Planning a trip up Monte Brè is easier when you know the real ticket prices before you arrive. The Monte Brè funicular runs from Lugano-Cassarate through Suvigliana to the summit above Lake Lugano. Current fares are straightforward, but several travel cards, visitor passes, group options, and combined tickets can lower the cost.
Quick Answer
Monte Brè funicular tickets currently cost CHF 17 one-way or CHF 26 return for adults age 16+, and CHF 8.50 one-way or CHF 13 return for children age 6–15. Children age 0–5 ride free. Several travel cards and visitor passes reduce fares, and online booking is available through Lugano Region.
Key Takeaways
- Standard adult fares are CHF 17 one-way and CHF 26 return for the full Cassarate-Suvigliana-Monte Brè journey.
- Children age 6–15 pay CHF 8.50 one-way or CHF 13 return, while children age 0–5 ride free.
- GA, Half Fare, Arcobaleno and several visitor cards can reduce the fare, but discounts generally cannot be combined.
- Groups of 10 or more can request group rates, and separate published fares are available for school groups.
- Combined tickets are available for attractions such as Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, Galleria Baumgartner, and selected boat-and-funicular trips.
- Seasonal operating hours change during the year, but the official 2026 fare page does not publish standard weekend or peak-season surcharges.
Monte Brè Funicular Ticket Prices
The standard fare covers the complete journey from Lugano-Cassarate through Suvigliana to the Monte Brè summit. According to the official Monte Brè fare and timetable page, starting the full journey at Suvigliana instead of Cassarate does not reduce the standard full-route fare.
| Passenger | One-way | 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 |
A one-way ticket is useful if you plan to ride up and hike down, or if your itinerary combines the funicular with another route. A return ticket is the simpler choice when you want to use the funicular in both directions.
Note: The standard fare is a transportation fare for the funicular journey. Monte Brè is not presented by the operator as a separately ticketed general-admission attraction.
Comparing Prices for Adults and Children
Monte Brè uses clear age-based pricing. Travelers age 16 and older pay the adult fare, children from 6 through 15 receive the reduced child fare, and children age 0 through 5 travel free.
For a family of two adults and two children age 6–15, for example, standard return fares total CHF 78: CHF 26 for each adult and CHF 13 for each child. A family traveling with younger children may pay less because children under six ride free.
The official fare page does not list a general standard “family package.” Instead, families should check whether they qualify for specific travel-card reductions. The Junior Card, for example, is listed among the products that can provide free travel on the funicular under the operator’s stated conditions.
If you only need the first section between Lugano-Cassarate and Suvigliana, separate lower fares apply. Adults pay CHF 2.20 one-way or CHF 4.20 return, children age 6–15 pay CHF 1.10 one-way or CHF 2.10 return, and children age 0–5 travel free.
Special Discounts and Deals for Groups
Monte Brè accepts several Swiss travel products and local visitor cards. The operator states that discounted rates and reductions cannot be combined, so you normally need to use the single reduction that gives you the best eligible price.
| Pass or discount | One-way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| GA Travelcard, Half Fare Travelcard, Arcobaleno Pass or eligible Daily Pass | CHF 8.50 | CHF 13.00 |
| Junior Card or Paradiso Card | Free | Free |
| Ticino Ticket, Holiday Card, Welcome Card or Vivi Morcote Card | CHF 11.90 | CHF 18.20 |
| SBB RailAway or TCS member reduction | 30% reduction | 30% reduction |
| Groups of 10 or more | On request | On request |
School groups have separate published fares. For travelers age 0–15 in a school group, the fare is CHF 7 one-way or CHF 10 return. School groups age 16–25 pay CHF 10 one-way or CHF 12 return.
For an ordinary group of 10 or more people, the operator lists the price as “on request” rather than promising one fixed group discount. Group organizers should therefore contact Monte Brè before the trip, especially when coordinating a large party or a guided experience.
Pro Tip: Before buying full-price tickets for everyone, check each traveler’s Swiss rail pass, visitor card, age category, and group eligibility. Because reductions cannot normally be combined, compare the eligible options first.
Combined Tickets and Package Deals
Monte Brè offers several genuine combined tickets. These are more useful than a generic “family package” because they pair the funicular with specific attractions or transportation.
| Combined ticket | Adult | Child age 6–15 |
|---|---|---|
| Funicular + Swissminiatur | CHF 31.00 | CHF 18.00 |
| Funicular + Splash&SPA | CHF 45.00 | CHF 29.00 |
| Funicular + Galleria Baumgartner | CHF 26.00 | CHF 13.00 |
| Funicular + boat itinerary | From CHF 31.60 | From CHF 15.80 |
The Swissminiatur combination offers a published 30% saving and is available through the Monte Brè ticket office in Suvigliana or Swissminiatur in Melide. The combined fare is CHF 31 for adults, CHF 18 for children age 6–15, and CHF 20 for AVS beneficiaries.
