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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Lucerne
Showing times and prices for Nov 13
Cheapest price
$173
Average price
$178
Fastest journey
4 h 51 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
443 km
Cheap tickets
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 $178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Cologne to Lucerne without transferring at least once.
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 247309:10AM5h20
Cologne Messe/Deutz02:30PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 105 · EC 17310:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf04:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
1 transfer
ICE 515 · ICE 5327 · IR 232709:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf03:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 103 · IC 67508:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf02:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
1 transfer
ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 17309:53AM6h12
Cologne Hbf04:05PMLucerne station
$1801One-way
3 transfers
ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 17311:14AM4h51
Cologne Messe/Deutz04:05PMLucerne station
$1971One-way
2 transfers
ICE 105 · EC 17310:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf04:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
1 transfer
ICE 515 · ICE 5327 · IR 232709:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf03:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
2 transfers
ICE 103 · IC 67508:55AM5h10
Cologne Hbf02:05PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
1 transfer
ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 247309:10AM5h20
Cologne Messe/Deutz02:30PMLucerne station
$1731One-way
2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cologne to Lucerne
Omio 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 €25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. 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 €25, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 275 miles (443 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€85 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest | €201 Average price |
6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.7kg 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
Cologne to Lucerne train times
The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lucerne trains for today, Wednesday, November 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:54 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:53 PM Cologne | 6h12 | 9:05 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 13 | |||||
| ICE 103 · IC 675 | On time 7:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 1:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2473 | On time 8:10 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 5h20 | 1:30 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 173 | 8:53 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h12 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
| ICE 515 · ICE 5327 · IR 2327 | On time 8:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 2:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
| ICE 105 · EC 173 | On time 9:55 AM Cologne Hbf | 5h10 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
| ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 173 | On time 10:14 AM Cologne Messe/Deutz | 4h51 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
| IC 2013 · ICE 75 · IC 683 | On time 10:14 AM Cologne Hbf | 6h51 | 5:05 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 Cologne to Lucerne by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Lucerne?
The best time to book your train from Cologne to Lucerne is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Lucerne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Lucerne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Lucerne.
Trains
from $59Buses
from $39Flights
from $241Journey information
Overview: Train from Cologne to Lucerne
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Cologne to Lucerne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (443 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $31 (€25)
Distance 275 miles (443 km) |
Average train duration 5h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 5h 10m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:55 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $31 (€25)
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Lucerne from $31 (€25). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Deutsche Bahn
About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
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.
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.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
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.
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.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
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.
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.
Quiet zone
FAQs: Trains from Cologne to Lucerne
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.
To fully enjoy Lucerne's key attractions such as Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, and the Chapel Bridge, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows ample time for exploration and experiencing the city's charm.
A day trip from Cologne to Lucerne is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 10m and the distance is 275 miles (443 km). There are 8 train trips per day.
Yes, the train journey from Cologne to Lucerne is scenic, offering views of the Rhine River, rolling hills, and picturesque Swiss landscapes as you travel through Germany and into Switzerland.
Train ticket prices from Cologne to Lucerne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $47 (€38), while the average price is around $104 (€85).
The train from Cologne to Lucerne takes 5h 10m and runs 8 per day.
In Lucerne, you can enjoy a picturesque boat tour or scenic walk by Lake Lucerne, explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, and visit the Richard Wagner Museum. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne for breathtaking mountain views or ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus. Don't miss the historic Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and the interactive Swiss Museum of Transport. For panoramic views, visit Mount Pilatus via cable car or cogwheel railway and explore the medieval Museggmauer city wall with its nine towers.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Lucerne is by bus, with a cost of around $31 (€25).
The distance by train from Cologne to Lucerne is 275 miles (443 km).
The last train from Cologne to Lucerne leaves at 11:55 PM.
The first train from Cologne to Lucerne leaves at 12:05 AM.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Lucerne is Cologne Hbf, which connects to Lucerne station.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Lucerne.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Lucerne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cologne to Lucerne.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cologne to Lucerne
Cologne
Lucerne
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Lucerne.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
- Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
Distance to city center
1 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
- There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
- asiagourmet
- Coffee Fellows
- dean&david
- Dunkin' Donuts
- KFC
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Nordsee
- Starbucks
- Schweinske
- & more
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
- Wyndham Koeln
- Hilton Cologne
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
- One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-Ehrenfeld
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmDining
- I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
- Burger King
- Café Franck
- Eichendorf
Hotel
- Kölnotel
- Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn Flughafen
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
- Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
Distance to city center
13 kmDining
- Café Bistro Leysieffer
- Mishba
- Ständige Vertretung
- Kamps
Köln Süd
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Subway
- Ganesha
- Magnus
- Borsalino
Hotel
- Hotel Chelsea
- Hotel Mado
- Elite Hotel
- Blacksheep Hostel
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
10 kmDining
- Weiler Kebap
- Başak Grill
- Le'zzet
- Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Hotel
- Haus Wester
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
- Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
Distance to city center
1 kmDining
- Imbiss Athena
- Arena Grill
- Cafe Especial
- Joe Champs
Hotel
- Pension Helenenwall
- Zur guten Quelle
- Zum Goldenen Hut
- Merlin
Köln, Porz Bf
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersShoppingParkingTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskKöln, Breslauer Platz/Hbf
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Lucerne is Luzern Bhf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luzern Bhf for your journey to Lucerne from Cologne.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Number of platforms
14Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Zentralstrasse.
Dining
- Restaurant La Cucina
- Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
WC
- CHF 1
Hotel
- Hotel Monopol Luzern
- Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
- Hotel Central Luzern
Lounge
- Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
- 420 places, covered
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Germany, Italy, and regional destinations
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: Boat connections
Public transit options for Luzern Bhf
- Bus: Several lines available
- Boat: Lake Lucerne boats
- Train: SBB services to various destinations
Luzern, Bahnhof
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
More options for your journey from Cologne to Lucerne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lucerne and Cologne
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