The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lucerne
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 1 m
Trains per day
67
Distance
79 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 67 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne on Sun, May 24, 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest trains will take 1 h 1 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.
IC 21 659 | 6595:04 AM1h01Basel SBB6:05 AMLucerne station$261One-way0 transfers
IC 2349 | 23491:00 AM1h17Basel SBB2:17 AMLucerne station$271One-way0 transfers
IC 61 607 | 607 · RE 24 4709 | 47095:24 AM1h31Basel SBB6:55 AMLucerne station$291One-way1 transfer
IR 26 2347 | 234712:03 AM1h13Basel SBB1:16 AMLucerne station$301One-way0 transfers
IC 6 625 | 625 · RE 24 4727 | 47272:30 PM1h25Basel SBB3:55 PMLucerne station$311One-way1 transfer
IR 26 2315 | 23158:04 AM1h01Basel SBB9:05 AMLucerne station$331One-way0 transfers
IC 21 667 | 6679:04 AM1h01Basel SBB10:05 AMLucerne station$371One-way0 transfers
IR 26 2327 | 23272:04 PM1h01Basel SBB3:05 PMLucerne station$321One-way0 transfers
EC 173 | 1733:04 PM1h01Basel SBB4:05 PMLucerne station$521One-way0 transfers
IC 21 659 | 6595:04 AM1h01Basel SBB6:05 AMLucerne station$261One-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 train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $76 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.
The journey is about 4m faster (1h 9m by train vs 1h 13m by car) and roughly $34 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($42 (€34) vs $76 (€62)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Basel to Lucerne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne trains for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 61 965 | 965 · S 29 8936 | 8936 · S 1 21136 | 21136 | 9:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 11:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2319 | 2319 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 11:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 275 | 275 · IR 70 2621 | 2621 | 10:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 11:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2467 | 2467 | 10:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 11:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 63 | 63 · RE 24 4719 | 4719 | 10:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 11:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 | 101 · S 29 8940 | 8940 · S 1 21140 | 21140 | 10:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 671 | 671 | 11:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 12:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2469 | 2469 | 11:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 12:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 619 | 619 · RE 24 4721 | 4721 | 11:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 12:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 969 | 969 · S 29 8944 | 8944 · S 1 21144 | 21144 | 11:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 1:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 1:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | 277 · IR 70 2625 | 2625 | 12:06 PM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 1:51 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2471 | 2471 | 12:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 1:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 65 | 65 · RE 24 4723 | 4723 | 12:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 1:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 971 | 971 · S 29 8948 | 8948 · S 1 21148 | 21148 | 12:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 2:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 675 | 675 | 1:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 2:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2473 | 2473 | 1:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 2:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 623 | 623 · RE 24 4725 | 4725 | 1:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 2:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | 279 · S 29 8952 | 8952 · S 1 21152 | 21152 | 1:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 3:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2327 | 2327 | 2:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2475 | 2475 | 2:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 3:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 625 | 625 · RE 24 4727 | 4727 | 2:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 3:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · S 29 8956 | 8956 · S 1 21156 | 21156 | 2:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 4:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 173 | 173 | 3:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 4:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2477 | 2477 | 3:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 4:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 627 | 627 · RE 24 4729 | 4729 | 3:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 4:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 977 | 977 · S 29 8960 | 8960 · S 1 21160 | 21160 | 3:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 5:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2331 | 2331 | 4:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 5:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2479 | 2479 | 4:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 5:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 629 | 629 · RE 24 4731 | 4731 | 4:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 5:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | 107 · S 29 8964 | 8964 · S 1 21164 | 21164 | 4:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 6:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 683 | 683 | 5:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 6:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2481 | 2481 | 5:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 6:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 67 | 67 · RE 24 4733 | 4733 | 5:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 6:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 981 | 981 · S 29 8968 | 8968 · S 1 21168 | 21168 | 5:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 7:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2335 | 2335 | 6:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 7:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2483 | 2483 | 6:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 7:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 633 | 633 · RE 24 4735 | 4735 | 6:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 7:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 983 | 983 · S 29 8972 | 8972 · S 1 21172 | 21172 | 6:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 8:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 687 | 687 | 7:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 8:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2485 | 2485 | 7:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 8:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 635 | 635 · RE 24 4737 | 4737 | 7:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 8:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 375 | 375 · S 29 8976 | 8976 · S 1 21176 | 21176 | 7:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 9:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2339 | 2339 | 8:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 9:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2487 | 2487 | 8:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 9:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 637 | 637 · RE 24 4739 | 4739 | 8:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 9:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 26 2343 | 2343 | 10:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 11:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