The Splash&SPA combination costs CHF 45 for adults and CHF 29 for children age 6–15, while children age 0–5 are free under the listed conditions. The Galleria Baumgartner combination costs CHF 26 for adults, CHF 13 for children age 6–15, and CHF 16 for AVS beneficiaries.
A seasonal funicular-and-boat option is also listed for March 29 through October 18, 2026. It can be used for itineraries that combine the funicular with walking and Lake Lugano boat travel. Check the current official fare page before purchase because schedules and participating services can change.
Note: Combined tickets generally cannot be stacked with other Monte Brè discounts.
Additional Costs for Attractions and Activities
The standard funicular fare covers transportation, but optional activities, equipment, meals, and combination products can add to your budget. Hiking and enjoying the viewpoints do not require the generic “museum,” “theme park,” or “water sports” fees sometimes shown in older or unsourced summaries.
One activity with clearly published prices is mountain-bike rental at the summit. The operator provides both standard mountain bikes and e-MTBs, with helmets included in the rental price.
| Activity | Published adult cost |
|---|---|
| MTB, half day with ascent | CHF 30.00 |
| MTB, full day with ascent | CHF 40.00 |
| E-MTB, half day with ascent | CHF 34.00 |
| E-MTB, full day with ascent | CHF 47.00 |
The official mountain-bike page also lists transport for your own bike. On the Suvigliana-Monte Brè section, the bicycle itself carries an additional CHF 8.50 charge alongside the rider’s applicable ascent fare. When the funicular is busy, foot passengers can receive priority because of limited space.
Guided tours are available, but the operator describes them as customized experiences and asks visitors to request a personalized proposal rather than publishing one universal CHF 20 tour price. Tours can include viewpoints, the village of Brè, local art and culture, restaurants, tastings, or other additions.
Dining is another optional expense. Monte Brè lists Osteria Funicolare and Ristorante Vetta among its food options. Menus, opening hours, and prices can vary, so treat meals as a separate part of your trip budget rather than part of the funicular fare.
Seasonal Timetables and Peak Times
Monte Brè changes its operating timetable during the year, but its current 2026 fare page does not publish higher standard ticket prices for summer, weekends, or other peak periods.
For the first Cassarate-Suvigliana section, regular service is listed every 15 minutes from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On specified Fridays and Saturdays from July 1 through August 27, including August 1, service extends to 11:15 p.m.
The Suvigliana-Monte Brè section normally operates every 30 minutes. The published 2026 schedule lists service until 6:00 p.m. from April 1 through May 31, until 7:00 p.m. from June 1 through October 31 and over Easter Friday through Monday, and until 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August, including August 1. Shorter hours apply during other operating periods.
The operator also lists a maintenance closure from January 7 through February 13, 2026, inclusive, and closure on December 25.
Warning: Do not plan a hike or dinner around an assumed last descent. Check the official timetable for your exact travel date, especially in winter or if you intend to stay for sunset.
Weekends and summer evenings can still be busier even though the published standard fare does not increase. If you prefer a quieter visit, arriving earlier in the day or traveling on a weekday may make the trip more relaxed.
Booking in Advance vs. Buying On-Site
Monte Brè tickets can be purchased online through the official Lugano Region ticket shop. The online shop specifically recommends checking the funicular timetable before buying.
Buying online can be useful when you want to organize your tickets before leaving your hotel or arriving in Lugano. However, there is no need to assume that advance purchase automatically provides an early-bird discount. The published standard fare page does not advertise a universal lower advance-purchase price or a standard last-minute counter surcharge.
Several combined products are also sold through the Suvigliana ticket office or the participating partner attraction. If you plan to use a visitor card or other reduction, confirm how that discount should be presented or purchased before completing an online transaction.
Pro Tip: Buy in advance when it makes your travel day easier, but compare your eligible passes and combined-ticket options before paying. The best saving may come from a travel card rather than from buying earlier.
Understanding Refund and Cancellation Policies
Refund and cancellation rules deserve more attention than a general promise that tickets can always be cancelled for a full refund. The terms can depend on where the ticket was bought and on the conditions attached to the individual service.
For individual services sold through the Lugano Region marketplace, the marketplace terms and conditions state that cancellations cannot be completed directly inside the webshop. The conditions of the responsible service provider apply.
Where no different provider conditions are listed or included in the contract, the marketplace’s stated fallback cancellation schedule is:
- Up to two weeks before the service: no cancellation fee.
- Up to one week before the service: 40% cancellation fee.
- Up to 48 hours before the service: 70% cancellation fee.
