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Opting to visit Lucerne from Interlaken is a great idea, as it offers not only stunning scenery but also convenience, thanks to the availability of a scenic train that connects the two destinations. If you’re planning to travel from Interlaken to Lucerne by train and want to relish the breathtaking views en route, this article will serve as your comprehensive guide.
If you’re looking for detailed information on how to travel from Interlaken to Lucerne via the scenic train route, this article has got you covered.
Lucerne, nestled in the heart of Switzerland, is renowned for its stunning beauty and charm. Its idyllic location on a crystal-clear, fjord-like lake and the surrounding majestic mountains make it one of the country’s most picturesque destinations. Many tourists also flock to nearby Interlaken due to its convenient location in Bernese Oberland, and some of them choose to venture to Lucerne.
Inevitably, logistics are a concern. In particular, train travel in Switzerland has a few specifics for those who plan to use it. How can I get from Interlaken to Lucerne? Do the trains offer scenic views? How much are the tickets?
On this page, you can find all the information you need regarding the train journey from Interlaken to Lucerne.
You can start by visiting the SBB website: www.sbb.ch. Using the website, you can type in your departure and arrival destinations. It will then guide you to where and when you need to be. An app is also available for iOS and Android devices.
If you wish to pay half the fare for all your train rides in Switzerland, a Half Fare Discount Card is available on www.sbb.ch. This allows you to travel for half the price on all SBB routes and most other railways during the duration of your discount card.
Using the Swiss Pass, you can travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats, and more. Over 500 museums are also free or discounted, and there are free or discounted excursions to mountain summits.
Getting tickets from RailEurope is definitely a convenient option if you’re traveling within Europe and/or visiting multiple countries. Having been in operation since the 1930s, RailEurope‘s extensive history, user-friendly website and mobile apps, flexible currency payment options, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships with leading rail operators, collectively establish it as a reliable and trustworthy platform for booking European train travel.
You can obtain from RailEurope the following travel passes:
- Swiss Rail Pass – unlimited travel on Swiss trains, buses, boats, and more, as well as unlimited public transport in 90 towns and cities for non-Swiss residents
- Eurail Global Pass – unlimited train travel to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries for non-EU residents
- Interrail Global Pass – access to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries for citizens and permanent residents of the EU
How to Get From Interlaken to Lucerne
TIP: If you’re going from Interlaken to Lucerne, take the direct train in the morning or afternoon (until the last direct train leaves). Check sbb.ch for train schedules to make sure the trains are running as planned.
The Brünig railway line takes you from Interlaken to Lucerne. This is a railway line that links Interlaken with Lucerne. It runs through Brienz, Meiringen, Brünig-Hasliberg, Lungern, Kaiserstuhl OW, Giswil, Sachseln, and Sarnen.
As the train goes over the Brünig Pass, rack railway sections are used to overcome gradients. The route from Meiringen to Brünig Pass is the steepest rack-worked section.
Interlaken Ost to Lucerne Train Station
Lucerne is best reached by taking the direct train from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne. After Interlaken Ost, there will be stops in Brienz, Meiringen, Brünig-Hasliberg, Lungern, Kaiserstuhl OW, Giswil, Sachseln, and Sarnen.
Direct trains operating between Interlaken Ost and Lucerne are available only during specific hours, from 7:04 AM to 8:04 PM. If you’re traveling beyond these hours, you’ll need to switch to a connecting train in Bern. For more precise and up-to-date information, we suggest visiting SBB.ch.
If there are no longer any direct trains from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne running, you can do the following route:
- Take the Regional train from Interlaken Ost to Bern. The last train leaves at 9:00 PM.
- From Bern, take the Interregio train to Lucerne.
Unfortunately, the train route via Bern is no longer the scenic route that passes through Brünig. If you miss the last train in the evening, the subsequent trains will require multiple changes. In such a scenario, it might be better to consider taking the Interlaken to Lucerne scenic train the next day instead.
Are There Direct Trains From Interlaken to Lucerne?
As of the time of writing (updated April 2023), there is one direct train per hour from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne. These trains run until 8:04 PM. If you miss the last direct train, you’ll need to switch trains in Bern or wait until the following day to catch the next available train.
To get to Lucerne from Interlaken West, you will have to change to a connecting train in Interlaken Ost.
How Long Is the Train Ride From Interlaken to Lucerne?
The following table shows the train ride duration from Interlaken to Lucerne:
| Route | Duration (Fastest Connection) |
|---|---|
| Interlaken Ost – Lucerne | 1 hour 51 minutes |
| Interlaken West – Lucerne | 1 hour 56 minutes |
| Lucerne – Interlaken Ost | 1 hour 49 minutes |
| Lucerne – Interlaken West | 1 hour 58 minutes |
Is the Train Route From Interlaken to Lucerne Scenic?
Yes, the train from Interlaken to Lucerne via Brünig Pass is a scenic train called Golden Pass. It’s also called the Lucerne – Interlaken Express.
On a two-hour train ride, passengers marvel at five crystal-clear mountain lakes that collect water from rivers and waterfalls. Unique photo motifs are formed by the steep mountain faces surrounding the lake.
How Much Will the Train Ticket From Interlaken to Lucerne Cost?
As of the time of writing (updated April 2023), here are the train ticket prices from Interlaken to Lucerne:
| Route | Full Fare (CHF) | Half Fare (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Interlaken Ost – Lucerne | 33.00 | 16.50 |
| Interlaken West – Lucerne | 34.00 | 17.00 |
As you can see, if you avail of the Half Fare Travel Card, you can definitely save on your fare for long train journeys. So this is definitely something to consider during your travel to Switzerland. You can do simple calculations and decide from there if it will be worth it for you.
Do You Need a Seat Reservation on the Train?
No, there is no need to reserve a spot on the train. But you can always add this option if that is your wish.
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