The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Lucerne
Cheapest price
$122
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
12 h 47 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
811 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Lucerne will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $122.
Of the 5 trains that leave Budapest for Lucerne on Fri, Nov 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 811 km distance in an average of 12 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 17 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.










Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Budapest to Lucerne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €53, and a flight costs an average of €29.
Distance: 503 miles (811 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€126 Average price | €92 Average price Cheapest | €214 Average price |
12h 20m Average total duration 11h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 56m Average total duration 18h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 2.4 - 4.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Budapest to Lucerne train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Lucerne trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RJX 62 · ECE 98 · IR 2134 | On time 8:40 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h45 | 8:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
RJX 64 · ECE 96 · IR 2590 | On time 10:40 AM Budapest Keleti | 11h45 | 10:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Lucerne by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
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Nov 23
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Nov 26
Nov 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Lucerne
Distance 503 miles (811 km) |
Average train duration 11h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€57) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 11h 30m |
First train 00:07 |
Last train 23:35 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Budapest to Lucerne start from as low as $70 (€57) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $155 (€126) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Railjet from Budapest to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB | Railjet trains will get you between Budapest and Lucerne from $35 (€29). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
ÖBB | Railjet
FAQs: Trains from Budapest to Lucerne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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 Budapest to Lucerne
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Kerepesi út.
- Rosenstein Restaurant
- Huszar Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Hungaria City Center
- Baross City Hotel
- Royal Park Boutique Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-6 for international and intercity trains
- Hall 2: platforms 7-13 for regional trains
- Hall 3: platforms 14-18 for suburban trains
- Metro: Line M2, Line M4
- Bus: Several lines available
- Tram: Line 24
- 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, with access from Etele tér.
- Restaurant Etele Plaza
- KFC Etele Plaza
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- HUF 200
- Hotel Griff
- Hotel Ventura
- Hotel Berlin
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-8 for international and domestic long-distance trains
- Hall 2: regional and suburban train platforms
- Hall 3: Metro and tram connections
- Metro: Line M4
- Tram: Line 1, Line 19, Line 49
- Bus: Several lines available
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall, approaching the entrance near the international checkout to the left.
- Déli Terasz Söröző
- Ibrahim török büfé
- Vagon Etterem
- Fornetti
- Trio pizza
- Turkish Döner KEBAB
- Déli Mosoly
- Balatonexpressz Étkezőkocsi
- Club D One
- Lokomotív Falatozó
- There are some accessible features including ramps and elevators.
- Mercure Budapest Castle Hill
- Christina Residence Budapest
- ibis Budapest Castle Hill
- Mon - Sun: 06:00-10:00, 10:20-14:00, 14:25- 17:35
- Located in the passenger hall of the train station, next to the international ticket offices.
- Metro lines: M2 (red)
- Tram lines: 17, 56, 56A, 59, 59A, 59B, 61
- Bus lines: 21, 21A, 39, 102, 139, 140, 140A, N960, N990
- Train lines: IC, IR, S (10, 12, 30, 34, 35, 40, 42), Z30
- 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
More options for your journey from Budapest to Lucerne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


