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Getting from Milan to Lugano by train

Taking a trip over the Italian border and through to Switzerland is a lot easier than you may think. Crossing rivers and mountains, lakes and wooded peaks, the journey is just as exciting as the destination. There’s only one way to soak up the stunning views from Milan to Lugano, and that’s by train.

Board a Eurocity service in central Milan and be transported on a ride through the tip of Lake Como to the picturesque Swiss city of Lugano. Lugano station is centrally located, you’ll arrive in the heart of the city close to Lugano Lake and the nearby cultural sights in less than an hour and a half.

So, what are you waiting for? Find everything you need to know about train timetables and tickets from Milan to Lugano below.

Milan Central Station to Lugano by train

It takes an average of 1h 33m to travel from Milan Central Station to Lugano by train, over a distance of around 38 miles (61 km). There are normally 31 trains per day travelling from Milan Central Station to Lugano and tickets for this journey start from £15.26 when you book in advance.

First train

05:25

Last train

23:09

Departure station

Milan Central Station

Arrival station

Lugano

Journey time

From 1h 15m

Distance

38 miles (61 km)

Frequency

31 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £15.26

Train and bus operators

Regiojet, Marino, Trenitalia, SBB CFF FFS, Flixbus, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Trenord

Milan Central Station to Lugano train times

Check out the next trains departing from Milan Central Station to Lugano for Tuesday 26th March 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
10:10 11:28 1h 18m, direct
10:43 11:58 1h 15m, direct
11:43 12:58 1h 15m, direct
12:10 13:28 1h 18m, direct
12:43 13:58 1h 15m, direct
13:43 14:58 1h 15m, direct
14:10 15:28 1h 18m, direct
14:43 15:58 1h 15m, direct
15:10 16:28 1h 18m, 1 change
15:43 16:58 1h 15m, direct

Trenitalia, SBB and Trenord trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano

You can travel from Milan Central Station to Lugano on Trenitalia, SBB and Trenord trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.

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).

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.

RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity classes from Milan Central Station to Lugano

Compare the different travel classes offered by RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Milan Central Station to Lugano.

Onboard services on RegioJet, Trenord and Trenitalia Eurocity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Central Station to Lugano.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

There are no weight limits when it comes to luggage on Regiojet trains - you can take what you like, so long as you can carry it by yourself.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Choose from a wide range of drinks, snacks and light bites on board - you'll find the full menu on the Regiojet app. A free bottle of water is available for all customers. For passengers travelling with Relax or Business Class tickets, you'll also be offered a free Italian coffee or mint tea (made with real mint leaves) when on board.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on board. You can access the entertainment portal using the Regiojet app, or through the built-in screens on more modern Regiojet trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Pushchairs should be folded up to be taken on board. If this isn't possible, you must store your pushchair at the front or back of the carriage.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Bicycles cannot be transported on Regiojet trains.

PetPetPets

It's possible to bring small pets on board Regiojet trains in suitable carriers. Pets are not allowed in sleeper carriages or couchettes. Guide dogs of all sizes are permitted on board.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on Regiojet trains.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • 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.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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.

LuggageLuggageLuggage
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
  • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment

Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

PetPetPets

Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

InfoInfoOther

A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

Cheap train tickets from Milan Central Station to Lugano

The price of train tickets from Milan Central Station to Lugano starts at £15.26 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

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 Central Station 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.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Milan Central Station 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 Central Station to Lugano take?

The average journey time by train between Milan Central Station and Lugano is 1 hour and 33 minutes, with around 31 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 Central Station and Lugano by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Milan Central Station to Lugano is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

How much does the train from Milan Central Station to Lugano cost?

Train ticket prices from Milan Central Station to Lugano can start from as little as £15.26 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Milan Central Station to Lugano?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan Central Station to Lugano without having to change trains. There are 24 direct trains from Milan Central Station 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 Central Station to Lugano leave?

The first train from Milan Central Station to Lugano leaves at 05:25. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Milan Central Station to Lugano leave?

The last train from Milan Central Station to Lugano leaves at 23:09. 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 Central Station and Lugano by train?

Trains travelling from Milan Central Station to Lugano cover a distance of around 38 miles (61 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lugano to Milan Central Station.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

Getting from Milan to Lugano stress-free in just over an hour

I took a Eurocity train from Milan Central Station at 09:25 with an expected arrival time of 10:38 in Lugano Station. The journey only lasts 1h 13m, so I preferred taking the train rather than driving and risking getting stuck in traffic.

Departing from Milan Central Station

I easily got to Milan Central Station with the Milan Metro Line 2 (it’s the green one). The train station is directly connected to the metro station, so it’s super easy to move from one station to another.

As I got to the station quite early, I had time to have breakfast at the Panino Giusto bar, which is opposite the stairs on the ground floor. I travelled on Saturday, so the station was less crowded than usual, which was perfect because I was able to take in all its beauty, something I never manage to do during the rest of the week.

On board the Eurocity

Eurocity are day trains connecting different European countries. Second-class seats are quite comfortable and come with headrests and reclining tables.

I found out that you can also travel in First Class on this route and you can cancel your ticket before departure and get an 80% refund if you can’t travel anymore.

Getting off in Lugano

As soon as you leave Lugano station, you can either get a bus or a cable car to the city centre – just follow the signs and you’ll be in the centre in no time at all.

The historical service between Lugano Station and the central Piazza Cioccaro has been active for 130 years and it’s probably the fastest way to get to the city centre. The cable railway runs from 05:00 to 24:00 every day and can take up to 100 passengers (and their bikes at specific times). The journey lasts about a minute and a half and the ticket costs 1.30 Swiss Francs.

The journey

I was very impressed with the Eurocity train – the ticket price is the same as that of Trenitalia and TILO (the regional trains serving the Canton of Ticino). I strongly recommend taking it.

Origin: Milano Centrale 

Destination: Lugano

Train: Eurocity

Travel time: 1h 13m

About Greta

Greta, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Milan Central Station and Lugano.

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