Zurich to Lucerne train with SBB

Fri, Dec 19
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
Regiojet
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
Regiojet
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Lucerne

Showing times and prices for Dec 31

Cheapest price

€22

Average price

€29

Fastest journey

41 m

Average duration

45 m

Trains per day

15

Distance

40 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Zurich to Lucerne will cost around €29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €22.

Fast trains

Of the 15 trains that leave Zurich for Lucerne on Wed, Dec 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 31 the direct trains cover the 40 km distance in an average of 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 41 m .

On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

SBBIR 75 2110 | 2110
08:35AM0h50
Zurich HB
09:25AMLucerne station
221One-way
0 transfers
SBBS 5 18529 | 18529 · IR 75 2110 | 2110
08:16AM1h09
Zurich Altstetten
09:25AMLucerne station
241One-way
1 transfer
SBBS 6 18629 | 18629 · IR 75 2110 | 2110
08:21AM1h04
Zürich Oerlikon
09:25AMLucerne station
241One-way
1 transfer
SBBIR 70 2615 | 2615
08:10AM0h41
Zurich HB
08:51AMLucerne station
241One-way
0 transfers
SBBIR 70 2617 | 2617
09:10AM0h41
Zurich HB
09:51AMLucerne station
251One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Zurich to Lucerne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €17, and a train costs an average of €15.

Distance: 40 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€26

Average price

€23

Average price

Cheapest

1h 17m

Average total duration

47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Zurich to Lucerne train times

The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Lucerne trains for today, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:13 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
sbbS 5 18529 | 18529 · IR 75 2110 | 21107:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
1h09
8:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 6 18629 | 18629 · IR 75 2110 | 21107:21 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h04
8:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbIR 75 2110 | 21107:35 AM Zurich HB
0h50
8:25 AM Lucerne station0 transfersDirect
sbbS 6 18631 | 18631 · IR 70 2617 | 26177:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h00
8:51 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 11 19133 | 19133 · IR 70 2617 | 26177:54 AM Zurich Altstetten
0h57
8:51 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbIR 70 2617 | 26178:10 AM Zurich HB
0h41
8:51 AM Lucerne station0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18533 | 18533 · IR 75 2112 | 21128:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
1h09
9:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 6 18633 | 18633 · IR 75 2112 | 21128:21 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h04
9:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbIR 75 2112 | 21128:35 AM Zurich HB
0h50
9:25 AM Lucerne station0 transfersDirect
sbbIR 13 3260 | 3260 · IR 70 2619 | 26198:45 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h06
9:51 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 6 18635 | 18635 · IR 70 2619 | 26198:51 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h00
9:51 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 11 19137 | 19137 · IR 70 2619 | 26198:54 AM Zurich Altstetten
0h57
9:51 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbIR 70 2619 | 26199:10 AM Zurich HB
0h41
9:51 AM Lucerne station0 transfersDirect
sbbS 5 18537 | 18537 · IR 75 2114 | 21149:16 AM Zurich Altstetten
1h09
10:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbS 6 18637 | 18637 · IR 75 2114 | 21149:21 AM Zürich Oerlikon
1h04
10:25 AM Lucerne station1 transfer
sbbIR 70 2615 | 26157:10 AM Zurich HB
0h41
7:51 AM Lucerne station0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Lucerne by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
Dec 31
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Zurich to Lucerne?

The best time to book your train from Zurich to Lucerne is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Zurich to Lucerne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Zurich to Lucerne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Zurich to Lucerne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Zurich to Lucerne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Zurich to Lucerne run on average 21 times per day, taking around 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 40 km distance in 41m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
40 km
Average train duration
47m
Cheapest ticket price
€15
Trains per day
21
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
41m
First train
00:02
Last train
23:58
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Zurich to Lucerne trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Lucerne from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
41m
Cheapest Price
€17
SBB frequency
20 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
41m
Cheapest Price
€32
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
25 a day

Trains from Zurich to Lucerne: Journey Details

Swiss Inter-Regional trains run from Zurich to Lucerne with a journey time of just under one hour. The same timetable operates seven days a week with departures every half-hour from just after 5:30 a.m. until the early hours of the morning.

