Less than two hours by train from Zurich and situated just an hour from Milan, Lugano is perfectly connected on the north-south axis of Europe near the northern Italian lakes and has excellent connections to the best-served international airports in the vicinity.
Whether travelling by public transport, car, bike, or even boat, the close distances and extensive transport network allow you to reach the city with total peace of mind.
Lugano Airport (LUG) is situated south of the Alps between Zurich and Milan and has two main functions. The first is facilitating fast connections between the Insubric region and the main Swiss and European centres; the second is to ensure the destination remains easily accessible both to high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and businessmen.
Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Lugano, and no visitor should leave without experiencing it. Even if you only pedal around for a few hours, riding a bike or taking a guided cycling tour is a fantastic way to explore the city whilst also blending in with the locals.
Lugano is easily accessible by car or train from cities like Milan, Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Munich, St. Gallen, and Chur.
Remember to purchase a Swiss motorway sticker, which is mandatory for travelling on the nation’s motorways and valid for one year. You can buy this in most gas stations, post offices, and customs offices at the borders, or abroad at sales points before the border.
Finally, the centre of Lugano is easily accessible on foot, but for immediate transport when staying in a hotel, youth hostel, or campground, you can take advantage of free public transport by using the Ticino Ticket.