TGV 9223 | 9223 · IR 70 2645 | 2645 | 10:06 PM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 11:51 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 377 | 377 · RE 24 4743 | 4743 | 10:28 PM Basel SBB | 1h27 | 11:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 37 2291 | 2291 · S 29 8988 | 8988 · S 1 21188 | 21188 | 10:39 PM Basel SBB | 2h06 | 12:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2345 | 2345 | 10:58 PM Basel SBB | 1h07 | 12:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3 793 | 793 · IR 70 2647 | 2647 | 11:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 793 | 793 · IR 70 30647 | 30647 | 11:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2493 | 2493 · RE 24 4745 | 4745 | 11:12 PM Basel SBB | 1h43 | 12:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17387 | 17387 · S 29 8992 | 8992 | 11:30 PM Basel SBB | 2h07 | 1:37 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 26 2347 | 2347 | 12:03 AM Basel SBB | 1h13 | 1:16 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 2349 | 2349 | 1:00 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 2:17 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
S 1 17001 | 17001 · S 1 17009 | 17009 · SN 1 13715 | 13715 · RE N7 2607 | 2607 | 1:20 AM Basel SBB | 3h03 | 4:23 AM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
S 3 17015 | 17015 · S 29 8912 | 8912 | 3:45 AM Basel SBB | 2h00 | 5:45 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17313 | 17313 · S 29 8916 | 8916 · S 1 21116 | 21116 | 4:38 AM Basel SBB | 2h07 | 6:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 659 | 659 | 5:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 6:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · RE 24 4709 | 4709 | 5:24 AM Basel SBB | 1h31 | 6:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · S 29 8920 | 8920 · S 1 21120 | 21120 | 5:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 7:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 7:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3 1057 | 1057 · IR 70 2613 | 2613 | 6:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 7:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2459 | 2459 | 6:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 7:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 61 | 61 · RE 24 4711 | 4711 | 6:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 7:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 959 | 959 · S 29 8924 | 8924 · S 1 21124 | 21124 | 6:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 8:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 663 | 663 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 8:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3 761 | 761 · IR 70 2615 | 2615 | 7:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 8:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2461 | 2461 | 7:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 8:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 611 | 611 · RE 24 4713 | 4713 | 7:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 8:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 333 | 333 · S 29 8928 | 8928 · S 1 21128 | 21128 | 7:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 9:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 9:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 3 763 | 763 · IR 70 2617 | 2617 | 8:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 9:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2463 | 2463 | 8:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 9:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 613 | 613 · RE 24 4715 | 4715 | 8:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 9:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 963 | 963 · S 29 8932 | 8932 · S 1 21132 | 21132 | 8:58 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 10:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 273 | 273 · IR 70 2619 | 2619 | 9:06 AM Basel SBB | 1h45 | 10:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2465 | 2465 | 9:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 10:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 615 | 615 · RE 24 4717 | 4717 | 9:30 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 10:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Basel to Lucerne by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Lucerne
Trains from Basel to Lucerne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (79 km) distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 49 miles (79 km) |
Average train duration 1h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lucerne trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lucerne from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
FAQs: Trains from Basel to Lucerne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Basel to Lucerne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
- Restaurant Da Roberto
- Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 2
- Hotel Victoria
- Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
- GAIA Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 800 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
- Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
- Hall 3: shopping and services area
- Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week. Access via Schwarzwaldallee.
- Restaurant Les Gareçons
- Restaurant Bahn Kantine
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Alexander
- Hotel Wettstein
- Hotel Balade
- Located in the main hall
- 330 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-4 for trains to Germany
- Hall 2: platforms 5-8 for regional trains within Switzerland
- Tram: Line 2, Line 6
- Bus: Several lines available
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Zentralstrasse.
- Restaurant La Cucina
- Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
- Outside the main entrance.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Monopol Luzern
- Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
- Hotel Central Luzern
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 420 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Germany, Italy, and regional destinations
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: Boat connections
- Bus: Several lines available
- Boat: Lake Lucerne boats
- Train: SBB services to various destinations
Most popular train connections from Basel
More options for your journey from Basel to Lucerne
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