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      Lugano 2027 - Travel

      Experience Lugano

      Discover and Explore the Key Venues

      The ISPCAN Congress 2027 will take place at the Convention Centre (Palazzo dei Congressi), a modern and versatile venue located in the heart of the city of Lugano,Switzerland, just steps from the lake and the beautiful Parco Ciani.

      With its central location, the Convention Centre is within easy walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and Lugano’s main attractions, offering participants a seamless and enjoyable experience both inside and outside the congress.

      The venue features a large plenary hall seating over 1,130 delegates, along with multiple modular rooms, spacious foyers, and dedicated exhibition areas, making it ideal for international conferences, workshops, and networking activities.

      Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, high-speed Wi-Fi, and full accessibility, the Convention Centre combines functionality with comfort in an inspiring lakeside setting.

      Its unique position between the city centre and the waterfront allows delegates to enjoy a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxation in one of Switzerland’s most scenic destinations.

      Explore and Enjoy Lugano

      Lugano is a medium-scaled city in southern Switzerland, with around 68,000 inhabitants, offering the perfect balance between urban life and nature. Situated on the shores of a beautiful lake and surrounded by mountains, over 60% of its territory is made up of green spaces, giving the city a relaxed and scenic atmosphere.

      The local climate is mild and sunny, often described as a blend of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are generally mild, with only occasional snow in the city. November in Lugano marks the transition from autumn to early winter. The weather is generally fresh and changeable, with average temperatures ranging between 10°C and 17°C (46°F–59°F). Mornings and evenings can feel quite chilly, while midday can be milder, especially on sunny days so layering is key and a medium-weight coat or jacket is recommended. A waterproof layer or umbrella is useful, as it may be rainy. Comfortable closed shoes are advisable for walking around the human-scale city.

      Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, making Italian the official language, although English, German and French are widely understood, especially in hotels, restaurants, and conference settings.

      The region’s cuisine reflects a unique mix of Swiss and Italian traditions, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients, local wines, and specialties such as polenta, risotto, and regional cheeses.

      With its welcoming atmosphere, high quality of life, and stunning natural setting, Lugano offers visitors an authentic European experience—combining efficiency, safety, and cultural richness in one destination.

      Lugano: The Best of Two Worlds

      © Lugano Region_Milo-Zanecchia

      Stay longer in Lugano and Ticino:

      City’s tourist office: https://www.luganoregion.com

      Regional/Cantonal’s tourist office: www.ticino.ch

      © Lugano Region_Michele Mengozzi

      How to Get to Lugano

      Reaching Lugano is straightforward thanks to its central location in Southern Switzerland and excellent international connections by air and rail. You can decide to either land in Milano, Italy, and then transfer or flight directly to Switzerland with its closes airport, Zürich.

      ✈️ Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – www.milanomalpensa-airport.com

      With over 190 destinations worldwide, Milano Malpensa, Italy, is a key hub for international arrivals. Located approximately 80 km (50 miles) from Lugano, Milan Malpensa is the closest major international airport and the most convenient gateway for many intercontinental travellers.

      • Travel time: about 1h / 1h 30 minutes
      • By train: Direct connections are available via the TILO regional trains (S50 line), linking the airport to Lugano without transfers. Train schedule: www.sbb.ch/en
      • Alternative route: You can also take a train via Milan Main Station (Milano Centrale)
      • By road: Shuttle services and private transfers are available upon requests

      Tickets & schedules:

      • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): www.sbb.ch
      • Station names:
        • Milan Malpensa Airport = Malpensa Aeroporto T1 (Terminal 1 is the main flights’ terminal while Malpensa Aeroporto T2 is the terminal for Easy Jet’s flights only).
        • Lugano train station= Lugano, Stazione
      • Trenitalia (Italian Railways): www.trenitalia.com

      ✈️ Zurich Airport (ZRH)

      Zurich Airport, Switzerland’s main international hub with more than 190+ destination worldwide and it lies about 200 km (125 miles) north of Lugano.

