- 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.
Take a flight from Basel to Lucerne and enjoy the approximately 49 miles (79 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Distance 49 miles (79 km) |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 39m Average total duration 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
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).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 9m.
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.
Discover the best of Lucerne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lucerne trip today.
Switzerland’s most visited museum, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
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.
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.
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.
Scenic lakeside walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, and access to boat piers. A classic place for a relaxed stroll and photography.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A long-established traditional Lucerne restaurant known for classic local cuisine, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in a warm historic setting.
An elegant riverside restaurant with refined Swiss and seasonal cuisine, known for polished service and views over the Reuss in the old town.
A famous historic restaurant serving upscale Swiss classics in a grand traditional interior, popular for special occasions and classic hospitality.
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though bakeries, supermarkets, and lunch specials can help cut daily costs.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Lucerne by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lucerne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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