Related Content
How to take the rail journey from Basel to Lugano
Share this journey with a friend...
Basel / Bâle to Lugano by train
Thanks to railway engineering wonders, the Gotthard Base Tunnel and the Ceneri Base tunnel, it has never been so easy and fast, to make the journey by train across Switzerland from Basel to Lugano.
Routes you can take to go from Basel / Bâle to Lugano
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
Choose one of the following options:
Looking for connections?
Route Information
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
2hr 55min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
6 x IC trains per day
2 x EC trains per day
Is this journey from Basel to Lugano direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Yes, despite the trains travelling through the Gotthard Base Tunnel - see the Journey Information for images and videos and insights on how to make the most of the views.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lugano?
After 08:45 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Lugano?
The station has an elevated position above the town, but it is linked to by a funicular - See the Station Guide above
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Basel to Lugano on this journey option
After 21:00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Basel?
Basel SBB station is located to the south of the city centre, but is connected from it by tram lines / routes 8, 10 or 11.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Basel to Lugano trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Basel to Lugano trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.
What are the child ticket terms for these Basel to Lugano trains?
- Children aged 5 or younger travel free of charge
- Children aged 6-15 and travelling with a person aged 16 and over, pay 50% of the adult rate per journey - see the Ticket Guide for more info.
Does the ticket for these Basel to Lugano trains include assigned seats?
No, reservations are available, but are not mandatory.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Basel to Lugano trains?
No
Is catering available on the Basel to Lugano trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.
This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.
We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.
Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.
So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.
See if there’s a unique journey guide for your trip, featuring info on the trains, tickets & stations.
This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.
