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LUGANO TO VENICE

  • May 17, 2026
  • 7 replies
  • 45 views

I’ve seen on the SBB website that there’s a direct train from Lugano to Venice Santa Lucia. However, the train doesn’t appear on the Interrail app; it’s only listed up until June. Could it be that it’s still too early? I’m travelling at the end of July. 

I’ve seen in other forum replies that they closed a tunnel for a while last year… I hope that’s not the case. Thanks!

7 replies

ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • May 17, 2026

Yes I assume this is the Eurocity (EC31), from Zurich, leaving Lugano at 1030?

If it appears on the SBB website on your date, then it’s running. I checked 29 July, for example, and it’s there. The Rail Planner timetable isn’t always up to date. You can wait for a timetable update, or add the train to your pass manually.

You’ll need a reservation, which you can buy from ÖBB.


  • Author
  • Right on track
  • May 17, 2026

Yes I assume this is the Eurocity (EC31), from Zurich, leaving Lugano at 1030?

If it appears on the SBB website on your date, then it’s running. I checked 29 July, for example, and it’s there. The Rail Planner timetable isn’t always up to date. You can wait for a timetable update, or add the train to your pass manually.

You’ll need a reservation, which you can buy from ÖBB.


Thank you very much! If it doesn't appear in the first week of August, could that mean they're going to close the tunnel? (I'm not sure if I'll have to postpone the trip by a few days) 


ralderton
Railmaster
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  • Railmaster
  • May 17, 2026

It appears on the two dates I checked - 3rd and 5th.

There are three routes between Switzerland and Italy, and another from Austria, so you’re not going to get stuck.


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  • Full steam ahead
  • May 17, 2026

@Airin For EC between Switzerland and Italy, the site of Trenitalia is more reliable as SBB. 

Engineering works are planned between Vincenza and Verona. This train will be rerouted or cancelled and is not bookable until the definitive schedule is known. You could also change in Milano if no direct train is available. 


  • Author
  • Right on track
  • May 17, 2026

It appears on the two dates I checked - 3rd and 5th.

There are three routes between Switzerland and Italy, and another from Austria, so you’re not going to get stuck.

Thank you very much. On the trains I’ve seen where you have to change in Milan, the stop only lasts a few minutes, and I’m not sure how punctual those trains usually are, or whether Milan station is too complicated or too big to make such quick changes. 


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  • Full steam ahead
  • May 17, 2026

@Airin No problem. You can stop longer in Milano Centrale. Search first a regional train RE80 from Lugano to Milan (no reservations are required in such trains). Add the time to drink or eat something, and search a second train from Milan to Venise. Be sure to select again Milano Centrale and not another station in Milan.


  • Author
  • Right on track
  • May 17, 2026

@Airin No problem. You can stop longer in Milano Centrale. Search first a regional train RE80 from Lugano to Milan (no reservations are required in such trains). Add the time to drink or eat something, and search a second train from Milan to Venise. Be sure to select again Milano Centrale and not another station in Milan.

Thank you very much!!