Zürich to Lugano by Train
Lugano feels like a different country from Zürich, and thanks to the Gotthard base tunnel, it's now only about two hours away by direct train.
The journey
Trains from Zürich HB to Lugano run hourly and take roughly two hours, almost entirely direct. Most of the route runs fast and flat through the Gotthard base tunnel, though the last stretch down into Lugano, with the lake opening up below the tracks, is genuinely pretty.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Duration | ≈ 2 h |
| Frequency | ~1 per hour |
| Changes | Direct |
| Departs | Zürich HB |
| Arrives | Lugano |
What changes on the way
Crossing from Zürich to Lugano means crossing from German-speaking to Italian-speaking Switzerland, and it shows up fast once you arrive, in the language, the architecture and the pace of the town.
Through the Gotthard
Most of this route now runs through the Gotthard base tunnel, one of the longest rail tunnels in the world, which is why a trip that once took most of a day now takes about two hours. The tunnel itself is dark, but it’s the reason the rest of the ride is so quick.
Tickets
A Swiss Travel Pass covers this route in full, and it’s a good one to have if Lugano is a stop on a longer trip rather than a one-off, since it also covers city transport once you’re there.
Plan it live
Trains this long are comfortable to just settle into, but knowing your exact platform at Zürich HB before you head down saves the last-minute scramble. The Swiss Transport app shows live departures and platform numbers, so you can walk straight to your train.
Plan Zürich → Lugano live
Free Swiss Transport app, live departures, platforms and every connection.