Boat trips on Lake Lugano: the must-knows

  • The green hills and picturesque villages create a Mediterranean atmosphere on Lake Lugano.
  • You can make trips on the Swiss part of the lake, on the Italian part, or on both with an international cruise.
  • If you want a perfect combination of an easy hike and a boat cruise, walk from Lugano to Gandria and return by boat.
  • The Swiss Travel Pass allows free cruises on the lake.
Min. time required: 0:30
Season: all year
Recommended season: early April to mid October
Max. altitude: 273 m (896 ft)

Lake Lugano: quick introduction Copy link to clipboard

Lake Lugano is a large lake south of Lugano in the Ticino. About 2/3 is Swiss territory, the rest is Italian. Boat tours can be made between the Swiss villages, but international trips are possible too. The "Grotti" restaurants on some routes provide an additional culinary experience.

Boat prices, tickets and reservations Copy link to clipboard

Prices of Lake Lugano boat tours

A return trip Lugano-Gandria by boat costs CHF 32.80 in 2nd class, without a rail pass. This is just an example: the exact amount depends on the route and class you choose. Many rail pass holders can travel at a discount or for free.

Another option is to book a self-guided or guided tour. In most cases, all ticket prices are included and you don't need anything extra.

Where to buy your tickets

If you need tickets, you can get them from manned desks at the ship piers on the lake, for example in Lugano, Gandria, and Morcote.

Seat reservations

Reservations are not possible for the Lake Lugano boats, except for groups and for special lunch or dinner cruises.

Get your tickets for Lake Lugano cruises Copy link to clipboard

Boat trip Lugano - Morcote ticket
Boat trip Lugano - Morcote ticket
Scenic boat trip
Discover the enchanting Lake Lugano between Lugano and Morcote with this boat ticket.

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Boat trip Lugano - Gandria ticket
Boat trip Lugano - Gandria ticket
Scenic boat trip
Discover the enchanting Lake Lugano between Lugano and Gandria with this boat ticket.

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Boat trip Lugano - Melide ticket
Boat trip Lugano - Melide ticket
Scenic boat trip
Discover Lake Lugano between Lugano and Melide with this boat ticket. Visit the unique Swissminiatur in Melide, which shows the whole of Switzerland in miniature.

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
This list includes external links to our trusted partners.

Promotions Copy link to clipboard

There are currently no promotions available.

Find other promotions

Discounted Lake Lugano cruises with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

The discounts below are meant for normal boat rides. Additional costs can apply to special lunch or dinner cruises.

PassDiscount
Day Pass Free:
  • All boats
Eurail Global Pass No discount:
  • All boats
Interrail Switzerland Pass No discount:
  • All boats
Saver Day Pass Free:
  • All boats
Swiss Half Fare Card Discount 50%:
  • All boats
Swiss Travel Pass Free:
  • All boats
Swiss Travel Pass Flex Free:
  • All boats
Ticino Ticket Discount 20%:
  • All boats

How to reach the docks Copy link to clipboard

SBB|CFF|FFS
From
To
Via (optional)
Via (optional)
Departure date
Example: 01.07.= 1 July
Departure time
Example: 13:15=1:15 PM

How does the timetable work?

Getting to the main boat terminal in Lugano

The main boat terminal in Lugano is "Lugano Centrale (lago)".

You can reach Lugano by car, but there is no parking directly at the terminal. It's best to get to Lugano by train, then walk down to the city center and the lake in 10 minutes. Or take the funicular from the station to the city stop "Lugano Città (funicolare)", and walk to the boat terminal in 3 minutes.

Piers in other villages

There are many Swiss and Italian villages along the lake in which the ships moor. Learn how to find the piers in the timetable here.

Map: the Swiss part of Lake Lugano

Not all boat routes are displayed on this map. The boat timetables provide a full overview of all options.

Maps are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Map

Operation dates, schedule and timetable Copy link to clipboard

Lake Lugano operation dates

Some boats operate daily, other routes are only available when the summer schedule applies. This is usually from early April until mid-October.

Consulting the Lake Lugano timetables

You can use the separate lake timetables, or find boat connections in the general Swiss timetable. This timetable may not be able to provide accurate information about boat trips in the Italian part of the lake.

The main boat terminal in Lugano is called "Lugano Centrale (lago)". The town has more piers, such as "Lugano Paradiso (lago)". This is close to the Monte San Salvatore funicular.

You can get on and off in many Swiss and Italian towns along the lake. Examples are Gandria, Melide, Capolago, and Morcote. The boat stops are usually indicated by the addition "lago" (Italian for "lake") in the Swiss timetable.

Best months for Lake Lugano cruises Copy link to clipboard

The best season for cruises on Lake Lugano is early April to mid October. This is what to expect:

  • Temperatures in spring (April, May, June) and in mid-September to mid-October can be mild and pleasant. In April-May and in October you'll see most variety in the scenery: the green hills show fresh green vegetation in spring and splendid colors in autumn.
  • It can get pretty hot in July to early September. A boat trip is one of the most relaxed excursions in high temperatures.