Return trains from Lucerne to Zurich are also available.

Taking the Train from Zurich

Trains from Zurich to Lucerne depart from Zurich Hauptbahnhof, a busy regional and international transport hub. The station is conveniently located for all of Zurich's tourist attractions and is well integrated into the city's extensive and efficient transport network. This is made up of local trains, trams, cable cars, ferries and a bus network which includes night routes on Friday and Saturday evenings. Taxis and car rentals are available at Zurich station.

Getting into Lucerne by Train

The beautiful city of Lucerne lies in the heart of Switzerland at the edge of Lake Lucerne and across the water from the small town of Altdorf, famous for the legend of William Tell. Lucerne is small and compact enough to enjoy exploring on foot, taking in such sights as The Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge still standing in Europe, the fascinating Swiss transport museum and the Modernist art collection at the Rosengart Gallery. The city also makes an excellent base for exploring the stunning scenery of Mount Rigi and the Rütli Meadow. Trains from Zurich arrive at Lucerne Station, one of the country's major rail hubs, located on the banks of the lake and within an easy walk of the city center. Lucerne has a network of city coaches covering both the town and the Lido beach a bit further out, with services running throughout the night on Friday and Saturday evenings. A taxi rank is located outside the station.

FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Lucerne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Lucerne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lucerne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Zurich to Lucerne can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Zurich to Lucerne is €22; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time between Zurich and Lucerne is on average 41 min   for the 39 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Zurich to Lucerne by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Zurich to Lucerne leaves at 00: 02. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Zurich to Lucerne leaves at 23: 57.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Zurich to Lucerne without having to change trains with SBB. There are 7 direct trains from Zurich to Lucerne each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a train from Zurich to Lucerne, you can count on SBB for the best way to get you to Lucerne. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service between Zurich and Lucerne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 57.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Zurich HB, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Lucerne, located 0.3 miles (525 m) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Lucerne from Zurich is worth doing with a journey time of 41 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Zurich to Lucerne is January.
You have options as you can travel from Zurich to Lucerne 2 different ways: coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Zurich to Lucerne

Zurich
Lucerne
The major train station for departures in Zurich is Zürich HB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Zürich HB for your trip from Zurich to Lucerne.
Zürich HBWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
26
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Gessnerallee and Sihlquai.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Au Premier
  • Brasserie Federal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich
  • Hotel St. Gotthard
  • Central Plaza Hotel
Shower
Shower
  • Cost CHF 12
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 1,300 places, mostly covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 3-18 for long-distance trains
  • Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms 21-24
  • Hall 3: underground S-Bahn platforms 41-44
Public transit options for Zürich HB
  • Tram: Lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S2, S3, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S11, S12, S15, S16, S24
Zürich OerlikonWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
8
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Andreasstrasse and Franklinstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Negishi Sushi Bar
  • Le Muh
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Courtyard Zurich North
  • Swissotel Zurich
  • Hotel Sternen Oerlikon
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 72 places, 60 places
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for S-Bahn trains
  • Hall 2: platform 5-8 for regional and long-distance trains
Public transit options for Zürich Oerlikon
  • Tram: Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • S-Bahn: Lines S2, S6, S7, S8, S9, S14, S16, S19, S24
Zürich AltstettenWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 24/7 with access from the main road.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Markthalle
  • Restaurant LaSalle
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Placid Hotel Zurich
  • Best Western Hotel Spirgarten
  • H+ Hotel Zürich
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 240 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for S-Bahn and regional trains
  • Hall 2: ticket office and waiting area
Public transit options for Zürich Altstetten
  • S-Bahn: Lines S3, S9, S12, S15
  • Tram: Line 4
  • Bus: Several lines available

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