The Monte Brè Cable Car opened in 1908. It was intended as a means of offering the inhabitants of Lugano a summer village where they could enjoy the fresh air, pleasant walks and spectacular views. It connects the centre of Lugano to the summit of Monte Brè in little more than 10 minutes, rising 629 metres along a route 1,599 metres in length. From Monte Brè, the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, you can admire the majesty of Monte Rosa and the Bernese and Valais Alps, and after a short walk you discover the hamlet of Brè with its unusual street furniture. In 2007, Lugano City Council became the majority shareholder in the company, with the aim of promoting an area that is not only unique for its type but also a symbol of the city itself and its tourism.
Via Ceresio di Suvigliana 36
CH-6977 Ruvigliana
Tel. +41 91 9713171
Fax +41 91 9723748
e-mail info@montebre.ch
You can join the Monte Brè Cable Car and go up to the summit from two stations:
1. Lugano Cassarate, lines 2, 11 and 12 TPL (Cassarate-Monte Brè bus stop)
2. Ruvigliana, line 11 TPL (Ruvigliana bus stop)
For more information: www.tplsa.ch
Open 7/7
The funicular returns on February 20th with a new and highly awaited season.
Within just over 15 minutes, the funicular takes you to the top of the mountain known for being the sunniest in Switzerland. Hiking, mountain biking, art and culture, or just relaxing moments: get ready for an unforgettable experience.
Funicolare Monte Brè
"Current weather"
Forecast for the next days
Source: MeteoSwiss
Line | Section 1 (Cassarate/Ruvigliana) | Section 2 (Ruvigliana/Monte Brè) |
Line length | 196 m | 1403 m |
Maximum gradient | 60% | 47.5% |
Track gauge | 1 m | 1 m |
Altitude of departure station | 282 m | 395 m |
Altitude of arrival station | 380 m | 915 m |
Change in elevation | 102 m | 520 m |
Speed | 2 m/sec. | 3 m/sec. |
Journey time | 4 minutes | 12 minutes |
Cars | ||
Maximum capacity | 30 people | 68 people |
A stone’s throw away from where the cable car reaches the summit at 933 metres above sea level, you can admire the magnificent Alpine foothills on a natural sunlit terrace above Lake Lugano, a view dominated by the whole of the Gulf of Lugano. The view of this breathtaking landscape stretches as far as the imposing sight of Monte Rosa and the Bernese and Valais Alps.
An open-air activity route suitable for any level of fitness awaits you at the summit. The 2.6 km loop was developed jointly with the trainers at the Lugano Hockey Club, and the illustrative panel at the exit from the cable car arrival station will allow you to identify yourself at the end of the activity with one of the four humorous categories of athlete suggested.
A relaxation area consisting of a play area for children and a space equipped for barbecues and picnics is provided near the picturesque village of Brè, a short walk along a pleasant path from the cable car’s arrival station at the summit. Brand new play equipment for children has also recently been installed near the Ristorante Vetta.
Single | Return | |
Adults | 16.00 | 25.00 |
Children 6-16 | 8.00 | 12.50 |
Children 0-5 | free | free |
Schools 0-15 | 7.00 | 10.00 |
Schools 16+ | 10.00 | 12.00 |
>> TIMETABLE |
Single | Return | |
FFS 1/2, GA, Arcobaleno | 8.00 | 12.50 |
Junior Card, Paradiso Card | free | free |
FFS RailAway, TCS members | -30% | -30% |
Holiday Card (Lugano) and Welcome Card (Mendrisio) | 11.20 | 17.50 |
Lugano Card, City Card | 8.00 | 12.50 |
AVS | 8.00 | 12.50 |
Military | 8.00 | 12.50 |
Bikes | 8.00 | |
Small dogs | free | free |
Medium/large dogs | 8.00 | 12.50 |
Ticino Ticket | 11.20 | 17.50 |
Special rates for groups of 10 people. Bookings welcome: info@montebre.ch
The structure of the cable car is inaccessible to people who have physical disabilities and use a wheelchair to get around. That's why a dedicated shuttle service is available during the same opening hours as the cable car. This service will take you to the summit restaurant, where you can enjoy the breath-taking scenery thanks to the panoramic natural terrace at 933 above sea level, looking over Lake Lugano and the entire gulf.
The transport service can be requested by contacting the number 058 866 75 66 (TPL operations centre) and will be provided with an equipped minibus at the same rates applicable for the cable car and the person accompanying for free. In order to ensure an efficient service and avoiding waiting around on site, it is advisable to plan your trip and arrange the service in advance, indicating your preferences for the return journey as well.
If the accompanying person would like to take the cable car up the mountain together with the disabled person, a ticket will also be offered.
Information on the dedicated shuttle service in brief
Rates: click here
Reservation: 058 866 75 66
The suggested routes offer a variety of views and points of interest, types of layout, difficulties and lengths, and are therefore suitable for any level of fitness and a wide variety of tastes.
