Lugano to Zurich train with SBB

Fri, Dec 19
+ Add return
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lugano to Zurich

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€65

Average price

€85

Fastest journey

1 h 53 m

Average duration

1 h 53 m

Trains per day

75

Distance

155 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lugano to Zurich will cost around €85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €65.

Fast trains

Of the 75 trains that leave Lugano for Zurich on Sun, Dec 21, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 155 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .

On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 1 h 53 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.

SBBEC 10 | 10
08:30AM1h57
Lugano, Stazione
10:27AMZurich HB
651One-way
0 transfers
SBBEC 24 | 24
06:30PM1h57
Lugano, Stazione
08:27PMZurich HB
651One-way
0 transfers
SBBEC 24 | 24 · IC 1 731 | 731
06:30PM2h12
Lugano, Stazione
08:42PMZürich Oerlikon
671One-way
1 transfer
SBBEC 24 | 24 · S 5 18578 | 18578
06:30PM2h14
Lugano, Stazione
08:44PMZurich Altstetten
681One-way
1 transfer
SBBEC 10 | 10 · S 5 18538 | 18538
08:30AM2h14
Lugano, Stazione
10:44AMZurich Altstetten
681One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Lugano to Zurich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Zurich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 58m. 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 €16, and a flight costs an average of €79.

Distance: 155 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€67

Average price

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€202

Average price

2h 48m

Average total duration

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 58m

Average total duration

Fastest

58m

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

LAER

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Lugano to Zurich train times

The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Zurich trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:53 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
sbbEC 10 | 10 · S 5 18538 | 185387:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h14
9:44 AM Zurich Altstetten1 transfer
sbbEC 10 | 107:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
1h57
9:27 AM Zurich HB0 transfersDirect
sbbEC 10 | 10 · IC 1 711 | 7117:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h12
9:42 AM Zürich Oerlikon1 transfer
sbbIC 2 870 | 8708:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
1h53
9:55 AM Zurich HB0 transfersDirect
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · RE 48 4918 | 49188:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h08
10:10 AM Zürich Oerlikon1 transfer
sbbIC 2 870 | 870 · S 5 18540 | 185408:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h12
10:14 AM Zurich Altstetten1 transfer
sbbEC 12 | 128:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
1h57
10:27 AM Zurich HB0 transfersDirect
sbbEC 12 | 12 · S 5 18542 | 185428:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h14
10:44 AM Zurich Altstetten1 transfer
sbbEC 12 | 12 · IC 1 713 | 7138:30 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h12
10:42 AM Zürich Oerlikon1 transfer
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2119 | 2119 · S 5 18546 | 185469:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h42
11:44 AM Zurich Altstetten3 transfers
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418 · RE 48 4920 | 49209:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h08
11:10 AM Zürich Oerlikon2 transfers
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 2418 · S 5 18544 | 185449:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h12
11:14 AM Zurich Altstetten2 transfers
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2119 | 21199:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h23
11:25 AM Zurich HB2 transfers
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · S 2 21242 | 21242 · IR 75 2119 | 2119 · IC 1 715 | 7159:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
2h40
11:42 AM Zürich Oerlikon3 transfers
sbbIC 21 672 | 672 · IR 46 2418 | 24189:02 AM Lugano, Stazione
1h53
10:55 AM Zurich HB1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lugano to Zurich 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.

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

The best time to book your train from Lugano to Zurich is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Lugano to Zurich route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Lugano to Zurich 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 Lugano to Zurich.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lugano to Zurich

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Lugano to Zurich run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €43 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 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
Distance
155 km
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
€43
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 53m
First train
00:08
Last train
23:51
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

Train companies: SBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Lugano to Zurich trainsSBB, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Lugano and Zurich from €16. 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
€43
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

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Price
€77
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
7 a day

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
€91
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
18 a day

FAQs: Trains from Lugano to Zurich

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano to Zurich 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 Zurich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Lugano to Zurich can start from as little as €37 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Lugano to Zurich is €61; 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 Lugano to Zurich is 1 h 53 min   to travel the 154 km long route, with around there are 12 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Lugano to Zurich leaves at 00: 03. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Lugano to Zurich leaves at 23: 51.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lugano to Zurich without having to change trains with SBB. There are 4 direct trains from Lugano to Zurich each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a train from Lugano to Zurich, you can count on SBB for the best way to get you to Zurich. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Lugano and Zurich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 51.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Lugano, which is located around 0.2 miles (356 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Zurich HB, located 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Zurich from Lugano is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 53 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Lugano to Zurich is March.
You have options as you can travel to Zurich from Lugano 3 different ways: train, flight or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Lugano to Zurich

Lugano
Zurich
The major train station for departures in Lugano is Lugano, Stazione. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lugano, Stazione for your trip from Lugano to Zurich.
Lugano, StazioneAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Lugano, Via Giacomo e Filippo Ciani (Stadio Cornaredo)
information
Lugano Città (funicolare)Accessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information

Most popular train connections from Lugano

More options for your journey from Lugano to Zurich

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