Trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
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Take the train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano in 1 hour 28 minutes
If you want to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train to take around 2 hours 15 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 1 hour 28 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 21 trains per day running on this route, which spans 28 miles (46 km). There’s no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Lugano. SBB trains are the main operator of services on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Lugano.
You can save money on train tickets from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by train
| First train | 00:26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:26 | |
| Departure station | Milan Malpensa Airport | |
| Arrival station | Lugano | |
| Journey time | From 1h 28m | |
| Distance | 28 miles (46 km) | |
| Frequency | 21 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, Trenord |
SBB and Trenord trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
SBB
Trenord
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
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Founded by Trenitalia and FNM (Ferrovie Nord Milano), Trenord run suburban and regional trains in Lombardy and from Lombardy to Ticino, the Italian-speaking region in Switzerland. With Trenord, you can travel between Milan, Bergamo, Como, Varese, Pavia, Brescia, Chiasso, Milan Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport in total comfort. All Trenord trains have First and Second Class and offer special discounts to travellers under 14, over 60 and groups.
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Trenord classes from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
Compare the different travel classes offered by Trenord when travelling from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano.
Second Class
Explore Lombardy and its neighbouring regions at an affordable price. You don't need to reserve a seat – just sit back and enjoy the views around you.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
First Class
You can travel in Trenord's First Class only if you have a First Class ticket. Store your luggage in the dedicated luggage racks, sit back and enjoy your journey.
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
Onboard services on Trenord
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano.
- You can take your bags on board Trenord trains free of charge, provided their dimensions do not exceed 80 x 110 x 40cm.
- You’ll need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
At the moment, a restaurant service is not available on Trenord trains. However, you can take your own food on board so pick up some snacks at the station before you set off.
Trenord do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power sockets that are available at your seat.
- Children under 4 travel for free on all Trenord trains if they don’t occupy a seat and sit on an adult’s lap.
- Children aged 4-13 get 50% off the standard fare.
- Each passenger can take only one bike onboard Trenord trains. Folding bikes and scooters that do not exceed the maximum dimensions of 80 x 120 x 45cm are allowed on board free of charge.
- If you can’t fold your bike, you may be able to take it onboard some Trenord trains. However, you’ll need to buy a ticket both for you and for your bike. Please note that the last coaches of some trains are only reserved for bikes of those working in the food delivery sector.
- Small pets can travel on all Trenord trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket for unlimited travel for the whole day you’re travelling. They also need to be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
- Pets are not allowed on board on weekdays from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
Passengers with disabilities can:
- Request, through the Lombardy Region, the IVOL regional card, which allows them to travel at a discounted price
- Buy the ticket on board without going through control checks
- Access the train with CartaBlu (free card for disabled passengers that live in Italy)
To request special assistance, passengers will need to call the toll-free number 800210955 (active every day from 08:15 to 19:45) at least 48 hours before departure.
Cheap train tickets from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano take?
The average journey time by train between Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano is 2 hours and 15 minutes, with around 21 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano is 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano without having to change trains. There are 18 direct trains from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leave?
The first train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leaves at 00:26. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leave?
The last train from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano leaves at 23:26. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Milan Malpensa Airport and Lugano by train?
Trains travelling from Milan Malpensa Airport to Lugano cover a distance of around 28 miles (46 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Milan Malpensa Airport.