The hikes are described below and collected in the “Nature and art routes by cable car” leaflet. (The Monte Brè Cable Car Company cannot be held liable for anyone who decides to undertake the suggested routes based on their own freely made assessment.)
Setting off from the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station, you join the path towards Aldesago to reach the panoramic view point above the village. Rejoin the path towards Brè village. The last stretch of the path will take you back to the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station allowing you to return to the city in comfort.
From the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station, walk towards Brè village. Take the route towards Gandria, going down towards the lake along a path that partially joins the “Natural and Archaeological Path”. At the end of this stretch, you reach Gandria. From here, to get back to the city, you can continue along the “Olive Path” or jump on the first boat from the Lake Lugano Navigation Company, offering a different perspective from which you can admire the landscape. To complete the walk, we recommend a visit to the Museum of Cultures in Castagnola and to Parco San Michele.
This hike takes you to Monte Boglia with its breathtaking view 1,516 metres above sea level, starting from 933 m at the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station. The first stage of the route is the village of Brè. Continue on to Alpe Bolla, a pleasant, sunny area where you can have a relaxing break and some refreshments, watch the animals of the Alpine foothills then continue on to the summit of Monte Boglia. The walk then continues down to Brè, with the option of a detour to discover the village of Cureggia.
Starting from the summit of Monte Brè, first of all you head towards the picturesque village of Brè and then on towards the foothills of Monte Boglia. Then continue towards Alpe Bolla, where you will find a level area suitable for picnics or a rest near the alp. Continue towards the striking Denti della Vecchia (old woman’s teeth) until you reach Capanna Pairolo, where you can enjoy some refreshments before going down towards Cimadera and taking the bus back to the city.
Let an experienced guide take you around to discover Monte Brè in all its facets, visit its small and charming village and enjoy the splendid panoramic views of one of the sunniest places in Switzerland.
From 28 June 2020 to 25 October 2020.
Ticket cost | ||
Adults | 34.00 | |
6-16 y.o. | 12.00 | |
0-5 y.o. | free | |
The rental must be made at the Suvigliana station by filling in a dedicated form and proceed with the payment. The bikes must be picked up at the top. For More information and trails >> Download here
1/2 Day | 1 Day | |
Individuals | 30.- | 40.- |
Groups (max. 8 people) | 25.- | 35.- |
TCS members | - 30% | -30% |
N.B.: In case of high demand, when the Cable car is full, precedence is given to passengers without a bike. Also for rental when there is strong demand, we recommend planning more time.
For families with children, bike rental is free for the kids up to 16 years old and they pay only the ride to go up of CHF 8.-- . Please notice that the available bikes are not adequate for smaller children. For groups it is recommended to announce in advance by calling our office Tel.: 091 971 31 71.
If you wish to bring your own mountain bike you can make use of the bicycle transport provided by the Monte Brè Cable Car on the Suvigliana – Monte Brè stretch.
The Monte Brè Cable Car Company cannot be held liable for anyone who decides to undertake the suggested routes based on their own freely made assessment.Starting from the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station, you ride down towards Brè village and continue along the canton road to Lugano, from which you can admire the spectacular view of the Gulf of Lugano. If you wish, you can stop at Suvigliana to return the hired mountain bikes. If however you would prefer to continue by bike on a stretch of unfinished road, you can head towards Brè village and go down the other side of Monte Brè towards Aldesago, then rejoin the canton road.
Starting from the Monte Brè Cable Car summit station, you go down towards Brè village then continue towards Alpe Bolla until you reach a typical Ticino Alpine foothill where you can rest and refresh. The route continues downhill, first to Cureggia and then to Pregassona.
Alternatively, from the centre of Brè, you can shorten the route by heading directly towards Cureggia, first along a path and then a tarmacked road.
Use the special Cable Car + lunch ticket to enjoy the local swiss italian menu of the day from the Osteria Funicolare (choice of 3 meals) or the Ristorante Vetta * with panoramic terace, included in the round tripe ticket for the cable car.
Adults | CHF 35.- |
6 – 16 years | CHF 29.- |
The Osteria della Funicolare is located at the exit from the summit station. This is a welcoming traditional pub offering the chance to sample the region’s traditional dishes in the open air with a stunning view of the Gulf of Lugano.
The kitchen of the Osteria della Funicolare will be closed for holidays from November 30th to December 15th included. The bar is still open until the November 30th.
T./ F. +41 (0)91 971 36 33
Be charmed by the restaurant’s striking panoramic terrace while tasting delicious regional meals, and much more.
T. +41 (0)91 971 20 45
Seasonal closures:
The restaurant Vetta will be closed for the end of the season from November until March.
Visit the museum in the centre of Brè village to find out about the painter’s fascinating artistic development, characterised by simplified shapes, flattened colours and strong light accents.
Opening hours: Fridays and Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm. (Free entrance)
For more information, see the “Nature and art routes by cable car” leaflet.
Wander among the narrow alleyways and old residences of the picturesque village of Brè to discover the artistic street furniture and works of art embellishing it.
For more information, see the “Nature and art routes by cable car” leaflet.