- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, with large exhibitions on rail, road, aviation, space and mobility, plus family-friendly interactive displays.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 12 m
Trains per day
64
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 $25.
Of the 64 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne on Wed, Jul 08, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest trains will take 1 h 12 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 61 607 | 607 · IR 27 2457 | 2457
IC 21 659 | 659
ICE 377 | 377 · RE 24 4743 | 4743
IR 27 2485 | 2485
IC 61 619 | 619 · RE 24 4721 | 4721
IC 21 659 | 659
IC 61 965 | 965 · IR 26 2319 | 2319
IC 61 969 | 969 · IR 26 2323 | 2323
IC 6 963 | 963 · IC 21 667 | 667
IC 6 971 | 971 · IC 21 675 | 675Omio 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 | $41 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 $41 (€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 ($41 (€34) vs $75 (€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.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne trains for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 61 969 | 969 · S 29 8944 | 8944 · S 1 21144 | 21144 | 11:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 1:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 969 | 969 · IR 26 2323 | 2323 | 11:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 1:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 277 | 277 · IR 70 2625 | 2625 | 12:07 PM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 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 | 12:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 1:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 971 | 971 · IC 21 675 | 675 | 12:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 2:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 1:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 2:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | 279 · IR 26 2327 | 2327 | 1:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 | 279 · S 29 8952 | 8952 · S 1 21152 | 21152 | 1:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 3:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
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 | 2:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 3:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · EC 173 | 173 | 2:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 4:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · S 29 8956 | 8956 · S 1 21156 | 21156 | 2:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 4:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
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 | 3:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 4:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 977 | 977 · S 29 8960 | 8960 · S 1 21160 | 21160 | 3:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 5:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 977 | 977 · IR 26 2331 | 2331 | 3:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 5:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 4:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 5:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 | 107 · IC 21 683 | 683 | 4:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 6:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2481 | 2481 | 5:13 PM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 6:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 67 | 67 · RE 24 4733 | 4733 | 5:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 6:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 581 | 581 · IR 75 2130 | 2130 | 5:27 PM Basel SBB | 1h58 | 7:25 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 981 | 981 · S 29 8968 | 8968 · S 1 21168 | 21168 | 5:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 7:45 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 981 | 981 · IR 26 2335 | 2335 | 5:53 PM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 7:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 6:22 PM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 7:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
IR 26 2347 | 2347 · EV EV2 893 | 893 | 12:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 1:29 AM Lucerne | 1 transfer | |
S 3 17391 | 17391 · S 29 8912 | 8912 | 12:30 AM Basel SBB | 5h15 | 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 | 4:55 AM Basel SBB | 1h10 | 6:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · RE 24 4709 | 4709 | 5:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h39 | 6:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · IR 27 2457 | 2457 | 5:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 6:30 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · S 29 8920 | 8920 · S 1 21120 | 21120 | 5:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 7:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · IR 26 2311 | 2311 | 5:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 7:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 1057 | 1057 · IR 70 2613 | 2613 | 6:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 7:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2459 | 2459 | 6:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 7:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 61 | 61 · RE 24 4711 | 4711 | 6:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 7:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 959 | 959 · IC 21 663 | 663 | 6:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 8:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 761 | 761 · IR 70 2615 | 2615 | 7:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 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 | 7:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 8:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 561 | 561 · IR 75 2110 | 2110 | 7:27 AM Basel SBB | 1h58 | 9:25 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 271 | 271 · IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 7:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 9:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 763 | 763 · IR 70 2617 | 2617 | 8:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 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 | 8:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 9:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 6 963 | 963 · IC 21 667 | 667 | 8:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 10:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 273 | 273 · IR 70 2619 | 2619 | 9:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 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 | 9:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 10:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 965 | 965 · IR 26 2319 | 2319 | 9:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 11:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 965 | 965 · S 29 8936 | 8936 · S 1 21136 | 21136 | 9:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 11:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 275 | 275 · IR 70 2621 | 2621 | 10:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h47 | 11:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2467 | 2467 | 10:13 AM Basel SBB | 1h17 | 11:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 617 | 617 · RE 24 4719 | 4719 | 10:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 11:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 101 | 101 · IC 21 671 | 671 | 10:53 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 12:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 11:22 AM Basel SBB | 1h33 | 12:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 |
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, with large exhibitions on rail, road, aviation, space and mobility, plus family-friendly interactive displays.
Major private art museum known for strong Picasso and Paul Klee holdings, along with works by Monet, Matisse and other modern masters.
Museum and geological site with glacier potholes, alpine geology exhibits and the historic mirror maze, combining natural history and local heritage.
The city’s most atmospheric walking area, full of painted facades, narrow lanes, small squares and easy access to major sights.
Scenic lakeside walking route with mountain views, elegant hotels, boat traffic and many of Lucerne’s classic postcard perspectives.
Historic old-town square surrounded by colorful buildings, a fine place to appreciate Lucerne’s civic history and street life.
Lucerne’s signature dish: a puff pastry pie filled with veal, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, often with raisins. It is a classic festive specialty strongly associated with the city.
A hearty Swiss Alpine pasta bake with macaroni, potatoes, cream, cheese, and onions, often served with apple sauce. It is a comforting traditional dish widely eaten in Central Switzerland.
Crisp grated potato cake, originally a Swiss farmhouse staple and now a national classic. In Lucerne it is commonly served as a side or topped with cheese, egg, or cured meats.
Historic traditional inn in Lucerne known for classic local dishes such as Luzerner Chügelipastete and hearty Swiss fare. Warm, old-style atmosphere and a long-standing local reputation.
Well-known riverside restaurant in Hotel des Balances serving polished Swiss and international cuisine. Stylish setting with Reuss views, suitable for a refined meal in the old town.
Established casual spot specializing in Swiss cheese fondue and other traditional dishes. Popular for an easygoing, classic Swiss dining experience in central Lucerne.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and restaurants, but public transport and casual food can be managed with planning.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated in restaurants; round up taxis, small tips optional at cafes and hotels.
Official public transport app
Lucerne Railway Station -> Lucerne Railway Station
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.

Most Basel to Lucerne trains use the Basel SBB to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern, Bahnhof. Use this guide to compare Basel and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Luzern Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Luzern, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Luzern Verkehrshaus is 2 km from Lucerne city centre. Public transport options include:
Luzern Verkehrshaus has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
ATMs are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Parking, WC.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need