The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lucerne
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
1 h 2 m
Average duration
1 h 19 m
Trains per day
6
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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 6 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne on Wed, Nov 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 2 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 49 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 21 667 | 667
IR 26 2315 | 2315
IC 6 613 | 613 · RE 24 4715 | 4715
IR 27 2463 | 2463
IC 61 963 | 963 · S 29 8932 | 8932 · S 1 21132 | 21132
IC 21 667 | 667
IR 26 2315 | 2315
IR 27 2463 | 2463
IC 6 613 | 613 · RE 24 4715 | 4715
IC 61 963 | 963 · S 29 8932 | 8932 · S 1 21132 | 21132Travel 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 bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 9m. 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 bus costs an average of €9, and a train costs an average of €23.
Distance: 49 miles (79 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€34 Average price | €19 Average price Cheapest |
1h 41m Average total duration 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Basel to Lucerne train times
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:56 PM Basel | 1h49 | 7:45 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:03 PM Basel | 1h02 | 8:05 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:56 PM Basel | 1h09 | 10:05 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:52 PM Basel | 1h51 | 11:43 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 19 | |||||
IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 7:03 AM Basel SBB | 1h02 | 8:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IR 27 2463 | 2463 | 7:16 AM Basel SBB | 1h14 | 8:30 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC 6 613 | 613 · RE 24 4715 | 4715 | 7:28 AM Basel SBB | 1h27 | 8:55 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 3 563 | 563 · IR 75 2112 | 2112 | 7:33 AM Basel SBB | 1h52 | 9:25 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 61 963 | 963 · S 29 8932 | 8932 · S 1 21132 | 21132 | 7:56 AM Basel SBB | 1h49 | 9:45 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 8:03 AM Basel SBB | 1h02 | 9:05 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Lucerne?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basel to Lucerne
Trains from Basel to Lucerne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 49 miles (79 km) distance in 1h 2m.
Distance 49 miles (79 km) |
Average train duration 1h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 2m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:58 |
Train companies: SBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lucerne trainsSBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lucerne from $11 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
SBB
Swiss 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. 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 - 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 - 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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

