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Getting from Lugano Airport to the city

Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland, the city of Lugano offers a unique blend of Italian charm and Swiss efficiency. This picturesque lakeside city boasts a Mediterranean ambience with its historic centre, scenic promenade, and cultural richness. Whether exploring its art scene, admiring architectural wonders, or simply savouring local cuisine, Lugano promises a delightful fusion of natural beauty and urban sophistication.

For a swift and efficient journey covering the approximately 7-km road distance, the best way to get from Lugano Airport to the city centre is to opt for a taxi or a private transfer. This quick 15-minute transfer offers a hassle-free experience and costs around €36 (CHF 35), depending on traffic conditions.

If you prefer a more economical option, you can consider the shuttle bus service provided by Shuttle Bus Sagl. Keep in mind that this service requires advance booking and costs €8.30 (CHF 8) per person on average, taking around 20 minutes to reach the city centre from LUG Airport. Lastly, another budget-friendly alternative is using the train, which costs €4.80 (CHF 4.60) per person. With 6 stops, it takes about 13 minutes to reach Lugano. However, this option entails a walk of 10 minutes from the airport to the Serocca train station and another 10-minute walk from the Lugano station to the heart of the city.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Lugano at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €36 15min 24/7
Shuttle bus €16.60 20min 08:00–18:30
Train €9.60 13min 07:37–00:52

How to get from Lugano Airport to city by taxi

Getting from Lugano Airport to the city centre is effortless when you choose a taxi. Opting for this comfortable option ensures a quick journey, typically taking around 15 minutes to reach the city centre, depending on traffic conditions. It’s a faster and more reliable choice compared to public transportation, providing you with the flexibility to explore the beautiful city at your own pace, thanks to door-to-door transfers and 24/7 availability.

Prices for a taxi from Lugano Airport to the city

The price of a taxi from Lugano Airport to the city centre is calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. The initial cost for commencing a taxi journey in Lugano is approximately €5.30 (CHF 5). In addition to this, there is typically an extra fee of about €4.20 (CHF 4) per km travelled, along with a waiting charge of roughly €157 (CHF 150) per hour. As a result, travellers planning a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Lugano can anticipate an approximate fare of €36 (CHF 35).

For a reliable and fixed-rate fare that offers transparency and eliminates the possibility of unexpected costs, you can also pre-book your Lugano Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€36

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Taxis are available 24/7 at Lugano International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

To secure a taxi from Lugano Airport to the city centre of Lugano, locating the taxi rank right outside the primary terminal hall is a straightforward process.

However, for a more tailored and convenient door-to-door transportation experience from Lugano Airport to the city centre, you have the option to arrange a private transfer in advance. This approach ensures that your driver will be readily available inside the airport as you exit the baggage claim area, holding a sign bearing your name.

Convenience

Although various transportation options are accessible from Lugano Airport to the city, taxis distinguish themselves as the ultimate convenience for travellers in search of a comfortable and uncomplicated journey to their lodgings. Taxis are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services in well-appointed vehicles, guaranteeing a delightful travel experience.

Editor’s Note

Lugano's picturesque streets are known for their charm and historic character, but they can be quite narrow and winding. As a result, if you plan to explore the city centre, especially in the old town area, it's a good idea to pack lightly for convenience.

Useful Tips

While most taxis accept cards, it's wise to have Swiss Francs on hand for those that don't.
Ensure the taximeter is running, or agree on a fixed price with the driver before starting your journey.

Getting a shuttle bus from Lugano Airport to city

For a budget-friendly travel option from Lugano Airport to the city centre, consider the Sagl Shuttle bus service, which requires advance booking. The bus ride typically takes around 20 minutes, providing a convenient and economical means to reach your final destination within the city centre of Lugano.

How much is the shuttle bus from Lugano Airport to the city centre?

To get from Lugano Airport to the city centre using the shuttle bus, a one-way ticket costs approximately €8.30 (CHF 8.00) per person, offering an economical travel option. Bear in mind that the service is busy so advance bookings are highly recommended; your fare can be paid by card or cash. To pre-book, contact Shuttle Bus Sagl by phone at +41 79 221 42 43, or online.

Cost

€8.30

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*There's a waiting time up to 20 minutes for the bus.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

Lugano Airport Shuttle runs from 08:00 to 18:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 10:00 to 18:30 on Sundays.

