PM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
10:58 PM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
sbbS 6 18683 | 18683 · IR 46 2441 | 2441 · IC 21 691 | 6918:51 PM Zürich Oerlikon
2h07
10:58 PM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
Monday, December 15
sbbIR 46 2413 | 2413 · IC 21 663 | 6637:05 AM Zurich HB
1h53
8:58 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 9 18929 | 18929 · EC 31 | 317:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon
2h12
9:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18529 | 18529 · EC 31 | 317:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
9:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbEC 31 | 317:33 AM Zurich HB
1h55
9:28 AM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18531 | 18531 · IC 2 865 | 8657:46 AM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 6 18631 | 18631 · IC 2 865 | 8657:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon
2h07
9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbIC 2 865 | 8658:05 AM Zurich HB
1h53
9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbS 9 18933 | 18933 · EC 15 | 158:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon
2h12
10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18533 | 18533 · EC 15 | 158:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbEC 15 | 158:33 AM Zurich HB
1h55
10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18535 | 18535 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 6678:46 AM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
sbbS 6 18635 | 18635 · IR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 6678:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon
2h07
10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione2 transfers
sbbIR 46 2417 | 2417 · IC 21 667 | 6679:05 AM Zurich HB
1h53
10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 9 18937 | 18937 · IC 2 1467 | 14679:16 AM Zürich Oerlikon
2h12
11:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer
sbbS 5 18537 | 18537 · IC 2 1467 | 14679:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
2h12
11:28 AM Lugano, Stazione1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich 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.

Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29
Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03
Sun
Jan 04

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Lugano?

The best time to book your train from Zurich to Lugano is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Zurich to Lugano route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Zurich to Lugano per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Zurich to Lugano.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Lugano

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Zurich to Lugano run on average 20 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 (€42) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:05, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 96 miles (155 km) distance in 1h 53m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€13)
Distance
96 miles (155 km)
Average train duration
2h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$53 (€42)
Trains per day
20
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
01:05
Last train
23:53
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€13)

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Zurich to Lugano trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Zurich and Lugano from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€39)
SBB frequency
19 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
$113 (€91)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
11 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 42m
Südostbahn frequency
4 a day

FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Lugano

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.

FAQs
To fully experience Lugano, including its scenic lakeside views, cultural attractions, and nearby hiking trails, 2 to 3 days are recommended.
Yes, the Zurich to Lugano train journey is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside, including lakes, mountains, and charming villages along the route.
A day trip from Zurich to Lugano is not feasible as the travel duration is 1h 53m. However, trains run frequently with 20 trips per day. The journey covers a distance of 96 miles (155 km).
In Lugano, you can enjoy scenic boat tours and lakeside promenades around Lake Lugano, with stunning views. Hike or take a funicular to Monte San Salvatore for breathtaking regional views, and explore vibrant local markets for Swiss culture and cuisine. Visit the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, stroll through the historic streets of Lugano's Old Town, or enjoy panoramic views from Monte Brè. Relax at Parco Ciani, experience culture at Lugano Arte e Cultura, and explore Swissminiatur's miniature landmarks. Discover Gandria, a charming village with traditional architecture.
The distance by train from Zurich to Lugano is 96 miles (155 km).
There is no high speed train available from Zurich to Lugano.
The first train from Zurich to Lugano leaves at 1:05 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Lugano.
The last train from Zurich to Lugano leaves at 11:53 PM.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Lugano can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $53 (€42), while the average price is around $86 (€69).
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Lugano is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€13).
The train from Zurich to Lugano takes 1h 53m and runs 20 per day.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Lugano is Zurich HB, which connects to Lugano, Stazione.
Yes, there is a direct train from Zurich to Lugano. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Zurich to Lugano.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Zurich to Lugano

Zurich
Lugano
The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich Altstetten. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich Altstetten for your trip from Zurich to Lugano.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Markthalle
  • Restaurant LaSalle
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Placid Hotel Zurich
  • Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
  • H+ Hotel Zürich
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 240 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
  • Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transit options for Zürich Altstetten
  • S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
  • Tram: Line 4
  • Bus: Several lines available
Zürich StadelhofenWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
3
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week. Access is available from Mühlebachstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Outback Lodge
  • Tibits
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Opera Zurich
  • Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
  • Hotel Seehof
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 1000 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for S-Bahn trains
  • Hall 2: platform 4 for regional trains
Public transit options for Zürich Stadelhofen
  • Tram: Line 11, Line 15
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S3, S5, S6, S7, S9, S12, S16
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Andreasstrasse and Franklinstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Negishi Sushi Bar
  • Le Muh
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Courtyard Zurich North
  • Swissotel Zurich
  • Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 72 places, 60 places
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for S-Bahn trains
  • Hall 2: platform 5-8 for regional and long-distance trains
Public transit options for Zürich Oerlikon
  • Tram: Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S2, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S16, S19, S24

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone