Monte Brè rises above Lugano to 933 meters and is one of the easiest panoramic mountain trips to add to a visit to southern Switzerland. The historic funicular connects Lugano-Cassarate with Suvigliana and the upper section to Monte Brè, putting lake views, walking trails, Brè village, restaurants, and mountain-bike routes within easy reach of the city.
Quick Answer
Monte Brè funicular tickets in 2026 cost CHF 17 one way or CHF 26 return for adults age 16+, CHF 8.50 or CHF 13 for children age 6-15, and are free for ages 0-5. Several Swiss travel passes, local visitor cards, group arrangements, and combination tickets can reduce the cost.
Key Takeaways
- The standard 2026 adult fare is CHF 17 single or CHF 26 return.
- Children age 6-15 pay CHF 8.50 single or CHF 13 return; children age 0-5 travel free.
- The operator publishes reductions for several Swiss travel passes, visitor cards, OASI/old-age eligibility, school groups, and other qualifying travelers.
- Groups of 10 or more can request group pricing, while school groups have separate published fares.
- Combination tickets are available for options including Lake Lugano boat travel, Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, and Galleria Baumgartner.
- Check the current timetable before buying because operating hours change by season.
Monte Brè Ticket Options and Prices for 2026
The official Funicolare Monte Brè fare table lists separate single and return fares for the journey from Lugano-Cassarate through Suvigliana to the Brè summit.
| Passenger | Single | Return |
| Adults age 16+ | CHF 17.00 | CHF 26.00 |
| Children age 6-15 | CHF 8.50 | CHF 13.00 |
| Children age 0-5 | Free | Free |
The published fare covers the full journey from Lugano-Cassarate on the first section to the summit on the second section. If you begin at Suvigliana instead of Cassarate, the standard summit fare is the same.
A single ticket can make sense if you plan to ride up and return on foot as part of a suitable hiking route. A return ticket is the simpler option if you want to use the funicular in both directions.
Pro Tip: Because the summit fare is the same when starting at Suvigliana, visitors coming from central Lugano can usually get more value by beginning at the Lugano-Cassarate station and using both sections.
Discounted Admission for Children and Seniors
Children receive straightforward age-based pricing. Ages 6-15 pay CHF 8.50 for a single journey or CHF 13 for a return, while children age 0-5 travel free on the standard fare.
Senior pricing needs more careful wording. The operator does not publish a blanket tourist discount simply for everyone age 65 or older. Instead, its current fare table lists an OASI/old-age category at CHF 8.50 single and CHF 13 return.
Travel Pass and Visitor Card Discounts
The operator also lists several qualifying passes and cards. Reductions cannot normally be combined, so use the option that applies to your trip.
| Pass or Category | Single | Return |
| GA Travelcard, Half Fare Travelcard, Arcobaleno Pass/Daily Pass | CHF 8.50 | CHF 13.00 |
| Junior Card / Paradiso Card | Free | Free |
| SBB RailAway / TCS members | 30% reduction | 30% reduction |
| Ticino Ticket, Holiday Card, Welcome Card, Vivi Morcote Card | CHF 11.90 | CHF 18.20 |
| OASI / old-age category and military | CHF 8.50 | CHF 13.00 |
Note: Discount eligibility and products can change. Check the current operator fare table before travel, especially if you are relying on a visitor card or transport pass.
Group Rates and Special Packages
| Group Type | Group Size / Age | Single / Return | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Group | 10 or more people | On request | Contact the funicular for current group pricing |
| School Group | Age 0-15 | CHF 7 / CHF 10 | Published school-group fare |
| School Group | Age 16-25 | CHF 10 / CHF 12 | Published school-group fare |
For ordinary groups of 10 or more, the current tariff lists the price as “On Request” rather than publishing one fixed group discount. Organizers should therefore request a quotation directly instead of assuming a percentage reduction.
Current Combination Tickets
Monte Brè also has genuine combination products that pair the funicular with other regional attractions. These are more useful than the unrelated accommodation-style packages previously associated with this section.
| Combination | Adult | Child 6-15 | Important Detail |
| Funicular + Lake Lugano boat | CHF 31.60 | CHF 15.80 | Available 29 March-18 October 2026; itinerary includes a walking segment depending on route |
| Funicular + Swissminiatur | CHF 31.00 | CHF 18.00 | Same-day combination; AVS fare CHF 20 |
| Funicular + Splash&SPA | CHF 45.00 | CHF 29.00 | Includes 4-hour Splash entry; ages 0-5 free |
| Funicular + Galleria Baumgartner | CHF 26.00 | CHF 13.00 | AVS fare CHF 16 |
Combination tickets generally cannot be stacked with other reductions. Check the current official fare page before purchasing because participating attractions, validity periods, and prices can change.
How to Purchase Monte Brè Tickets
Standard Monte Brè tickets can be purchased online through the official Lugano Region ticket shop. The online page specifically recommends checking the funicular timetable before purchasing.
You can also use the funicular’s stations for ticketing as appropriate. The two main starting points are:
- Lugano-Cassarate, Section I: Via Pico 8, 6900 Lugano. TPL bus lines 2 and 12 serve the Cassarate-Monte Brè stop.
- Suvigliana, Section II: Via Ceresio di Suvigliana 36, 6977 Ruvigliana. TPL bus line 12 serves the Ruvigliana village stop.
Some combination products are sold through the funicular ticket office or the participating attraction. For example, the Swissminiatur combination can be purchased at Swissminiatur or at the Suvigliana funicular ticket office.
Warning: Do not assume an online ticket reserves a particular departure. Check the current operating timetable and any ticket conditions before you travel.
Additional Costs for Attractions and Amenities
The funicular fare pays for transportation, but optional activities, meals, rentals, and other experiences can add to your total cost.
Mountain biking is one of the clearest examples. The operator allows riders to transport their own mountain bike on the Suvigliana-Monte Brè section. The published bike transport charge is CHF 8.50 in addition to the passenger’s ascent fare, subject to space. During busy periods, foot passengers receive priority.
Mountain bikes are also available to rent at the summit. Current published rental prices are:
- MTB: CHF 30 for half a day or CHF 40 for one day.
- e-MTB: CHF 34 for half a day or CHF 47 for one day.
Food and drinks are separate unless you purchase a product that specifically includes them. Monte Brè has places to eat around the summit and Brè village, so include meal costs in your budget if you plan to stay for several hours.
2026 Timetable and Seasonal Closures
The trip uses two sections. The lower Cassarate-Suvigliana section runs more frequently than the upper Suvigliana-Monte Brè section.
For the upper section, the published 2026 schedule includes:
- General schedule: 09:00-17:00, departures every 30 minutes.
- 1 April-31 May: 09:00-18:00 every 30 minutes.
- Easter Friday-Monday and 1 June-31 October: 09:00-19:00 every 30 minutes.
- Friday and Saturday in July and August, including 1 August: service extends to 23:00, with departures every 30 minutes.
The lower Cassarate-Suvigliana section normally runs every 15 minutes during its published operating window.
The operator lists the 2026 maintenance closure as 7 January through 13 February inclusive and also states that the funicular is closed on 25 December.
Note: Timetables can change for maintenance, weather, special operations, or future seasons. Check the official timetable shortly before your visit.
Accessibility, Dogs, and Bikes
Wheelchair Access
The Suvigliana-Monte Brè section has accessibility features including lifts at the departure and arrival stations and a dedicated wheelchair compartment measuring approximately 2 x 2.2 meters. Access to the lifts uses a Eurokey, and the ticket for an accompanying person is free.
The Cassarate-Suvigliana section is not wheelchair accessible. The operator states that minibus transportation can be arranged with advance notice. Because official materials currently differ on the accessibility of some intermediate stations, wheelchair users should confirm their exact boarding and exit plan directly with the operator before traveling.
Dogs
Small dogs travel free. For the full Cassarate-Monte Brè journey, the current published fare for medium or large dogs is CHF 8.50 single or CHF 13 return.
Bicycles
You can take your own mountain bike on the upper section, subject to available space, or rent an MTB or e-MTB at the summit. If you plan to travel at a busy time, check current bike-transport conditions before relying on the funicular.
Tips for Saving Money on Monte Brè Admission
The best savings strategies are based on published discounts rather than hoping for cheaper weekday or off-peak admission.
- Check your Swiss transport pass: GA, Half Fare, Arcobaleno and qualifying Daily Pass products have reduced published fares.
- Use a Junior Card when eligible: the current tariff lists the Junior Card fare as free.
- Check local visitor cards: Ticino Ticket, Holiday Card, Welcome Card and Vivi Morcote Card have published reductions.
- Check TCS or RailAway eligibility: the current fare table lists a 30% reduction.
- Ask for group pricing: ordinary groups of at least 10 people can request a group rate.
- Use school-group fares where applicable: these are substantially lower than normal individual fares.
- Compare combination tickets: if you already plan to visit Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, Galleria Baumgartner, or combine the mountain with a Lake Lugano boat trip, a combination product may cost less than buying eligible components separately.
Remember that discounted rates generally cannot be combined. Compare the options that actually apply to you rather than assuming multiple reductions will stack.
For most visitors, the biggest savings come from an eligible transport pass, local visitor card, school/group fare, or combination ticket, not from choosing a particular weekday.
Making the Most of Your Monte Brè Experience
The funicular is more than transportation to a viewpoint. From the summit you can combine panoramic views over Lugano and the surrounding mountains with walking, hiking, mountain biking, local food, and a visit to Brè village.
The upper funicular section has been part of Lugano’s transport history since 1908, and the journey from Suvigliana to the summit takes just over 10 minutes. If your schedule allows, give yourself enough time at the top rather than treating the ride as a quick up-and-down attraction.
If you plan to hike down, carry suitable footwear, water, sun protection, and check trail and weather conditions first. If you prefer an easier visit, use a return funicular ticket and spend your time around the summit viewpoints, restaurants, and village.
Planning your ticket around your actual itinerary is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary costs. Decide first whether you need a single or return journey, then check whether any transport pass, visitor card, group fare, or combination product applies.
If you are browsing other Tagline Today content after planning your Monte Brè trip, the site’s separate Asian melon feature remains available as additional reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard Monte Brè ticket prices in 2026?
Adults age 16+ pay CHF 17 for a single journey or CHF 26 return. Children age 6-15 pay CHF 8.50 single or CHF 13 return, while children age 0-5 travel free.
Are children free on the Monte Brè funicular?
Children age 0-5 travel free on the standard fare. Children age 6-15 pay CHF 8.50 single or CHF 13 return.
Is there a senior discount for Monte Brè?
The operator lists an OASI/old-age category at CHF 8.50 single and CHF 13 return. It does not publish a universal tourist discount based only on being age 65 or older.
What discounts are available for Monte Brè tickets?
Published reductions include qualifying GA, Half Fare and Arcobaleno products, Junior Card, TCS and SBB RailAway, Ticino Ticket, Holiday Card, Welcome Card, Vivi Morcote Card, MyLugano products, OASI eligibility, military fares, and group arrangements. Discounts generally cannot be combined.
Does Monte Brè offer group rates?
Yes. Groups of 10 or more can request pricing directly from the operator. School groups have published single and return fares based on age.
Can Monte Brè tickets be purchased online?
Yes. Tickets are available through the Lugano Region online ticket shop. Check the current funicular timetable before purchasing and do not assume that an online ticket reserves a specific departure.
Are package deals or combined Monte Brè tickets available?
Yes. Current combinations include the funicular with Lake Lugano boat travel, Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, and Galleria Baumgartner. Availability, conditions, and prices can change.
How often does the Monte Brè funicular run?
The upper Suvigliana-Monte Brè section normally runs every 30 minutes during published operating hours. Seasonal opening and closing times vary, with later evening service on selected summer Fridays and Saturdays.
Is the Monte Brè funicular wheelchair accessible?
The Suvigliana-Monte Brè section has wheelchair-accessible facilities including lifts and a dedicated compartment. The Cassarate-Suvigliana section is not wheelchair accessible, but advance-notice minibus transport is available. Confirm current details with the operator before travel.
Sources
- Funicolare Monte Brè – Fares & Timetables – standard fares, discounts, school groups, combination tickets, dogs, accessibility, and operating hours.
- Funicolare Monte Brè – The Funicular – summit elevation, history, route length, journey time, and technical information.
- Funicolare Monte Brè – Contact and How to Reach Us – Cassarate and Suvigliana station addresses and public-transport access.
- Lugano Region – Monte Brè Tickets – official online ticket-purchase channel.
- Funicolare Monte Brè – Mountain Biking – bicycle transport rules and current bike charges.
