- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Swiss Transport Museum with trains, planes, cars, simulators, and media exhibits. Lucerne’s top family-friendly museum.
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 1 m
Trains per day
90
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 90 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne on Sat, Aug 22, 35 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 22 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 Sat, Aug 22 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 | 659
IC 61 607 | 607 · RE 24 4709 | 4709
IC 2349 | 2349
IR 27 2459 | 2459
IR 27 2489 | 2489
IR 26 2315 | 2315
IC 21 667 | 667
IC 21 659 | 659
IR 26 2311 | 2311
IC 21 663 | 663Omio 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 6m. 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 |
|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 40m Average total duration 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m 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 $7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Basel to Lucerne costing on average $42.
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 10m.
The journey is about 3m faster (1h 10m by train vs 1h 13m by car) and roughly $41 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($36 vs $77). 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, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC 61 623 | 623 · RE 24 4725 | 4725 | 1:30 PM Basel SBB | 1h25 | 2:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
TGV 9211 | 9211 · IR 75 2122 | 2122 | 1:33 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 3:25 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 | 2:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 3 575 | 575 · IR 75 2580 | 2580 | 2:33 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 4:25 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 | 3:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 | 4:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 | |
IC 3 579 | 579 · IR 75 2582 | 2582 | 4:33 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 6:25 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 | 5:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 3 581 | 581 · IR 75 2130 | 2130 | 5:33 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 7:25 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 | |
| Saturday, August 22 | |||||
IR 26 2347 | 2347 | 12:04 AM Basel SBB | 1h12 | 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 3 551 | 551 · IR 75 2106 | 2106 | 5:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 7:25 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 | 6:07 AM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 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 3 559 | 559 · IR 75 2108 | 2108 | 6:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 8:25 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 | 7:07 AM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 8:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2461 | 2461 | 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 3 561 | 561 · IR 75 2110 | 2110 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 9:25 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 271 | 271 · 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 | 8:07 AM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 9:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2463 | 2463 | 8:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 3 563 | 563 · IR 75 2112 | 2112 | 8:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 10:25 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 | 9:07 AM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 10:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2465 | 2465 | 9:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 | |
IC 3 553 | 553 · IR 75 2114 | 2114 | 9:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 11:25 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
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 | 10:07 AM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 11:51 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2467 | 2467 | 10:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 | |
TGV 9203 | 9203 · IR 75 2116 | 2116 | 10:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 12:25 PM 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 26 2323 | 2323 | 12:04 PM Basel SBB | 1h01 | 1:05 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
ICE 277 | 277 · IR 70 2625 | 2625 | 12:07 PM Basel SBB | 1h44 | 1:51 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IR 27 2471 | 2471 | 12:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 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 3 591 | 591 · IR 75 2120 | 2120 | 12:33 PM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 2:25 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 | 1:16 PM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 2:30 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 12 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 but you can travel from only $12 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 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 |
Trains per day 12 |
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 Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
Swiss Transport Museum with trains, planes, cars, simulators, and media exhibits. Lucerne’s top family-friendly museum.
Collection of Pablo Picasso works in a historic building once linked to the artist’s celebrated 1930s Lucerne exhibition.
Jean Nouvel-designed art museum showing modern and contemporary works in a superb lakeside cultural complex.
Preserved old town square lined with frescoed historic buildings, fountains, and guild houses. A classic Lucerne photo stop.
Car-free riverside promenade beside the Reuss with shops and facades. Ideal for strolling between major old town sights.
Elegant lakefront promenade with mountain views, grand hotels, and access to the KKL and boat piers.
Crisp potato rösti from Central Switzerland, often served plain or topped. It is a beloved Swiss staple found in Lucerne homes and taverns.
Rich melted cheese with bread, potatoes, or pickles. A classic Swiss communal meal that reflects alpine dairy traditions popular around Lucerne.
Melted raclette cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles. It is a hearty mountain dish widely enjoyed across Switzerland, including Lucerne.
Elegant fine dining focused on creative French-Swiss cuisine with lake views and a long-standing reputation for special occasions.
Historic riverside restaurant known for Lucerne classics like Chügelipastete in a traditional setting near the old town.
Refined lakeside dining with seasonal Swiss cuisine and polished service in the grand Hotel Schweizerhof.
Lucerne is pricier than most European cities, with high hotel rates, meals, and local transport, especially in peak tourist season.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes.
Official public transport app
Luzern Verkehrshaus -> Luzern Bahnhof, 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.

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, Brausebad has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station. ATMs are available at Basel, Brausebad.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Brausebad.
Available at Basel, Brausebad: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Brausebad: The station has accessible entrances and facilities.
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