How to travel from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano, Switzerland

The distance between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano is around 187km (116 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 2h 10m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano by train, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out LuganoZurich Airport (ZRH) if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Lugano.

  • Duration2h 10m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    CHF 130($130)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
plane
+
train
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Plane and Train

Fly from Zurich (ZRH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP) then take the train to Mendrisio.

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Flight time55min
  • Typical cost
    CHF 335($340)
Operated by

Multiple operators

3
car
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Drive

Drive to Lugano.

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Distance221km (137 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano

There are several options for getting from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano by train, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around CHF 39 ($40) and will take around 3h 55m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 2h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately CHF 130 ($130).

The distance between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano is around 187km (116 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 163km (102 miles)

It takes around 2h 10m to get from Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano is to take the train which takes around 2h 10m and will set you back approx CHF 130 ($130).

The cheapest way to travel between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around CHF 39 ($40) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano. It typically takes around 2h 10m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Zürich HB. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 10m.

Swiss Railways and Südostbahn run train services between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 10m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano. We recommend that you take the train to Lugano. instead which will take 2h 10m.

Flights and Airlines

The easiest way to get to Lugano from Zurich Airport (ZRH) is to take the train which will take 2h 10m and cost around CHF 130 ($130).

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano. We recommend that you fly from Zurich (ZRH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP) then take the train to Mendrisio. instead which will take 2h 25m.

The closest major airport to Lugano is Zurich Airport (ZRH) (ZRH) which is approximately 163km (102 miles) from Lugano. Altenrhein Airport (ACH) (ACH) and Geneva International Airport (GVA) (GVA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano. The distance is around 221km (137 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 10m and will usually cost around CHF 130 ($130).

How do I get from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano

Compare travel optionsbetween Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano

Transport options from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lugano
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
2h 10m
CHF 130($130)
hourly187km (116 miles)
Train via Biasca3h 55m
CHF 39($40)
every 4 hours219km (136 miles)
Plane and Train
2h 25m
CHF 335($340)
hourly279km (174 miles)
Drive
2h 25m
CHF 29($29)
on demand221km (137 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Lugano

Train operators

Airlines

Bus companies

Airports near Lugano

The following major airports near Lugano offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Switzerland and internationally.

ZRH
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
International Airport
Distance
163km (102 miles) from Lugano
ACH
Altenrhein Airport (ACH)
Domestic Airport
Distance
171km (106 miles) from Lugano
GVA
Geneva International Airport (GVA)
International Airport
Distance
221km (137 miles) from Lugano