Where do I get the shuttle bus from?

When arriving at Lugano Airport, you should be able to find the shuttle bus stop conveniently located near the airport’s main terminal building. It’s worth noting that the service is usually available immediately upon arrival at the airport, with a scheduled waiting time of a maximum of 20 minutes before departure.

Convenience

The Sagl Shuttle bus provides a cost-effective alternative. It’s a budget-friendly option, but it may not be as time-efficient or convenient as a taxi. There might be longer waiting times between bus departures, and the buses can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Additionally, there’s a more limited frequency for the service on Sundays.

Editor’s Note

Make sure to plan ahead and book your Sagl Shuttle bus service in advance to secure your space, especially for departures from Lugano Airport.

Useful Tips

Children between 0-16 years can travel for free when accompanied by parents, while unaccompanied children aged 6 to 16 receive a 50% ticket discount.
Keep some Swiss Francs handy for the bus fare, and check the bus stops in advance to establish the closest stop to your final destination.
If you're travelling in a group, consider the family and group discounts offered by Sagl Shuttle to save.

Getting a train from Lugano Airport to city

Another option for reaching Lugano city centre from Lugano Airport is to take the FLP train line, accessible from Serocca Station, which is just a 10-minute walk from the airport terminal. From Serocca train station, the train ride to Lugano station will take approximately 13 minutes, and you can complete your journey to the city centre with a 10-minute walk or so from there, depending on your preferred destination.

How much does the train cost?

To travel from Serocca to Lugano via train, a ticket will cost you about €4.80 (CHF 4.60) per person. Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines available at any train station. You can also obtain your ticket through the FLP’s (Ferrovie Luganesi SA) online platform.

Cost

€4.80

Trip Duration

13 Min.

*There's a waiting time up to 15 minutes for the train on weekdays and up to 30 minutes on weekends.

Convenience
Value for Money
Safety

The Serocca to Lugano train departs every 15 minutes from 07:37 to 00:52 daily.

Where do I get the train from?

To catch the FLP train you’ll need to walk from the airport to Serocca Station; exit Lugano Airport and walk approximately 10 minutes to Serocca Railway Station, then board the S60 FLP train heading to Lugano. The train ride takes about 13 minutes, with 6 stops. Upon arrival at Lugano station, you can easily reach the city centre on foot within 10 minutes.

Convenience

Taking the train from Lugano Airport to the city centre can be a budget-friendly choice, but it may not be the most convenient, especially if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with children. The journey involves a 10-minute walk from the airport to Serocca Station, a 13-minute train ride to Lugano city centre, and some additional walking to your precise destination. The walking and transfer times can be less than ideal if you have bulky luggage or young travellers in tow.

Editor’s Note

While taking the train from Serocca to Lugano, travellers can look forward to a picturesque journey with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, adding a touch of natural beauty to their commute.

Useful Tips

Buy your train ticket in advance using Swiss Francs or Euros. You may also use contactless payment options at the station for a smoother experience.
Consider the convenience factor, as the train ride can be less suitable if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with children.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest airport to Lugano?


The nearest airport to Lugano is Lugano Airport (LUG). This airport is located approximately 7 km west of the centre, making it the most convenient airport for travellers visiting the city.

For added convenience, you can book your transportation with Welcome Pickups ahead of time, ensuring a seamless journey right to the door of your accommodation with a local English-speaking driver – all at a fixed rate.

What is the best way to get from Lugano Airport to the city?

Getting from Lugano Airport (LUG) to the city centre of Lugano offers several transportation options, including a taxi, shuttle bus, or train. Among these choices, taking a taxi stands out as the most convenient and efficient way to reach your destination directly, privately and with comfort.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Lugano Airport to the city?

The cost of a taxi from Lugano Airport to the city centre ranges around €36 (CHF 35), depending on traffic conditions, the time of day, and your exact destination within the city. It’s essential to keep in mind that taxi fares can vary slightly among different taxi companies, so it’s a good idea to ask the driver for an estimate before starting your journey.

You can also consider booking with Welcome Pickups and enjoy a hassle-free ride from Lugano Airport to the city centre, knowing the total cost in advance and benefiting from the convenience of a handpicked local English-speaking driver.

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