- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Basel to Lucerne
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
79 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Basel to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Lucerne will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Basel for Lucerne on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 79 km distance in an average of 4 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 45 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.
2:30 PM4h45Basel7:15 PMLucerne$121One-way0 transfers
3:45 PM3h45Basel7:30 PMLucerne$611One-way0 transfers
- 3:45 PM3h45Basel7:30 PMLucerne$611One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 PM4h45Basel7:15 PMLucerne$121One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Basel to Lucerne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $27, and a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 49 miles (79 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 37m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Basel to Lucerne is a train with an average price of $41 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Basel to Lucerne:
A train is $0.17 (€0.14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Basel to Lucerne costing on average $42 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Basel to Lucerne is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 7m.
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basel and Lucerne including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (1h 7m by bus vs 1h 13m by car) and save roughly $34 (€28) compared to fuel and tolls ($42 (€34) vs $75 (€62)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio, Bartolini Turismo.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Basel to Lucerne Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Gruppo Di Maio | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Bartolini Turismo | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Live departures
Basel to Lucerne bus times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM Basel | 4h45 | 7:15 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:45 PM Basel | 3h45 | 7:30 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basel 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.
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28
Jun 28
Mon
Jun 29
Jun 29
Tue
Jun 30
Jun 30
Wed
Jul 01
Jul 01
Thu
Jul 02
Jul 02
Fri
Jul 03
Jul 03
Sat
Jul 04
Jul 04
Sun
Jul 05
Jul 05
Mon
Jul 06
Jul 06
Tue
Jul 07
Jul 07
Wed
Jul 08
Jul 08
Thu
Jul 09
Jul 09
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Basel to Lucerne
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Buses from Basel to Lucerne run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:04, the last at 23:54. The fastest bus covers the 49 miles (79 km) distance in 3h 45m.
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 49 miles (79 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 12:04 AM |
Last bus 11:54 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
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
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio, Bartolini Turismo from Basel to LucerneYou can travel by bus between Basel to Lucerne with BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio, Bartolini Turismo for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
3 a day
Gruppo Di Maio
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Gruppo Di Maio frequency
1 a day
Bartolini Turismo
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€50)
Bartolini Turismo frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Lucerne
Things to do in Lucerne
Discover the best of Lucerne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lucerne trip today.
- Must visit
Rosengart Collection
Major art museum with works by Picasso, Paul Klee, and Impressionists from the Rosengart family collection. A compact but high-quality museum in the city center.
- Recommended
Glacier Garden Lucerne
A geological and cultural museum complex with glacial potholes, mirror maze, and exhibits on Lucerne’s natural history. One of the city’s classic attractions.
- Must visit
Old Town Lucerne
The historic core of the city, filled with painted facades, guild houses, fountains, and narrow streets. It is the best area for first-time visitors to explore on foot.
- Must visit
Lake Lucerne Promenade
Scenic lakeside walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, and access to boat piers. A classic place for a relaxed stroll and photography.
- Recommended
Schwanenplatz
Busy square near the lake and Chapel Bridge, often used as a meeting point and gateway between shopping streets, the waterfront, and major sightseeing areas.
Luzerner Chügelipastete
A classic Lucerne specialty of puff pastry filled with a creamy ragout, traditionally with veal, mushrooms and sometimes raisins. It is one of the city’s signature festive dishes.
- Vegetarian
Älplermagronen
A hearty Swiss Alpine dish of macaroni, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions, often served with applesauce. It is popular across Central Switzerland and common in Lucerne.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Rösti
Crisp pan-fried grated potatoes, originally a Swiss farmhouse dish and now a national staple. In Lucerne it is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg or meat.
Wirtshaus Galliker
A long-established traditional Lucerne restaurant known for classic local cuisine, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in a warm historic setting.
Restaurant Balances
An elegant riverside restaurant with refined Swiss and seasonal cuisine, known for polished service and views over the Reuss in the old town.
Old Swiss House
A famous historic restaurant serving upscale Swiss classics in a grand traditional interior, popular for special occasions and classic hospitality.
Swiss Franc
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though bakeries, supermarkets, and lunch specials can help cut daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for takeaway, kebab, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-55 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or adding CHF 5-10 for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Fairtiq
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.60
- Day pass
- CHF 8.60
To the city center
Lucerne Railway Station, Lucerne -> Lucerne Old Town, Lucerne
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- Most central sights are walkable from Lucerne Railway Station, but VBL buses cover the city efficiently.
- Card payment is generally accepted in ticket machines, and mobile ticketing is available through Fairtiq.
FAQs: Bus from Basel to Lucerne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Lucerne by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lucerne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Basel to Lucerne can start from as little as $12 (€10) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Basel to Lucerne is $42 (€34) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Basel to Lucerne is 3h 45m to travel the 49 miles (79 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Basel to Lucerne leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Basel to Lucerne leaves at 11:54 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Basel to Lucerne with BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio, Bartolini Turismo. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Basel to Lucerne, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Gruppo Di Maio, Bartolini Turismo for the best way to get you to Lucerne. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Basel and Lucerne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Lucerne from Basel is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basel and Lucerne including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Basel to Lucerne has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Lucerne are:
- Chapel Bridge, a historic wooden bridge featuring a tower and 17th-century paintings
- Mount Pilatus, a mountain offering panoramic views and accessible by cable car or cogwheel railway
- Lion Monument, a rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution
- Swiss Museum of Transport, an interactive museum showcasing Switzerland's transportation history
- Museggmauer, a well-preserved medieval city wall with nine towers offering panoramic views of the city and lake.
The best things to do in Lucerne include:
- Lake Lucerne, a picturesque lake ideal for boat tours and scenic walks
- Explore the Old Town, a charming area with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks
- Visit Richard Wagner Museum, dedicated to the famous composer and located in his former residence
- Take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains
- Enjoy a ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus for an unforgettable adventure.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
No, luggage for the bus from Basel to Lucerne needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Basel to Lucerne.
Since both Basel and Lucerne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Basel to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lucerne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Common scams include distraction techniques used to steal wallets or bags. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings. Additionally, always use licensed taxi services and official ticket counters to avoid overcharging. Overall, Lucerne is considered safe, but standard urban vigilance is recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Lucerne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Lucerne and Basel
Most popular bus connections to Lucerne
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