      • Travel time: approximately 2h / 2.5 h
      • By train: Frequent direct InterCity (IC) trains connect Zurich Airport to Lugano via the Gotthard Base Tunnel, one of the world’s longest railway tunnels.
      • By road: Direct highway access makes driving or private transfers another option

      Tickets & schedules:

      • Swiss Federal Railways (SBB): www.sbb.ch
      • Station names:
        • Zurich Airport = Zürich Flughafen
        • Zürich main train station = Zürich HB
        • Lugano train station= Lugano, Stazione

      🚄 High-Speed Rail Connections

      Lugano is fully integrated into the European high-speed rail network.

      • From Zurich: Direct InterCity (IC) trains (approx. 2 hours)
      • From Milan (Milano Centrale): Fast EuroCity (EC) trains (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
      • From across Europe: Connections via Swiss and Italian rail hubs

      All major routes arriving to Lugano from North pass through the Gotthard Base Tunnel, ensuring fast, reliable, and scenic journeys through the Alps.

      Tickets & schedules:

      🚆 Local and Regional Connections – Ticino Ticket

      Once in Lugano, the region is served by a wide and efficient public transport network. In addition to that, when you book your hotel, B&B or Youth Hostel for your stay, you will receive upon check-in and free of charge the free Ticino Ticket (www.ticino.ch/ticket). The Ticino Ticket offers free unlimited travel on public transport throughout the City of Lugano but also in the whole region/Canton of Ticino, including trains, buses, and funiculars. The ticket is valid for the entire duration of your stay and also provides discounts on attractions, cultural sites, and leisure activities. It is provided by your accommodation at check-in (or digitally in advance), making it easy to explore Lugano and the surrounding region conveniently and sustainably.

      © Lugano Region_Milo-Zanecchia
      © Lugano Region_Milo-Zanecchia

      💡 Travel Tips

      • Swiss trains are punctual, comfortable, and run frequently.
      • Booking in advance can offer discounted fares, especially on international routes.
      • The SBB Mobile app is highly recommended for real-time schedules, platform information, and ticket purchases.

      VISA & Entry Requirements for Switzerland

      Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, which facilitates entry for visitors from many countries under a common visa and border policy. However, entry requirements vary depending on nationality and length of stay.

      Passport and Visa Requirements:

      • EU/EFTA citizens (including most European countries):
        • Can enter Switzerland with a valid identity card or passport.
        • No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
      • Citizens from visa-exempt countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Korea):
        • No visa required for tourism, business, or short stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
        • Must present a valid passport (typically valid for at least 3 months beyond the date of departure from Switzerland).
      • Citizens from countries requiring a visa (e.g., India, China, South Africa, Pakistan):
        • Must apply for a Schengen visa (Type C) before arrival for stays up to 90 days.
        • The application must be submitted at the Swiss embassy or consulate in the country of residence.

      The cost of a VISA is approximately 100 $ per adult and 50 $ for children (6 to 12 years of age). Visas for children under 6 years of age are free of charge.

      Regardless of visa status, all travellers must:

      • Be able to justify the purpose and conditions of their stay (e.g., congress registration, hotel booking).
      • Have sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
      • Not be subject to a ban on entry into the Schengen Area.
      • Travel health insurance is strongly recommended

      Vaccination Requirements for Entry into Switzerland

      Switzerland is considered a low-risk country in terms of public health and infectious diseases, and no specific vaccinations or preventive health measures are generally necessary for visitors. (Vaccinations against influenza, measles and other diseases (More information here: https://www.ch.ch/en/travel-and-emigrate/holidays-in-switzerland/vaccinations/#further-information ),

      While no vaccinations are required for entry, it is strongly recommended that travelers are up to date with routine immunizations, including:

      • Diphtheria
      • Tetanus
      • Polio
      • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
      • Hepatitis A and B (depending on the nature and duration of stay)

      No COVID-19 vaccination or testing certificate is currently required to enter Switzerland.

      Nevertheless, travelers are advised to check the latest updates before traveling, through official Swiss government websites or local Swiss embassies.