- Less than 48 hours before the service: 100% cancellation fee.
Because individual products can have their own conditions, read the terms displayed with your booking rather than assuming every Monte Brè ticket follows the same refund rule. If weather or a change of plans affects your trip, contact the seller or service provider using the instructions supplied with the booking.
Accessibility and Practical Ticket Notes
Wheelchair access improved significantly in 2025. The operator states that the Suvigliana-Monte Brè section is wheelchair accessible and includes a dedicated compartment measuring approximately 2 by 2.2 meters. Elevators at the Suvigliana departure station and Monte Brè arrival station provide access and require a Eurokey.
All intermediate stations on that section are listed as accessible. The accompanying person’s funicular ticket is free under the published wheelchair-accessibility fare information.
The Cassarate-Suvigliana first section is not wheelchair accessible. Instead, a minibus service is available with advance notice. The operator lists +41 58 866 75 66 for arranging this transportation.
If you are traveling with a dog, small dogs ride free. For the full route, medium and large dogs cost CHF 8.50 one-way or CHF 13 return.
These details can change, so travelers with mobility needs, bicycles, large groups, or animals should review the official accessibility and fare information shortly before visiting.
Tips for Saving Money on Monte Brè Tickets
The best way to save is to use a verified discount rather than waiting for an unconfirmed seasonal promotion.
- Check your Swiss rail products: GA Travelcard, Half Fare Travelcard and qualifying Arcobaleno products can reduce the full-route fare to CHF 8.50 one-way or CHF 13 return.
- Use a Ticino visitor benefit if eligible: Ticino Ticket and several local visitor cards qualify for reduced published fares.
- Check a Junior Card: The operator lists the Junior Card among products eligible for free travel under its conditions.
- Ask about groups: Groups of 10 or more can request a rate directly from Monte Brè.
- Compare combined tickets: If Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, Galleria Baumgartner, or a boat itinerary is already in your plans, a combination can make more sense than separate purchases.
- Choose one-way strategically: A one-way ticket can save money if you genuinely intend to hike one direction rather than use the funicular both ways.
- Do not assume discounts stack: Monte Brè says reductions and discounted rates generally cannot be combined.
If you like packing fresh fruit or another light snack for outdoor trips, the site’s existing guide to Asian melon is optional additional reading. For Monte Brè ticket planning itself, rely on the official fare and timetable sources below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ticket options for Monte Brè?
The standard full-route options are one-way and return tickets. Adults age 16+ pay CHF 17 one-way or CHF 26 return, while children age 6–15 pay CHF 8.50 or CHF 13. Children age 0–5 ride free. The operator also offers discounts and several combined tickets.
What is the price of a Monte Brè ticket?
The current standard adult fare is CHF 17 one-way or CHF 26 return for the complete Cassarate-Suvigliana-Monte Brè journey. Children age 6–15 pay CHF 8.50 one-way or CHF 13 return, and children age 0–5 travel free.
Are there discounts available for Monte Brè tickets?
Yes. Published reductions include GA and Half Fare Travelcards, eligible Arcobaleno products, Junior Card, Ticino Ticket, TCS membership, SBB RailAway and several local visitor cards. The exact discount depends on the product, and reductions generally cannot be combined.
Can Monte Brè tickets be purchased online?
Yes. Online tickets are available through the official Lugano Region ticket shop. Check the Monte Brè timetable before purchasing so that your planned journey matches the operating schedule.
Are there package deals or combined tickets for Monte Brè?
Yes. Current combinations include the funicular with Swissminiatur, Splash&SPA, Galleria Baumgartner and selected Lake Lugano boat itineraries. Eligibility, operating periods and prices vary by combination, and combined tickets generally cannot be combined with other reductions.
Does Monte Brè charge higher ticket prices on weekends or during summer?
The official 2026 fare page does not publish a standard weekend or peak-season surcharge. Operating hours do change by season, including extended evening service on selected summer days, so check the timetable for your date.
Is the Monte Brè funicular wheelchair accessible?
The Suvigliana-Monte Brè section is wheelchair accessible, with elevators and a dedicated compartment. The Cassarate-Suvigliana section is not wheelchair accessible, but the operator provides a minibus alternative with advance notice.
Sources
- Funicolare Monte Brè: Fares & Timetables — current standard fares, discounts, groups, combined tickets, timetable, dog fares, and accessibility.
- Funicolare Monte Brè: The Funicular — route, history, technical information, and official activity overview.
- Funicolare Monte Brè: Mountain Bike Rental — current MTB and e-MTB rental information and published prices.
- Lugano Region: Monte Brè Online Tickets — official online purchasing option and timetable reminder.
- Lugano Region Marketplace Terms and Conditions — cancellation rules for individual services purchased through the marketplace.