November to March isn't the best time of year to explore the Lake Lugano region. The area is low and relatively warm, and typically doesn't get much snow. Nature can look a bit dull in these months. In addition, the number of available boat tours is restricted in comparison to the summer season.

Weather forecasts for Lake Lugano Copy link to clipboard

Weather in the Lake Lugano area is mild to Swiss standards. You'll often be able to enjoy boat tours from the outdoor decks. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, plus an additional layer of clothes. Even in warm weather, you can cool down due to wind.

Always consult the forecasts the evening or morning before your trip.

Weather forecast for Lugano

Weather reports are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Weather forecast

Details about the boat routes and the fleet

The scenery you’ll see during your boat ride

Lake Lugano is a large, deep blue lake south of the town Lugano in the canton Ticino. Part of it is in Swiss territory, the rest is Italian. It’s surrounded by green hills and picturesque villages with a mediterranean atmosphere. The remarkable shape of the lake ensures a new sight around every corner.

What the Lake Lugano boats are like

The fleet of boats of Lake Lugano is a mix of older and newer motorboats, and even a small fully electric vessel. Most serve as passenger ferries crossing parts of the lake. The timetable indicates which boat you’ll be on. Most boats have an indoor and outdoor section. In some cases, there’s a roofed part only, rather than an indoor space.

In most cases, there are 2nd and 1st class sections. 1st class is usually on the smaller upper deck.

Food and drinks on board

Some boats feature a restaurant or sell snacks and drinks. As long as you’re not seated in a restaurant, you’re allowed to have your own food and drinks too.

In addition, you can book lunch or dinner cruises. Availability is limited.

The types of routes on Lake Lugano

There are lots of shorter and longer tours at this lake. The entire area is pretty, so you can choose any option that suits your plans.

Here are some of our favorites:

  • Make a boat trip from Lugano to Porlezza, to see the lake area that is fully located in Italy (other areas are only partly in Italy, as the border is in the middle of the lake there).
  • Board a boat from Lugano to the pretty village of Morcote and get back by bus.
  • The longest non-circular boat ride (about 1h40) is from Lugano via Porto Ceresio in Italy to Ponte Tresa. A train will take you back to Lugano in 30 minutes.

The culinary “Grotti” on the shores of Lake Lugano

“Grotti” are a phenomenon typical for Lake Lugano. A “grotto” is a kind of tavern serving traditional local food, often reachable by foot or boat only. If you like dining and boat rides, make sure to book a special grotto boat tour, available in the summer months.

Other activities to do on the same day

A boat tour on Lake Lugano can be combined with various other activities. Our top tips:

  • Get from Lugano to Melide by boat, then walk for 5 minutes to visit Swissminiatur, and travel back by train.
  • Combine a short boat ride from Lugano to Cassarate with a trip up to Monte Brè.
  • Take a boat to Paradiso for a visit to Monte San Salvatore.
  • Travel by boat from Lugano to Capolago to take the cogwheel train to Monte Generoso.
  • Walk to Gandria and take a boat back from there.

Other websites of interest

Schedules

Prices

Our recent blog posts about Lake Lugano Copy link to clipboard

Hiking path between Lugano-Cassarate and Gandria

Hike Lugano-Gandria

An easy and very scenic hike across Lugano, along the lake and via the Olive Tree Path to the picturesque …

Activities you can do on the same day Copy link to clipboard

Fence with views over Lake Lugano in Ciani Park, Lugano

Town walk Lugano

Explore the vibrant town center, the lake and the parks of Lugano during this pleasant walk. You'll get a good …
View over Lake Lugano and Monte San Salvatore from Monte Brè

Monte Brè

We visited Monte Brè in Lugano and share our tips. Learn about the funicular ride to the top and what …
Lugano, Lake Lugano and green hills from Monte San Salvatore

Monte San Salvatore

Monte San Salvatore is an easy-to-reach mountain top in Lugano, Switzerland. Learn about the funicular ride from the city and …
Fiore di Pietra designed by Mario Botta at Monte Generoso

Monte Generoso

Practical tips for visiting Monte Generoso, the highest peak in the Lake Lugano area. Learn about the wonderful train trip …
Scale model of Swiss castle at Swissminiatur

Swissminiatur

The miniature version of Switzerland near Lugano: you can see many of the architectural highlights in a few hours. Learn …
Lake Lugano, green hills and Monte Generoso seen from Monte San Salvatore

One day Ticino

If you are pressed for time, you can see the highlights of the Ticino region in Switzerland in one day. …

About Lugano and its lake Copy link to clipboard

Boat on Lake Lugano and Monte Brè from Lugano-Paradiso

Lake Lugano

The Lake Lugano region in southern Switzerland is Italian-like in architecture, food and atmosphere. Learn all about the lake and …
View of Monte San Salvatore from Ciani Park, Lugano

Lugano

The city of Lugano is located on a lake in a very scenic area in the Ticino, southern Switzerland. Lugano …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10610 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.