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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano
Cheapest price
€66
Average price
€85
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 56 m
Trains per day
5
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 €85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
Of the 5 trains that leave Basel for Lugano on Mon, Nov 10, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Nov 10 the direct trains cover the 202 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Mon, Nov 10 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.
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 €29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. 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 €29, and a flight costs an average of €74.
Distance: 202 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€92 Average price | €43 Average price Cheapest | €213 Average price |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 47m Average total duration 7h 47m 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 today, Sunday, November 9. 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 461 721 | 721 | 7:03 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 10:14 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
| IR 26 2315 | 2315 · IC 2 865 | 865 | 7:03 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 9:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 13 | 13 · B 461 723 | 723 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 10:44 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 563 | 563 · EC 13 | 13 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 10:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 · B 461 725 | 725 | 8:03 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 11:14 AM Lugano | 1 transfer | |
| IC 21 667 | 667 | 8:03 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IC 3 565 | 565 · EC 35 | 35 · B 461 727 | 727 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 11:44 AM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
| IC 3 565 | 565 · EC 35 | 35 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 11:28 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1 transfer | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 · B 461 729 | 729 | 9:03 AM Basel SBB | 3h11 | 12:14 PM Lugano | 2 transfers | |
| IR 26 2319 | 2319 · IC 2 869 | 869 | 9:03 AM Basel SBB | 2h55 | 11:58 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.
Nov 10
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Nov 13
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Lugano?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Lugano
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from Basel to Lugano run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €59 but you can travel from only €29 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 202 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €59 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 04:32 |
Last train 23:05 |
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lugano trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lugano from €29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
Swiss 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.
When departing from Basel, you have various train station options to start your route from including Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bhf. When arriving in Lugano, you can end your route in train stations like Lugano and Lugano, Stazione.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Basel SBB, which is located around 1.3 miles (2.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Lugano, located 0.2 miles (355 m) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Lugano
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
- 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
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 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
ParkingDiningATMTaxisWCBike ParkingParkingDiningATMWCHotelBike RentalAccessibilityWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible from Via Maraini.
- Ristorante Grand Café Al Porto
- Ristorante Trani
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Lugano Dante Center
- Hotel Federale Lugano
- Hotel Pestalozzi Lugano
- Located in the main hall
- 116 places
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-2 for trains to Ponte Tresa
- Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
- Bus: Several lines available
- Funicular: Connection to Lugano city center
AccessibilityMost 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
Most popular trains to and from Lugano and Basel
Most popular train connections to Lugano
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