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How to take a rail journey from Milano to Lugano
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Milano / Milan / Mailand to Lugano by train
Despite its location over the Swiss border, beautiful Lugano is close enough to Milan to be a commuter destination for the city.
As a consequence the most frequent trains on this route are the Regional services, which have been significantly improved in recent years.
They're also generally a cheaper option, particularly if you will buying tickets at the last minute, and if you'll be traveling with an InterRail or Eurail pass, you can take these trains and avoid the comparatively expensive rail pass reservation fees on the EC trains; connecting in Lugano for the other destinations in Switzerland served by those trains.
The other rail travel option is to take the EC (EuroCity) trains, but despite being 'express' trains, they are not any faster on this route.
The plus of taking them is that seat reservations are complimentary when booking tickets, so not only are the seats more comfortable, they will also be assigned.
The Regionale trains can be busy, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening.
Routes you can take to go from Milano / Milan / Mailand 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
Option 1: taking the regional trains
Station Guides
Travel Time (approx)
1hr 9min
Frequency
Daily
Travel Info
1 x train per hour
Is the journey from Milano to Lugano direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
There are some lovely views over Lake Lugano, on the right-hand side when facing the direction of travel.
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lugano from Milano Centrale on this journey option?
Before 08:00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Lugano?
A funicular links the station to the town centre.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Milano Centrale to Lugano on this journey option
Usually before 21:45
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Milano?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
There are also typically 2 x trains per hour from Malpensa Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milano to Lugano trains?
No, they will be the same price when booked last minute at the station.
What are the child ticket terms for these Milano to Lugano trains?
Children aged 4 -11 receive a 50% discount.
Does the ticket for these Milano to Lugano trains include assigned seats?
No - seat reservations are not available on these trains
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Milano to Lugano trains?
No, they can hop on board.
Is catering available on the Milano to Lugano trains on this journey option?
No
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.
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