How to Get from Zurich to Lugano City Centre

Getting from Zurich Airport to Lugano City Centre?

Travelling from Zurich to Lugano by land offers the opportunity to see some of Switzerland’s natural beauty up close. Our quick how-to guide lets you know the best ways to get to and from Lugano depending on your needs. Make the right choice and travel with ease.

Lugano finds itself in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, and is accessible by train, bus and AtoB private transfers. It is one of the warmest places in Switzerland, along with Grono and Locarno, and has an almost humid subtropical climate.

The city has a combination of both stunning natural sights as well as historic buildings, such as the Biblioteca Cantonale, and museums, like the Museo Cantonale d’Arte.

Getting from Zurich Airport to Lugano City Centre by Train

Although this journey is all the way from the North to the East of the country, by train it only takes a little over 2 hours to reach Lugano. The trip itself is relatively straightforward as well, only requiring a change of trains once.

From Zurich Airport, board the IC5 on platform 4 towards Geneva Airport. Disembark at Zurich HB, and walk to platform 8. From there catch the IC2 train straight to Lugano. Quite simple, right?

Ticket prices currently range from €70 for a second class ticket, and up to €130 for a first class ticket.
Alternatively, Flixbus also offers transport by train every 30 minutes. From Zurich HB you can catch a Flix train to Lugano train station. Transit time is a little under two hours, and costs €66.

Travel Tip: Book your train tickets well in advance to make sure you can find a seat, as well as the best price.

How to get a Bus from Lugano to Zurich Airport?

Unfortunately, there are no bus routes for a direct trip from Zurich arriving in Lugano. If one were to attempt to get from one location to the other by bus, they would be in for a trip consisting of multiple changes, as well as using other transport options as well. Steer clear of buses and use one of the other methods we provide, you’ll thank us for it later.

Travel Tip: If you are set on using shared transport to travel by road, check out Blablacar and find someone taking that route.

What is Zurich to Lugano distance?

In a straight line, the distance is 155 kilometres. Depending on which transport option you choose, this distance will vary. No matter which one it is, you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the countryside.

Booking an AtoB Transfer from Zurich to Lugano City Centre?

Do you want to sit back and relax during your journey? We understand. Sometimes public transport can be a nuisance, and is prone to occasional delays and overcrowding. Avoid all of this and book yourself a worry-free private transfer. We offer door-to-door transportation, getting you where you need to go in comfort.

If you are travelling with young children, or need to transport a lot of luggage, this is your best option. We have vehicles which can cater to all needs, and offer additional services, like the inclusion of a child seat.