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.
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 Lugano → Zurich Airport (ZRH) if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Lugano.
1 similiar route
We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.
Fly from Zurich (ZRH) to Milan Malpensa (MXP) then take the train to Mendrisio.
Multiple operators
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train + 1 similar | 2h 10m | CHF 130($130) | hourly | 187km (116 miles) |
Train via Biasca | 3h 55m | CHF 39($40) | every 4 hours | 219km (136 miles) |
Plane and Train | 2h 25m | CHF 335($340) | hourly | 279km (174 miles) |
Drive | 2h 25m | CHF 29($29) | on demand | 221km (137 miles) |
Südostbahn
The following major airports near Lugano offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Switzerland and internationally.