Lugano (Railway Station)

Important for passengers: The station is located significantly above the level of the historic city center. To descend to the lake and the main square, it is best to use the Sassellina funicular, the station of which is integrated directly into the station complex. Platforms are connected by underground passages equipped with elevators and ramps, making navigation intuitively clear.

• Official website: SBB CFF FFS (Swiss Federal Railways)
• Information phone: +41 848 44 66 88 (SBB Contact Center)
• Address: Piazzale della Stazione, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
• Opening hours: The station is open 24/7. Ticket counters and the tourist center usually operate from 07:00 to 19:00 (hours may vary on weekends).
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers (Schliessfächer) of various sizes are available, operating 24/7.
• Accessibility: The station is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (elevators, barrier-free access to platforms, Mobility Help Center service).

You can reach Lugano station in several convenient ways, taking into account its elevated location:

Funicular (Funicolare): The fastest and most scenic way to get from the city center (Piazza Cioccaro) to the station. The trip takes just about 2 minutes. The funicular operates from early morning until midnight and departs every few minutes.

Bus: City buses TPL (Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi) and regional buses stop at the station square (Piazzale della Stazione). This is a convenient option if you are coming from remote districts or suburbs.

On foot: The descent from the city center to the station will take about 10–15 minutes, but the ascent can be tiring due to the steep slope. The route passes through picturesque streets.

Taxi: A taxi stand is located right at the exit of the main station building. The trip to the center will take about 5–10 minutes depending on traffic.

At Lugano station, a wide range of services is provided for comfortable waiting and travel:

• Tickets: SBB ticket machines (accepting cards and cash) and counters at the traveler service center (Reisezentrum).
• Connectivity: Free SBB WiFi is available (simple registration required) as well as paid access points.
• Luggage: Automatic storage lockers of different sizes for bags and suitcases, as well as a luggage shipping service.
• Amenities: Clean paid restrooms, waiting lounges, ATMs, and a currency exchange point.
• Shopping: Small shops with souvenirs, press, and daily essentials, open until late.

Gastronomic opportunities at the station are focused mainly on quick bites:

Quick snacks: Inside the station building, there are several kiosks and mini-markets (for example, Aperto or Coop to go), where you can buy sandwiches, fresh salads, chocolate, and beverages. This is an excellent option for purchasing food for the road.

Coffee and pastries: Popular bakery chains, such as Brezelkönig, offer fresh pretzels, croissants, and hot coffee. Ideal for breakfast on the go.

Restaurants nearby: If you have time, it is worth stepping out onto the station terrace or visiting cafes in the immediate vicinity of the station to enjoy a meal with a view of the lake. The average bill here will be typical for Switzerland (higher than the European average).

The history of Lugano Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of the famous Gotthard Railway. The station was grandly opened in 1874, becoming a crucial link connecting the canton of Ticino with the rest of Switzerland and Northern Europe. This event gave a powerful boost to the development of tourism in the region.

Over the past decades, the station has been reconstructed multiple times. The latest large-scale modernization, completed in 2016, transformed it into a modern transport hub. Platforms were renovated, accessibility for all categories of passengers was improved, and the lower level, where the funicular station is located, was completely rebuilt, harmoniously connecting historical architecture with modern design.

A few useful tips for passengers at Lugano station:

• Arrival: Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before your train departs. Swiss trains are known for their punctuality and depart exactly on the second.
• Tickets: To save time, use the mobile app SBB Mobile to purchase tickets. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, there is no need to buy separate tickets for trains.
• Transfers: Navigation at the station is simple, but allow time for moving between platforms via the underground passage, especially with luggage.
• Safety: The station is safe even in the evening, however, do not leave your luggage unattended.
• Bonus: If you have time before your train, be sure to step out onto the terrace in front of the station — from there opens one of the best views of the city and the lake.