Lago di Lugano is a huge lake surrounded by mountains, a beautiful place to take a boat tour.

Classic Tour to Gandria

We typically do the "Classic Tour," which explores the northeast part of the lake and visits the small lakeside village Gandria. The tour leaves hourly from Lugano and takes about 1h20-30 mins round trip, depending on how many stops the boat makes along the way. You can get off in Gandria and have lunch, then return by boat or bus later in the day.

For a longer tour, choose the "Scenic Tour," which visits Gandria and Porlezza at the far east side of the lake. This tour runs twice a day and takes about 3 hours round trip, with a short break in Porlezza.

Golden Tour to Morcote

Another popular option is the "Golden Tour," which goes to the southern end of the lake. The boat takes you to Morcote (50 mins to 1h25), considered by some the most beautiful village in Switzerland (very nice, but not my favorite).

You can get off the boat and walk up many stone steps to a historic chapel and lake viewpoint. Then walk back to the lake and enjoy refreshments lakeside. Then return to Lugano by bus or boat.

• Book Guided Tour with Boat to Morcote

See more lake cruise options.

How to get there

We typically catch the boat at the Lugano Centrale boat dock, which is just outside of the main old town area. From the Lugano train station, it's about a 8 min walk through the old town to reach the dock.

If you are coming by car, we suggest parking at Autosilo Motta, a large parking garage near the old town center. Via Giuseppe Motta 18, 6900 Lugano. See more parking areas in Lugano.

Note: In spring 2024, boats are temporarily the Lugano Giardino dock, a few mins east of the Lugano Central dock.

Tickets

You can purchase boat tickets directly at the dock and also on the SBB mobile app. Round trip tickets range from about CHF 35-50 depending on where you go.

If you are staying in the area, you'll have the Ticino Ticket guest card, which gives you a 20% discount on a day pass for the boats.

The boat is free with the Swiss Travel Pass or SBB Saver Day Pass. Discounted with a Swiss Half Fare Card.

You cannot make seat reservations for the boat, except for special dining cruises.