BASEL to LUGANO train from €30 with SBB

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lugano

Showing times and prices for Aug 09

Cheapest price

€57

Average price

€88

Fastest journey

2 h 54 m

Average duration

2 h 54 m

Trains per day

Distance

202 km

Cheap tickets

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 €88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €57.

Fast trains

Of the 66 trains that leave Basel for Lugano on Sun, Aug 09, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Aug 09 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 Sun, Aug 09 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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 21 671 | 671
11:04 AM2h54
Basel SBB
1:58 PMLugano, Stazione
€571One-way
0 transfers
IC 21 683 | 683
5:04 PM2h54
Basel SBB
7:58 PMLugano, Stazione
€571One-way
0 transfers
IC 21 675 | 675
1:04 PM2h54
Basel SBB
3:58 PMLugano, Stazione
€581One-way
0 transfers
IC 21 687 | 687
7:04 PM2h54
Basel SBB
9:58 PMLugano, Stazione
€581One-way
0 transfers
IC 21 667 | 667
9:04 AM2h54
Basel SBB
11:58 AMLugano, Stazione
€591One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, 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 €30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. 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 €30, and a flight costs an average of €71.

Distance: 202 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Flight
€88 Average price	€44 Average price Cheapest	€347 Average price
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	13h 1m Average total duration 10h 1m 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, Saturday, August 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
IR 26 2315 \| 2315 · IC 2 865 \| 865 · B 5 5125 \| 5125	8:04 AM Basel SBB	3h05	11:09 AM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2315 \| 2315 · IC 2 865 \| 865	8:04 AM Basel SBB	2h54	10:58 AM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 3 563 \| 563 · EC 15 \| 15 · B 5 5137 \| 5137	8:33 AM Basel SBB	3h06	11:39 AM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 563 \| 563 · EC 15 \| 15	8:33 AM Basel SBB	2h55	11:28 AM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 21 667 \| 667 · B 5 5149 \| 5149	9:04 AM Basel SBB	3h05	12:09 PM Lugano	1 transfer
IC 21 667 \| 667	9:04 AM Basel SBB	2h54	11:58 AM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
IC 3 553 \| 553 · EC 153 \| 153 · B 5 5161 \| 5161	9:33 AM Basel SBB	3h06	12:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 553 \| 553 · EC 153 \| 153	9:33 AM Basel SBB	2h55	12:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2319 \| 2319 · IC 2 869 \| 869 · B 5 5173 \| 5173	10:04 AM Basel SBB	3h05	1:09 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2319 \| 2319 · IC 2 869 \| 869	10:04 AM Basel SBB	2h54	12:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
TGV 9203 \| 9203 · EC 19 \| 19	10:33 AM Basel SBB	2h55	1:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
TGV 9203 \| 9203 · EC 19 \| 19 · B 5 5185 \| 5185	10:33 AM Basel SBB	3h06	1:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 21 671 \| 671 · B 5 5197 \| 5197	11:04 AM Basel SBB	3h05	2:09 PM Lugano	1 transfer
IC 21 671 \| 671	11:04 AM Basel SBB	2h54	1:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
EC 151 \| 151 · B 5 5209 \| 5209	11:07 AM Basel SBB	3h32	2:39 PM Lugano	1 transfer
EC 151 \| 151	11:07 AM Basel SBB	3h21	2:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
IC 3 569 \| 569 · EC 151 \| 151	11:33 AM Basel SBB	2h55	2:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 3 569 \| 569 · EC 151 \| 151 · B 5 5209 \| 5209	11:33 AM Basel SBB	3h06	2:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2323 \| 2323 · IC 2 873 \| 873	12:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	2:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2323 \| 2323 · IC 2 873 \| 873 · B 5 5221 \| 5221	12:04 PM Basel SBB	3h05	3:09 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 591 \| 591 · EC 21 \| 21	12:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	3:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 3 591 \| 591 · EC 21 \| 21 · B 5 5233 \| 5233	12:33 PM Basel SBB	3h06	3:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 21 675 \| 675 · B 5 5245 \| 5245	1:04 PM Basel SBB	3h05	4:09 PM Lugano	1 transfer
IC 21 675 \| 675	1:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	3:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
TGV 9211 \| 9211 · EC 37 \| 37	1:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	4:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
