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Lucerne is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland. The majority of first-time visitors choose Lucerne as their destination. This article will provide all the information you need about travelling by train from Zurich to Lucerne.
For visitors to Switzerland, Lucerne is one of the best options. A beautiful, easily accessible town with good tourist infrastructure and great information, Lucerne is sure to impress.
Logistical concerns come up inevitably. Particularly for those who want to travel by rail in Switzerland, there are several specifics concerning train travel. What is the best way to get from point A to point B? Does it offer scenic views? So on and so forth.
This article will answer all your questions about the train journey from Zurich 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.
Getting tickets from RailEurope is definitely a convenient option if you’re traveling within Europe and/or visiting multiple countries. A global leader in train tickets and passes, RailEurope is headquartered in Paris, France. A Swiss Pass and a Half Fare Discount Card can also be obtained from RailEurope.
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.
How To Get From Zurich to Lucerne
How To Get From Zurich Airport to Lucerne
If you are coming from the Zurich Airport, take one of the next trains to the Zurich main station (Zurich HB). Several trains come every hour and stop in Zurich so just hop on the next train after buying a ticket from the ticketing office or one of the ticket machines.
How To Get From Zurich Train Station to Lucerne
As soon as you reach the Zurich Train Station (Zurich HB), check the big blue display boards in the middle. You can find the train number and platform number on the station signs. Furthermore, the trains will be marked on the front and the sides with which route they are traveling.
In order to get to Lucerne from Zurich, you’ll have to take the Interregio train from Zurich (Zürich HB) to Lucerne (Luzern).
How Long Is the Train Ride From Zurich to Lucerne?
The following table shows the train ride duration from Zurich to Lucerne and the other way around (updated December 2022):
| Route | Duration (fastest) |
|---|---|
| Zurich – Lucerne | 41 minutes |
| Zurich Airport – Lucerne (Direct) | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Lucerne – Zurich | 41 minutes |
| Lucerne – Zurich Airport (Direct) | 1 hour 9 minutes |
Is the Train From Zurich to Lucerne Scenic?
Unfortunately, the Interregio train from Zurich to Lucerne is not the most scenic train route. It runs through the tunnel connecting Zurich and Thalwil. Then again another tunnel toward Zug.
There are parts of the train ride where you get a good view of Lake Zurich. As the train speeds towards Lucerne, it will also pass Rotsee Lake. The journey is still short and beautiful. In the grand scheme of things, however, it is still not the most scenic train route.
Other Scenic Trains
In case you would like to check out other scenic trains, then there are more scenic trains recommended below. These are the Golden Pass Line, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Express. Another interesting train is the Historical Train that goes from Davos to Filisur.
Your other options in detail are the following:
- Golden Pass – The Golden Pass departs from Lucerne. You would take a train from Zurich to Lucerne, then change to Interlaken. This is sometimes referred to as the east end of this route. The Golden Pass has panorama coaches and is scenic.
- Glacier Express – Glacier Express is a long journey that starts from Zermatt, home of Matterhorn. It then traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels before stopping in St. Moritz. Both Zermatt and St. Moritz are beautiful mountain resorts worthy of a longer stay. The Glacier Express passes by several idyllic mountain villages.
- Bernina Express – Bernina Express is another train route that begins in Chur. Chur is the oldest alpine city in Switzerland and definitely worth visiting. This train route spans 196 bridges. It goes through 55 tunnels and passes 20 beautiful villages in Switzerland. For you to go on this scenic train, you will have to go from Zurich or Lucerne to Chur first.
- Historical Train Davos to Filisur – May through October, vintage carriages are pulled by the century-old crocodile locomotive from Davos Platz to Filisur. The train line covers a total length of 4,200 meters through 14 tunnels and 28 bridges. Its scenic highlights include the Wiesen Viaduct and the Zügen Gorge.
How Much Will the Train Ticket From Zurich to Lucerne Cost?
Here are the train ticket prices from Zurich to Lucerne (updated December 2022):
| Route | Full Fare (CHF) | Half Fare (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich – Lucerne | 25.00 | 12.50 |
| Zurich Airport – Lucerne | 30.00 | 15.00 |
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.
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne? We’ve got some great options below:
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