Getting around in Switzerland

Public transport in Switzerland is extensive, reliable, safe and easy to use. Tickets must be purchased from ticket machines before boarding. Public transport is expensive but there are several discounted passes available. Half-price annual passes and junior passes allowing children accompanied by parents to travel free are the most popular. Young people and old age pensioners are also eligible for discounted passes. The Swiss Travel Pass (not to be confused with the Swiss Pass) is an all-in-one ticket for unlimited rail, road and waterway travel throughout Switzerland, including panoramic routes. Benefits include free admission to over 470 museums, 50% discount off most mountain railways, and children under 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one parent who is a cardholder.

Public transport in Ticino

• The Ticino Discovery Card offers travel on all means of public transport for 3 out of 7 days at a reduced rate and includes entrance to local tourist attractions. The offer is valid from March until early November.
• Arcobaleno is the public transport network of Ticino and Moesano, allowing travel on all modes of public transport with a valid ticket or pass. A range of tickets and passes are available, including one day travel cards, and weekly or monthly passes. Most SBB passes and travel cards are also valid on the network, as well as other national and international tickets and passes such as the Eurailpass, the Swisspass, the City Ticket, etc.
• Certain networks fall under the jurisdiction of Italian public transport departments. For an overview, consult the Ticino public transport website, all public transport networks, ti.ch and Ticino Tourism's getting around section.
• Swiss Federal Railways provides more information on public transport in Ticino.
• Lugano airport is the fourth most important airport in Switzerland, and the fastest: check-in only 20 minutes before your flight.
• A multitude of cable cars in Ticino will take you to scenic summits, including the historic Monte Bre and the modern Cardada.
• Ticino Tourism has extensive information on boat trips and cruises in all regions.
• Visit SwitzerlandMobility, Switzerland's prime portal for non-motorised traffic, for more inspiring ideas on getting around Ticino and Switzerland.

Cycling in Ticino

Ticino is a superb region for cycling. Pro-Velo Switzerland is the national cycling association of Switzerland and has comprehensive information. PubliBike is a national bike-sharing network. Tourism centres have great suggestions for cycling tours in Ticino.

Ticino on foot

Ticino's central areas are compact and easy to explore on foot. Ticino Tourism has many ideas for discovering the area on foot.

Driving in Ticino

Lugano and other cities offer park and ride facilities. Ticino is similar to the rest of Switzerland for owning, driving and importing a car. 

Photo:swiss-image.ch/Beat Mueller