TGV 9211 \| 9211 · EC 37 \| 37 · B 5 5257 \| 5257	1:33 PM Basel SBB	3h06	4:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2327 \| 2327 · IC 2 877 \| 877	2:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	4:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2327 \| 2327 · IC 2 877 \| 877 · B 5 5271 \| 5271	2:04 PM Basel SBB	3h05	5:09 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 575 \| 575 · EC 123 \| 123 · B 5 5285 \| 5285	2:33 PM Basel SBB	3h06	5:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 575 \| 575 · EC 123 \| 123	2:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	5:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
EC 173 \| 173	3:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	5:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
EC 173 \| 173 · B 5 5299 \| 5299	3:04 PM Basel SBB	3h05	6:09 PM Lugano	1 transfer
TGV 9213 \| 9213 · IC 2 1479 \| 1479 · B 5 5313 \| 5313	3:33 PM Basel SBB	3h06	6:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
TGV 9213 \| 9213 · IC 2 1479 \| 1479	3:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	6:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2331 \| 2331 · IC 2 881 \| 881	4:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	6:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2331 \| 2331 · IC 2 881 \| 881 · B 5 5327 \| 5327	4:04 PM Basel SBB	3h05	7:09 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2331 \| 2331 · IC 2 881 \| 881 · B 5 5327 \| 5327 · B 1 1290 \| 1290	4:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	7:12 PM Lugano	3 transfers
IC 3 579 \| 579 · EC 25 \| 25	4:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	7:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 3 579 \| 579 · EC 25 \| 25 · B 5 5339 \| 5339 · B 1 1298 \| 1298	4:33 PM Basel SBB	3h09	7:42 PM Lugano	3 transfers
IC 3 579 \| 579 · EC 25 \| 25 · B 5 5339 \| 5339	4:33 PM Basel SBB	3h06	7:39 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 21 683 \| 683	5:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	7:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
IC 21 683 \| 683 · RE 80 25535 \| 25535 · B 1 1315 \| 1315	5:04 PM Basel SBB	3h10	8:14 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 21 683 \| 683 · B 2 2273 \| 2273	5:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	8:12 PM Lugano	1 transfer
IC 3 595 \| 595 · EC 27 \| 27 · B 2 2277 \| 2277	5:33 PM Basel SBB	3h09	8:42 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 595 \| 595 · EC 27 \| 27	5:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	8:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2335 \| 2335 · IC 2 885 \| 885 · B 2 2281 \| 2281	6:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	9:12 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2335 \| 2335 · IC 2 885 \| 885	6:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	8:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 3 583 \| 583 · EC 29 \| 29 · B 2 2285 \| 2285	6:33 PM Basel SBB	3h09	9:42 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 3 583 \| 583 · EC 29 \| 29	6:33 PM Basel SBB	2h55	9:28 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IC 21 687 \| 687	7:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	9:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
IC 21 687 \| 687 · B 2 2289 \| 2289	7:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	10:12 PM Lugano	1 transfer
IR 26 2339 \| 2339 · IC 2 889 \| 889	8:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	10:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
IR 26 2339 \| 2339 · IC 2 889 \| 889 · B 2 2297 \| 2297	8:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	11:12 PM Lugano	2 transfers
IC 21 691 \| 691 · B 2 2305 \| 2305	9:04 PM Basel SBB	3h08	12:12 AM Lugano	1 transfer
IC 21 691 \| 691	9:04 PM Basel SBB	2h54	11:58 PM Lugano, Stazione	0 transfersDirect
IR 37 2289 \| 2289 · IC 5 539 \| 539 · IC 2 895 \| 895	9:43 PM Basel SBB	3h28	1:11 AM Lugano, Stazione	2 transfers
IR 37 2289 \| 2289 · IC 5 539 \| 539 · IC 2 895 \| 895 · B 461 669 \| 669	9:43 PM Basel SBB	3h40	1:23 AM Lugano	3 transfers
IR 26 2343 \| 2343 · IC 2 895 \| 895 · B 461 669 \| 669	10:04 PM Basel SBB	3h19	1:23 AM Lugano	2 transfers
IR 26 2343 \| 2343 · IC 2 895 \| 895	10:04 PM Basel SBB	3h07	1:11 AM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer
Sunday, August 9
IC 3 551 \| 551 · EC 11 \| 11	5:33 AM Basel SBB	2h55	8:28 AM Lugano, Stazione	1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Lugano by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Sun
Aug 09

