Lake Lugano Cruises
Lugano, Switzerland • USD 27.6 - USD 39.6 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
15°C – 25°C, warm early-summer weather with mostly sunny days, though brief thunderstorms or rain are possible, high crowds, peak season
15°C – 25°C, warm early-summer weather with mostly sunny days, though brief thunderstorms or rain are possible, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Boats are accessible, seating provided, minimal walking required.
Boats are accessible, seating provided, minimal walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Price is fair, but crowds can slightly diminish value.
Price is fair, but crowds can slightly diminish value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the views of the lake and the Swiss-Italian Alps! Very peaceful and scenic.
Breathtaking Scenery
Visitors found the cruise to be a perfect romantic escape. Highly recommend for couples.
Relaxing Cruise
Couples enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. The perfect way to spend an afternoon together.
Overcrowded Boats
Travelers noted that it can get busy in peak season, making it less intimate.
Limited Privacy
Some couples felt the busy boats detracted from a private experience.
Steep Village
One couple mentioned the steep climb in Gandria was a bit challenging.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
A must-do activity, Lake Lugano Cruises offer panoramic views and unforgettable moments.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
2-7°C
Cold and damp, with the possibility of fog. Rain is frequent, and snow is rare but possible.
Cold and damp, with the possibility of fog. Rain is frequent, and snow is rare but possible.
Open
Only main docking points served; special holiday cruises may be available, but regular service is limited.
Only main docking points served; special holiday cruises may be available, but regular service is limited.
Not recommended
Regular cruises are limited to core routes; special event cruises (e.g., Christmas) may occur. Dress warmly and expect sparse crowds.
Regular cruises are limited to core routes; special event cruises (e.g., Christmas) may occur. Dress warmly and expect sparse crowds.
January
LOW
2-7°C
Cold winter weather with occasional rain and possible fog. Limited sunshine.
Cold winter weather with occasional rain and possible fog. Limited sunshine.
Closed
Regular cruises do not operate; only limited or special event cruises may be available.
Regular cruises do not operate; only limited or special event cruises may be available.
Not recommended
Lake Lugano cruises largely do not operate in January due to winter weather and low demand.
Lake Lugano cruises largely do not operate in January due to winter weather and low demand.
February
LOW
2-9°C
Still wintry with cold temperatures, some rain, and occasional fog.
Still wintry with cold temperatures, some rain, and occasional fog.
Closed
Regular cruises are not in operation; only private charters or special events may occur.
Regular cruises are not in operation; only private charters or special events may occur.
Not recommended
February is not suitable for Lake Lugano cruises as normal services are suspended for winter.
February is not suitable for Lake Lugano cruises as normal services are suspended for winter.
March
LOW
5-13°C
Cool early spring, increasing sunshine, but still chilly and damp.
Cool early spring, increasing sunshine, but still chilly and damp.
Closed
Cruises have not resumed regular schedules; operations start mid-April.
Cruises have not resumed regular schedules; operations start mid-April.
Not recommended
March remains off-season for Lake Lugano cruises. Full schedules resume later in spring.
March remains off-season for Lake Lugano cruises. Full schedules resume later in spring.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
City buses (TPL) serve the area around Viale Castagnola and the lakefront. Bus line 2 runs from Paradiso through the city center and main train station to Castagnola.
Ferry
Recommended
The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano operates an extensive network of ferries connecting numerous towns and villages around the lake.
Train
Recommended
Arrive at Lugano's main train station (Stazione FFS) and connect to buses or the funicular to reach the city center and cruise departure points.
Bike
Biking is a viable option, with dedicated paths available. Bike rentals are available in Lugano.
Boat
The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano operates regular boat services from Lugano Centrale (lago) pier.
Cable Car
The Sassellina Funicular provides a quick link from the train station (Stazione FFS) to Piazza Cioccaro, a short walk from the boat terminal.
Car
For those arriving by car, take the Lugano Sud exit from the A9 or A8 motorway. Parking is available in nearby garages and metered street parking.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Lugano. A taxi from the main train station (Stazione FFS) to the Castagnola area takes approximately 4-5 minutes.
Walking
Walking is a practical option, especially from downtown Lugano. The walk from the main train station to the lake takes about 10 minutes.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages up to 99