Getting Around Lugano: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Lugano is an excellent city for walking, offering a compact and pedestrian-friendly center. Many of the main attractions, such as the waterfront promenade, Parco Ciani, and the charming old city area, are easily accessible by foot. This makes the city center ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring by walking. While some parts of the city are hilly, the central areas are relatively flat, and funiculars make it easier to reach higher elevations and enjoy beautiful views.

Lugano benefits from a strong public transit network mainly operated by Trasporti Pubblici Luganesi, including buses and funiculars that efficiently link the city center with nearby areas and attractions. Although primarily bus-oriented, the public transport system is reliable and covers necessary regions of the city, making commuting straightforward. Travelers can utilize convenient options such as the Arcobaleno ticket for unlimited public transport within certain zones, but bus scheduling might require some planning.

Cycling in Lugano presents a mixed experience due to the city's hilly terrain. Although there are dedicated bike routes along scenic areas such as the lakeside and certain parks, the steep hills can pose a challenge to cyclists, particularly those undertaking daily commutes. While infrastructure supports some biking activities, such as leisure rides and mountain biking in the surrounding countryside, it may not fully accommodate all types of riders for regular urban commutes.