Around Town
The public transportation system is well developed in and around Lugano. Due to the high cost of gasoline, insurance, and the lack of parking on and near campus, the University recommends that students take advantage of the efficient Swiss public transportation system and experience another aspect of European life rather than purchasing a car. A small number of students find it convenient to purchase a moped ('motorino') or a used car. Please contact student services staff in the Office of Student Life before attempting to pursue the purchase of a vehicle.
Buses and Bus Passes
If you plan to ride the blue city buses or the yellow Autopostale (La Posta) buses often, you can purchase a student bus pass, called “Arcobaleno”. Each year, representatives from Arcobaleno come to campus to sell the annual pass at a discounted rate. The pass can also be bought at the train station, the central bus station, the main post office, and at the Manor store downtown.
The “Arcobaleno” pass allows you to travel on:
- All buses within the ZONE for which you purchased the pass; Lugano City Center and a large number of surrounding areas, including Sorengo, are included in zone 10. See current prices for a monthly pass or for an annual pass.
- Blue city buses and yellow La Posta buses within the same zone
Yellow Autopostale buses run from Lugano to Sorengo (the comune of which Franklin University Switzerland is a part) and to many other destinations. Riders are eligible for a half-price discount on Autopostale buses if they have a SwissPass, the national rail travel card that gives you half price on fares on trains and some other modes of transportation in Switzerland.
To get your travel card, you need your passport and a standard passport photo. Passport photos may be purchased at one of the booths on the ground floor of the train station and at a few limited locations in the area.
Car Rentals
Students are advised to check with local rental locations for restrictions, age requirements, and any additional fees that may be associated with car rental (for example, car insurance or snow tires).
Mobility (subscription-based car sharing service)
Avis, Via Clemente Maraini 14
Tel. 091/913 41 51
avis.com
Europcar, Via Monte Boglia
Tel. 091/971 01 01
europcar.com
Hertz, Via San Gottardo 13
Tel. 091/923 46 75
hertz.com
SMART Rent, Via Giulio Vicari 14
Tel. 091/993 13 13
smartrent.ch
Beyond Lugano
Traveling from Switzerland to international destinations is fairly convenient. While at Franklin, you have the opportunity to master the art of planning and organizing trips across Europe. Many Franklin students travel on weekends and holidays. If you plan to travel extensively over the course of the year, you may want to consider rail passes which allow unlimited travel on most of Europe’s rail systems at a flat fee.