A No-Frills Guide on How To Get From Lugano To Zurich By Train

Ah, Switzerland. Epic mountains, beautiful countryside, and trains! I’m not going to lie; trains are the best (and most affordable) way to get around in Europe. If you’re headed from Lugano to Zurich by train, there are actually plenty of options to choose from. Whether you want to get there in record time or chill along the scenic route, you have options when railing to Zurich. This quick and easy guide will help you with ticket information, timing your trip, and much more. So strap in and get ready to ride!

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Where To Stay in Zurich

First and foremost, you need to book your room unless you like living on the edge. We stayed at 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse, which is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Zurich and literally steps away from the train station. Talk about convenience!

The rooms aren’t anything fancy, but they’re clean, modern, and spacious. Honestly, that’s all I’m asking for from these hotels. The beds kind of give off a dormitory vibe, which I think is sort of cute.

If you’re only spending a day in Zurich, this is the perfect hotel. I mean, 25 hours is literally IN the name. It’s within a short drive to pretty much everything you’d need and within walking distance of lots of great restaurants. If you just want to stay in the hotel and rest, their amenities provide whatever you need for a 24-hour staycation.

A contemporary bathroom featuring white subway tile walls and a glass-enclosed shower with a black, wall-mounted showerhead. The minimalist wooden vanity holds a white vessel sink and a large illuminated mirror with modern geometric lighting. Neatly folded towels, toiletries, and a coffee cup are arranged on the counter, with a peek into a cozy bedroom visible through the glass partition. The space feels sleek and stylish with a focus on clean lines and modern fixtures.

The exterior of a modern, black rectangular building with large, grid-like windows, housing the 25hours Hotel Langstrasse. Below the windows, a colorful marquee displays words like "welcome," "sleep," "hug," and "surprise." The hotel’s entrance is surrounded by a courtyard with outdoor seating under green and orange umbrellas, and trees lining the space. A train station and cityscape can be seen in the background, adding to the urban setting of the hotel.

A vibrant hotel lobby featuring colorful tote bags hanging from the ceiling, adding a playful and artistic touch to the space. A wooden staircase lined with lanterns on each step leads to an upper floor, creating a cozy atmosphere. The open layout includes modern seating areas with plants and eclectic decor, while natural light filters in through large windows, giving the space a welcoming and creative feel.

A leafy outdoor patio area featuring green checkered chairs and tables under a camouflage-style canopy. The space is surrounded by lush plants in large pots, creating a cozy, garden-like atmosphere. In the background, city infrastructure, including railway tracks, adds an urban contrast to the natural feel of the patio. The seating arrangement is spread out, offering a relaxing spot for guests to enjoy the outdoors.

A modern, industrial-style bar area with wooden barstools lined up along a sleek, gold-colored bar counter. A large, decorative table lamp with a green base adds warmth to the scene. In the background, a bartender is in motion behind the bar, surrounded by bottles and glassware, while a bicycle hangs from the ceiling, contributing to the eclectic and trendy decor. The ambiance combines casual seating and stylish lighting, with colorful wall art visible on the left side of the space.

PHOTO CREDIT: 25 HOURS HOTEL ZURICH LANGSTRASSE VIA HOTELS.COM

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Getting From Lugano To Zurich By Train

How Much is the Train From Lugano to Zurich?

There are actually plenty of options for this route. If you’re going from Lugano to Zurich by train, you can get tickets from literally any site that provides them. Or, if you want to stress yourself out a bit, you can purchase tickets on your travel day.

Although, I always recommend booking in advance to get the best deals. Prices will vary depending on where you buy your train tickets. On average, you’ll probably spend anywhere between 33-60 EUR (35-65 USD).

The interior of a modern train station in Switzerland, featuring a vibrant purple and blue-lit ceiling, a central clock, and sleek, clean platforms. Passengers are seen boarding and disembarking from trains, creating a dynamic atmosphere under the stylish and contemporary lighting.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Where Can I Buy Train Tickets From Lugano to Zurich?

Honesty, there are plenty of options to choose from if you’re buying train tickets ahead of time. You also have several options, such as a Swiss Travel Pass and just good old train tickets.

If you want to purchase a travel pass, visit Rail Europe or Switzerland Travel Centre. If you’re looking for individual rail tickets on, you’ll want to check out Happy Rail, Omio, or Trainline. I also want to mention that SBB has both travel passes and individual ticket options.

Of course, whatever you select depends on your budget and personal preference.

A sleek, modern Swiss train parked at a station platform under a glass-roofed structure, with passengers walking alongside and boarding. The train's red and white design contrasts with the station's industrial architecture, creating a dynamic and bustling travel scene.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

How Long is the Trip from Lugano to Zurich?

The time it takes to get from Lugano to Zurich depends on the route and how many stops there are along the way. Overall, I’d say you can expect the journey to take no longer than 3 1/2 hours. If you want to get there faster, it can take as little as 2 hours 45 minutes on the quickest trains.

Shop around to find the fastest route if that is what’s important to you.

What is the Best Time to Take the Train From Lugano to Zurich?

There really is no “best time” to take a train to Zurich. I will say the earlier, the better, especially if you want to experience the incredible scenery during the journey. It’s also ideal to leave earlier so you have time to explore after you arrive as opposed to immediately crashing at your hotel.

If you’re a night owl, this probably doesn’t apply to you, but I always like to get a good head start on the day and recommend others do the same.

A view of the grand Zurich Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in Zurich, Switzerland, showcasing its impressive facade with large arched windows and classical architectural details. The station is situated along a river, with trees and a tram adding to the bustling urban atmosphere under a slightly overcast sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Is the Train Ride From Lugano to Zurich Scenic?

Let’s be real. Many train routes in Europe are scenic. Switzerland itself is a very picturesque country, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a train that doesn’t offer epic views.

The most scenic route between Zurich and Lugano is on the Gotthard Panorama Express. Combining boat and train travel from central Switzerland and Ticino, it doesn’t get more picturesque than that!

Highlights of the Gotthard Panorama Express:

Experience panoramic views of the most attractive regions in Switzerland
Glide across Lake Lucerne on a steamboat
View historical sites of early Switzerland (Rütli meadow, Tell’s Chapel, the Schiller Stone, and Treib)
See presentations on the historical origins of the Gotthard Railway
Enjoy provisions like Pastefrolle (shortbread biscuits) from the Bedretto Valley and Gottardo Premium Lager from the San Gottardo SA brewery

You can check the timetables and purchase tickets for this route via SBB.

A picturesque journey on a red train traveling through the Swiss countryside, showcasing lush green fields, quaint houses, and forested hills. Majestic mountains tower in the background under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the scenic beauty of Switzerland along the route from Lugano to Zurich.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Fresh Off the Train, What To Do in Zurich

Once you’re in Zurich, I suggest hitting up some offbeat things to do and the most Instagrammable places in the city. There are also some fun free things to do in Zurich, so you can save some money while exploring, and the absolute must-do’s when you’re only there for one day.

If you’re a train-travel junkie and want even more ways to travel by rail, check out how to get from Barcelona to Andorra by train. Don’t forget to follow for more travel tips!