We will be staying in Lenno, on Lake Como, for three nights in June 2026 (6th through 9th). We will have a car, and would like to spend part of a day in Lugano. Can we park outside the city and take a shuttle into the city?
Posted by
New England
12053 posts
We easily drove into the small city and parked. We were sorry that we wasted our time visiting
Lugano. Stay on Lake Como; there is no need to leave there. Beautiful place!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17025 posts
I like Lugano and its lake. I like the high Swiss prices less.
If you have time it’s a nice day trip (45 min from Menaggio). Most of the route from Menaggio is through an underground tunnel, but if you want you can drive also through the old road along the lake. I like to do so in the way back to Menaggio.
There are several parking lots at the edge of the city center, near the Lido or the Palazzo dei Congressi (Convention Center). That’s where I usually park.
This is one of the parking lots near the Palazzo dei Congressi.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7fQNSDU2N4X3FsjW6?g_st=ipc
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1148 posts
I also really like Lugano and recommend taking the ferry around to some of the little towns on the lake if you have time. I spent around 3 months in Lugano a few years ago when my daughter was doing a masters degree there. It was pretty easy to drive around and through the town. There are no limited traffic zones, you are allowed to drive right through, except for the few pedestrian zones. But it's not always easy. Some of the roads are narrow, with stone walls on both sides, and my large rented minivan paid the price. Also avoid Autosilo Balestra, a high-rise parking structure in the centre near the bus station. Its ramps are incredibly tight.
If you have any extra time, driving up the mountains above the lake leads to glorious views and lovely walks (all well-marked trails of course, and all well-supplied with doggy poop bags to keep things clean.) Try Cademario for example, a lovely old town. Or take the funicular from the lakeside up to Monte Brè. Don't drive up to Monte Brè, it's another place the van suffered from tight winding roads.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1993 posts
It will be nearly impossible to find free parking. The last time I was in Lugano (a long time, but there was a time I visited a friend every year) I parked at the autosilo Piazza Castello, in a fairly central position. The city is relatively small, so I do not remember parking areas with shuttles out of the city.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17025 posts
Piazza Castello parking is the one I linked above. There is also another one where I parked, not far from it. I think it was a bit cheaper, but in Switzerland you have to be ready to shell out the dough. They want your money. It is not a coincidence they have so many banks in that country. Here is the other parking.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G4aPakbQFm47ns596?g_st=ipc
Posted by
WA state
19 posts
We went to Lugano a few years back but chose to stay up the mountain in Mt Bre’. Very charming community with lovely people, and beautiful views of Lake Lugano and the mountains. There is a bus from Lugano that takes you right up the mountain. Grotto Castagnetobre makes the trip SO worthwhile! It is a charming family run grotto nestled in the chestnut grove with amazing food and great hospitality! It was so good that we went back the next day for lunch.
https://grottocastagnetobre.myportfolio.com
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/experiences/monte-bre
Enjoy your trip!