Ferrovia Monte Generoso
Ferrovia Monte Generoso is a seasonal rack railway from Capolago to the 1704 m summit above Lake Lugano, Ticino. Swiss GA not valid. CHF fares.
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- Switzerland
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Ferrovia Monte Generoso runs the rack railway that climbs from Capolago, on the shore of Lake Lugano, to the 1,704 metre summit of Monte Generoso in southern Ticino. The line is operated by Ferrovia Monte Generoso SA, part of the Migros Group's Culture Percentage programme.
Route and stops
Trains run from Capolago up to Monte Generoso Vetta, the summit station, with two intermediate stops along the way: San Nicolao and Bellavista, home to the Buffet Bellavista restaurant. At the top, the summit building known as Fiore di pietra sits alongside the viewpoint over the Alps and Lake Lugano.
The railway operates seasonally. The 2026 high season runs from 2 May to 25 October, and only the Capolago and Monte Generoso Vetta stations are equipped for passengers with disabilities; full accessibility is not guaranteed at the intermediate San Nicolao and Bellavista stops, so travellers who need step-free access should arrange this in advance.
Tickets and fares
A full return trip from Capolago to the summit costs CHF 72 for an adult, dropping to CHF 36 with a Swiss GA travelcard, Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass. Shorter return trips cost less: Capolago to Bellavista is CHF 48 full fare or CHF 24 discounted, and the short San Nicolao or Bellavista sections cost CHF 24 full fare or CHF 12 discounted.
One detail worth knowing before you plan a Ticino itinerary around this line: Monte Generoso sits outside the validity area of the Swiss General Abonnement, so neither EasyRide nor the SBB day pass covers it, even though the Half Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass do give a discount. Groups of 10 or more, including school groups, get a reduced group fare, but need to be announced in advance.
Bikes, dogs and extras
A bike or a dog each costs CHF 9 to bring along, and the same flat CHF 9 applies to a paragliding bag if you're heading up for a flight from the summit. Children up to 5 travel free, and those aged 6 to 15 with a Swiss Junior Card also ride at no charge.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Ferrovia Monte Generoso
Ferrovia Monte Generoso
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Monte Generoso railway start?
The rack railway starts in Capolago, on the shore of Lake Lugano, and climbs to the 1,704 metre summit at Monte Generoso Vetta, stopping at San Nicolao and Bellavista along the way.
How much does a ticket to Monte Generoso cost?
A full return trip from Capolago to the summit costs CHF 72 for an adult, or CHF 36 with a Swiss GA travelcard, Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass.
Is the Swiss General Abonnement valid on this railway?
No, Monte Generoso sits outside the General Abonnement's validity area, so EasyRide and the SBB day pass do not cover it. The Half Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass do give a discount on the fare.
When does the Monte Generoso railway run?
The 2026 high season runs from 2 May to 25 October. Check the operator's winter timetable separately for any off-season service.
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