Heidelberg to Lucerne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC)

Thu, May 14
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Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Regionale
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2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)
Regionale
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Heidelberg to Lucerne

Showing times and prices for May 14

Cheapest price

$54

Average price

$84

Fastest journey

3 h 41 m

Average duration

3 h 59 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

264 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Heidelberg to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Heidelberg to Lucerne will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Heidelberg for Lucerne on Thu, May 14, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 14 the direct trains cover the 264 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 41 m .

On Thu, May 14 the slowest trains will take 4 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:43 AM4h12
    Heidelberg
    1:55 PMLucerne
    $541One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:13 AM3h52
    Heidelberg
    12:05 PMLucerne
    $651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:43 AM4h12
    Heidelberg
    12:55 PMLucerne
    $1021One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:24 AM3h41
    Heidelberg
    11:05 AMLucerne
    $1151One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Heidelberg to Lucerne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Heidelberg to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $155.

Distance: 164 miles (264 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$87

Average price

$40

Average price

Cheapest

$313

Average price

$132

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 31m

Average total duration

5h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 12m

Average total duration

8h 12m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

3h 49m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.6kg

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Heidelberg to Lucerne is a bus with an average price of $40 (€32).

This is compared to other travel options from Heidelberg to Lucerne:

A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Heidelberg to Lucerne costing on average $87 (€70).

A bus is $273 (€219) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Heidelberg to Lucerne costing on average $313 (€251).

The fastest way to travel from Heidelberg to Lucerne is by train with an average journey time of 3h 31m.

Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 1m.

Flight takes on average 8h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Heidelberg and Lucerne including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Heidelberg to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 18m faster (3h 31m by train vs 3h 49m by car) and roughly $45 (€36) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($87 (€70) vs $132 (€106)). 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.

Live departures

Heidelberg to Lucerne train times

The table below shows live departures for Heidelberg to Lucerne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:24 AM Heidelberg
3h41
11:05 AM Lucerne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:13 AM Heidelberg
3h52
12:05 PM Lucerne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:43 AM Heidelberg
4h12
12:55 PM Lucerne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn9:43 AM Heidelberg
4h12
1:55 PM Lucerne0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Heidelberg 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.

Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20

Why should you book Heidelberg to Lucerne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) offer trains services from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Heidelberg to Lucerne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) or Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) to find the best option for your trip from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Heidelberg to Lucerne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Heidelberg to Lucerne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Heidelberg to Lucerne

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Heidelberg to Lucerne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 164 miles (264 km) distance in 3h 35m.

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 $28 (€23)
Distance
164 miles (264 km)
Average train duration
3h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
$48 (€39)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 35m
First train
12:30 AM
Last train
11:54 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
77 days
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 $28 (€23)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) from Heidelberg to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) trains will get you between Heidelberg and Lucerne from $28 (€23). 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
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€39)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
7 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.
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.
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.
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$246 (€197)
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
2 a day

Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest Price
$143 (€115)
Deutsche Bahn Regio (DB Regional) frequency
21 a day

FAQs: Trains from Heidelberg to Lucerne

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Heidelberg 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Heidelberg to Lucerne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $48 (€39), while the average price is around $87 (€70).
The train from Heidelberg to Lucerne takes 3h 35m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Heidelberg to Lucerne is 164 miles (264 km).
The first train from Heidelberg to Lucerne leaves at 12:30 AM.
The last train from Heidelberg to Lucerne leaves at 11:54 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
The train station in Heidelberg that goes to Lucerne is Heidelberg Hbf, which connects to Lucerne station.
The cheapest way to get from Heidelberg to Lucerne is by bus, with a cost of around $28 (€23).
Yes, the train journey from Heidelberg to Lucerne is scenic, offering views of the Rhine Valley, rolling hills, and picturesque Swiss landscapes as the train travels through Germany and into Switzerland.
A day trip from Heidelberg to Lucerne is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 35m. However, trains run 7 times per day, covering a distance of 164 miles (264 km).
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
Since both Heidelberg and Lucerne are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Lucerne include Zurich, Interlaken, Basel, Bern, Engelberg.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Heidelberg to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lucerne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Common scams include distraction techniques used to steal wallets or bags. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings. Additionally, always use licensed taxi services and official ticket counters to avoid overcharging. Overall, Lucerne is considered safe, but standard urban vigilance is recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Heidelberg to Lucerne

Heidelberg
Lucerne
The major train station for departures in Heidelberg is Heidelberg Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Heidelberg Hbf for your trip from Heidelberg to Lucerne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Heid´s Grill
  • McDonald's
  • Uuuhmami
  • Taj Mahal
Hotel
Hotel
  • Leonardo Hotel
  • Qube Hotel
  • NH Heidelberg
  • Krokodil
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Dining
Dining
  • Persepolis
  • Zum Brückenaff
  • 'S' Kastanie
  • Choa
Hotel
Hotel
  • Parkhotel Atlantic
  • Hackteufel
  • Goldener Falke
  • Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • McDonald's
  • Saffron
  • Thanaphon
  • Krokodil
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Elite
  • Hotel Mille Stelle
  • Krokodil
  • Boardinghouse

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