- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
5 h 11 m
Average duration
5 h 26 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
443 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cologne to Lucerne will cost around $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Lucerne without transferring at least once.
ICE 23 · ICE 277 · IR 2471
ICE 101 · IC 671
IC 1940 · ICE 105 · IR 2477
ICE 25 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
ICE 103 · IR 2473
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
ICE 101 · IC 671
ICE 103 · IR 2473
ICE 105 · IR 2477
ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IR 2479Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $148.
Distance: 275 miles (443 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $520 Average price | $183 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 29m Average total duration 8h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Cologne to Lucerne:
A bus is $77 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cologne to Lucerne costing on average $138 (€114).
A bus is $458 (€376) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cologne to Lucerne costing on average $520 (€427).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 15m.
Bus takes on average 8h 59m.
The journey is about 57m faster (5h 15m by train vs 6h 12m by car) and roughly $45 (€37) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($138 (€114) vs $183 (€150)). 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.
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 Cologne to Lucerne trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 23 · ICE 277 · IR 2471 | On time 5:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h37 | 1:30 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 101 · IC 671 | On time 6:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h11 | 12:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 25 · ICE 279 · IR 2327 | On time 7:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h12 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 513 · ICE 277 · IR 2471 | On time 7:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 1:30 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 1940 · ICE 105 · IR 2477 | On time 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h37 | 4:30 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 103 · IR 2473 | On time 8:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 2:30 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2327 | On time 9:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h11 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2013 · ICE 107 · IC 683 | On time 10:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h12 | 6:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 105 · IR 2477 | On time 10:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 4:30 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 977 · IR 2331 | On time 11:18 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h47 | 5:05 PM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
28513 · 4261 · ICE 519 · ICE 373 | 11:32 AM Cologne Hbf | 7h58 | 7:30 PM Lucerne station | 4 transfers | |
ICE 517 · ICE 371 · IR 2479 | On time 11:54 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h36 | 5:30 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
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 Cologne to Lucerne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (443 km) distance in 5h 11m.
Distance 275 miles (443 km) |
Average train duration 5h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 11m |
First train 12:02 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 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, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
Major art museum with works by Picasso, Paul Klee, and Impressionists from the Rosengart family collection. A compact but high-quality museum in the city center.
A geological and cultural museum complex with glacial potholes, mirror maze, and exhibits on Lucerne’s natural history. One of the city’s classic attractions.
The historic core of the city, filled with painted facades, guild houses, fountains, and narrow streets. It is the best area for first-time visitors to explore on foot.
Scenic lakeside walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, and access to boat piers. A classic place for a relaxed stroll and photography.
Busy square near the lake and Chapel Bridge, often used as a meeting point and gateway between shopping streets, the waterfront, and major sightseeing areas.
A classic Lucerne specialty of puff pastry filled with a creamy ragout, traditionally with veal, mushrooms and sometimes raisins. It is one of the city’s signature festive dishes.
A hearty Swiss Alpine dish of macaroni, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions, often served with applesauce. It is popular across Central Switzerland and common in Lucerne.
Crisp pan-fried grated potatoes, originally a Swiss farmhouse dish and now a national staple. In Lucerne it is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg or meat.
A long-established traditional Lucerne restaurant known for classic local cuisine, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in a warm historic setting.
An elegant riverside restaurant with refined Swiss and seasonal cuisine, known for polished service and views over the Reuss in the old town.
A famous historic restaurant serving upscale Swiss classics in a grand traditional interior, popular for special occasions and classic hospitality.
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though bakeries, supermarkets, and lunch specials can help cut daily costs.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or adding CHF 5-10 for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Official public transport app
Lucerne Railway Station -> Lucerne Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.

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