How to go to Lugano, Switzerland? How high is an average rent in Lugano?

Question

Through Milan or Zurich? After reaching Milan or Zurich, take another plane, or use train? How much is the cost of utilities in Lugano? What about hotel rates? Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Closest Airport is Milan-Linate, Milan-Malpensa is also a good option if you plan to rent a car and drive along 'Lago Maggiore' a stunning 1 hour drive.

If you fly low cost airline into Milan you will most probably arrive at Bergamo, you have then to take a bus to Milano Centrale (central train station) ... about 50 minutes.

From Milan there are regular trains to Lugano (at least 1 per hour) ... it takes you about 1hour but I am not sure about the cost.

A decent 3 star hotel in Lugano costs around CHF 100 - 120

Answer 2

If you fly into Milan Malpensa, you can take the Starbus shuttle service to Lugano for 30 CHF or the equivalent in Euros.  Giosy Tours is the other company offering shuttle buses to Lugano, but I have experience only with Starbus.  You can google "Starbus Lugano" to learn more.   While it is correct that some low-cost airlines go to Bergamo, some also go to Malpensa (landing in terminal 2), which is a much easier connection to Lugano.

Lugano also has an airport, but it is unlikely you will find good prices on flights there.

If you fly to Milan Linate, you could take bus to Centrale (the train station) and the train to Lugano, but this is more expensive than the shuttle bus from Malpensa.

Rents in Lugano are high, though of course it depends on the kind of apartment.  If at all possible, get someone locally to help you find something before you go.  It's tourist season in Lugano and hotel costs are going to be high too.  Switzerland is basically a really expensive country in all regards, including food.