- 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
$119
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
4 h 51 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Trains per day
44
Distance
369 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Lucerne will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Of the 44 trains that leave Bologna for Lucerne on Wed, Aug 12, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 12 the direct trains cover the 369 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 51 m .
On Wed, Aug 12 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2478+
EuroCity 26
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2466+
EuroCity 16
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3920 · Regionale TTPER 2480+
EuroCity 28
Regionale Veloce TTPER 2460+
EuroCity 178
Regionale TTPER 88164 · Regionale TTPER 2452+
EuroCity 12
FRECCIAROSSA 9304+
EuroCity 30
FRECCIAROSSA 9516+
EuroCity 16
FRECCIAROSSA 9544+
EuroCity 28
FRECCIAROSSA 9532+
EuroCity 24
FRECCIAROSSA 9514+
EuroCity 22Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 229 miles (369 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $703 Average price | $184 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 27m Average total duration 6h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 11m Average total duration 15h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Bologna to Lucerne:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Lucerne costing on average $102 (€83).
A bus is $654 (€532) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Lucerne costing on average $703 (€572).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 57m.
Flight takes on average 15h 11m.
Tickets start at around $102 (€83) compared to roughly $184 (€149) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $82 (€67). The journey takes 5h 13m versus 5h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Trenitalia.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Lucerne trains for today, Tuesday, August 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:58 AM Bologna | 6h13 | 11:11 AM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:58 AM Bologna | 6h13 | 12:11 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:06 AM Bologna | 5h36 | 12:42 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:50 PM Bologna | 5h52 | 6:42 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:50 PM Bologna | 5h52 | 7:42 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
Regionale TTPER 88164 · Regionale TTPER 2452+ EuroCity 12 | 5:12 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h30 | 10:42 AM Arth-Goldau | 2 transfers | |
Regionale TTPER 88164 · Regionale TTPER 2452+ EuroCity 12 | 5:12 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h48 | 11:00 AM Zug station | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 752+ EuroCity 14 | 5:58 AM Bologna Centrale | 6h02 | 12:00 PM Zug station | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 752+ EuroCity 14 | 5:58 AM Bologna Centrale | 5h44 | 11:42 AM Arth-Goldau | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Bologna to Lucerne run on average 38 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 229 miles (369 km) distance in 5h 36m.
Distance 229 miles (369 km) |
Average train duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Trains per day 38 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 36m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 8:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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 Bologna 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 Bologna to Lucerne trains use the Bologna Centrale to Arth-Goldau station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna Mazzini is 3 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Mazzini has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: CA.FÉ MAZZINI, Gelateria Mazzini
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Mazzini.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Mazzini: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Mazzini: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Camplus Mazzini, Hotel Blumen, Hotel Sant'Orsola City House.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need