Mon
Aug 10

Tue
Aug 11

Wed
Aug 12

Thu
Aug 13

Fri
Aug 14

Sat
Aug 15

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

The best time to book your train from Basel to Lugano is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Basel to Lugano route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Basel 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 Basel to Lugano.

Trains

from €56

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Lugano

Switzerland

Trains from Basel to Lugano run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €56 but you can travel from only €30 by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:37, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 202 km distance in 2h 54m.

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 €30

Distance

202 km

Average train duration

3h 3m

Cheapest ticket price

€56

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 54m

First train

12:37 AM

Last train

11:05 PM

Cheapest Month

Nov

Cheapest Day

Sun

High Season

Apr - Jun

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Tue

Best time to book

35 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from €30

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 €30. 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

2h 54m

Cheapest Price

€56

SBB frequency

12 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

Learn more about SBB

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 51m

Cheapest Price

€120

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency

19 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 54m

Südostbahn frequency

6 a day

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.

Cheap train tickets from Basel to Lugano can start from as little as €56 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Basel to Lugano is €88; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Basel to Lugano is 2h 54m to travel the 202 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.

The earliest train from Basel to Lugano leaves at 12:37 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The latest train from Basel to Lugano leaves at 11:05 PM.

Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Basel to Lugano with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

When taking a train from Basel to Lugano, you can count on SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn for the best way to get you to Lugano. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Basel and Lugano and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

A trip to Lugano from Basel is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 54m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Basel to Lugano is November.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Basel and Lugano including taking a bus, train, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Basel to Lugano

Most Basel to Lugano trains use the Basel SBB to Lugano, Stazione station pair, with some services arriving at Lugano-Paradiso. Use this guide to compare Basel and Lugano train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Basel

Arrival train stations in Lugano

Which Basel station do trains to Lugano leave from?

Trains from Basel to Lugano leave from Basel SBB. The station is 2 km from Basel city centre at Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.

Basel SBBCentralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel, Switzerland+41 51 221 22 22 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Basel SBB from Basel city centre

Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainTer · 5m · €1 · every ~2 min

Bus50 · 4m · €2 · every ~15 min

Tram11 · 5m · €2

1, 3, 2 · 7m · €2 · every ~25 min

Basel SBB train station facilities and services

Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.

Basel, BrausebadBrausebad, 4055 Basel, Switzerland Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Basel, Brausebad from Basel city centre

Tram1, 2, 3 · 6m · €2 · every ~25 min

Basel, Brausebad train station facilities and services

Basel, Brausebad has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station. ATMs are available at Basel, Brausebad.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Basel, Brausebad.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Basel, Brausebad: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Brausebad: The station has accessible entrances and facilities.

Basel Bad BhfSchwarzwaldallee 200, 4058 Basel, Switzerland+41 61 690 13 13 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Basel Bad Bhf from Basel city centre

Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus30 · 11m · €3 · every ~18 min

Tram6, 1, 2 · 19m · €3 · every ~20 min

Basel Bad Bhf train station facilities and services

Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.