Means of transport Italian Switzerland

The funicular reaches the summit in 10 minutes. It runs from morning to evening with a departure every 30 minutes. It is more than a means of transport as it allows a panoramic flight towards Mount San Salvatore. Once you are on the top of the mountain, you will have a 360 degree view of the Lombardy plain and the Ceserio lake. Extend your break and recharge your batteries on the trails or by tasting the local specialities at the mountain restaurant.

It is the largest railway station in Ticino. As a railway hub, it is the hub of many regular trains. The best-known regular lines are between Bellinzona and Lugano (in 30 minutes), and 1.5 hours from Locarno (with a change in Bellinzona). The Gotthard line provides frequent trips between Lugano and Lucerne (2 hours), Zurich (2 hours 15 minutes) and Basel (3 hours 20 minutes). From the station, you can take a funicular from Lugano to the city below in a few minutes. From Lugano you can also reach Italy.

Regular flights to Geneva and Zurich. The airport is not the biggest in Switzerland, but it can be useful. It handles 175,000 passengers a year. It is 6 km from Lugano and only 30 km from the Italian border. It operates regional flights and cannot handle long-haul flights. The airport is easily reached by public transport, with the Lugano Ponte-Tresa train departing from Lugano station. Swiss operates the majority of flights to Lugano and from Zurich.

The Lake Lugano Navigation Society offers many themed excursions, for example a dinner on the water or a trip on the Vedetta 1908 (an environmentally friendly electric boat). To see the agenda and the events, go to the website with all the information. From April to October, many tours are organized to lake towns such as Gandria, Porlezza, Melide, Brusino, Morcote, Porto Ceresio

Locarno station is a 5-minute walk from the town center. There are regular trains between Bellinzona and Locarno (30 minutes) and between Lugano and Locarno (30 minutes). From another region, you'll need to pass through Domodossola, Italy, before returning to Ticino. As there can be many changes on some sections of the route by postbus, don't forget to ask the station ticket office for the itinerary before departure. You can also take the Gotthard Panorama Express from this station.

It's a bit like the "porta del Ticino", as it's the first station when you arrive in Ticino. If you take the Gotthard Panorama Express, this station is on the line. It is a fairly important station for freight and passenger transport. The station is a 10 minute walk from the historic centre. Regular trains between Bellinzona and Locarno (20 minutes). From another region, there may be many changes, so don't forget to ask for the itinerary of your journey at the station ticket office before you leave. A different way of discovering the area!

Like the Vélib' in Paris, Lugano has its own Publibike: 45 stations and 14 communes involved in the project. Cycling is very popular, as it's a great way to get around and enjoy the lakeside scenery. To date, 750 bikes have been distributed throughout the network. You can also rent a bike by the day for a small fee, using your credit card at the automatic pay station. Very easy to use and, above all, very practical. Everything is optimized to promote soft mobility. And don't forget to take your time when visiting the lake, because there's no rush!

From Lugano station, take a city bus to Cassarate. From there, a breathtaking climb of about 20 minutes to Monte Bré with its refreshing air awaits you, a journey of 1,599 metres and a difference in altitude of 629 metres. Since 1908, the funicular has been transporting the people of Lugano and visitors to the small village of Monte Brè. A beautiful walk that is also rewarded with an incredible panorama. On the heights, take a walk and admire the view over the valley. An experience to live!

A generous ascent on a cogwheel train from Capolago on the lake shore to the summit of Monte Generoso at 1,704 m in 40 minutes. A 9-kilometre-long journey along the mountainside that began 125 years ago. From the summit, you will have a front row seat to admire the magnificent panorama of the lake, the city of Lugano, the Po Valley and the mountains, from the Apennines to the St. Gotthard massif and the Bernina chain. Approaching Monte Generoso by train is a guarantee of a sensational view.