- 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
CHF38
Average price
CHF49
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
3 h 2 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
217 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Karlsruhe to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Karlsruhe to Lucerne will cost around CHF49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF38.
It's difficult to get from Karlsruhe to Lucerne without transferring at least once.
ICE 275 · IR 2319
ICE 103 · IC 675
ICE 277 · IR 2323
ECE 151 · IC 671
ICE 279 · IR 2327
ECE 151 · IC 671
ICE 103 · IC 675
ICE 279 · IR 2327
ICE 275 · IR 2319
ICE 277 · IR 2323Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Karlsruhe to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from CHF19. For those with little time consider booking a train 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 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF19, and a train costs an average of CHF31.
Distance: 134 miles (217 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
CHF53 Average price | CHF29 Average price Cheapest | CHF96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Karlsruhe to Lucerne:
A bus is CHF24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Lucerne costing on average CHF53.
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
The journey is about 17m faster (2h 56m by train vs 3h 13m by car) and roughly CHF42 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (CHF53 vs CHF96). 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 Karlsruhe to Lucerne trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 277 · IR 2323 | Delayed 8:34 AM 10:01 AMKarlsruhe | 3h04 | 1:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 103 · IC 675 | On time 11:01 AM Karlsruhe | 3h04 | 2:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 279 · IR 2327 | On time 12:01 PM Karlsruhe | 3h04 | 3:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 105 · EC 173 | 1:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 4:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ECE 5 · IC 627 · RE 4729 | 1:26 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h29 | 4:55 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 371 · IR 2331 | 2:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 5:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 107 · IC 683 | 3:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 6:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 373 · IR 2335 | 4:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 7:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 109 · IC 687 | 5:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 8:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 375 · IR 2339 | 6:00 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h05 | 9:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 1064 · IC 637 · RE 4739 | On time 6:24 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h31 | 9:55 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 201 · IC 691 | 7:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 10:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ICE 377 · IC 989 · IR 2343 | 8:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 11:05 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
ICE 377 · RE 4743 | 8:01 PM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h54 | 11:55 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, August 14 | |||||
ICE 275 · IR 2319 | On time 8:01 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 3h04 | 11:05 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
ECE 151 · IC 671 | On time 9:11 AM Karlsruhe Hbf | 2h54 | 12:05 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Karlsruhe to Lucerne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF31 but you can travel from only CHF19 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (217 km) distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 134 miles (217 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Karlsruhe 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 Karlsruhe to Lucerne trains use the Karlsruhe Hbf to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern, Bahnhof. Use this guide to compare Karlsruhe and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Karlsruhe Hbf is 1 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Vinarte, Am Tiergarten, Panorama, Alter Brauhof
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe Hbf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Barbarossa, Hotel Avisa, Am Tiergarten, Aparthotel Aijana.
Karlsruhe-Durlach is 5 km from Karlsruhe city centre. Public transport options include:
Karlsruhe-Durlach has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Hubraum, Vogel Hausbräu Durlach, Asia Gourmet, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. ATMs are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Ticket office support is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Information desks are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Luggage storage is available at Karlsruhe-Durlach. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Karlsruhe-Durlach: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlsruhe-Durlach.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Große Linde, Zum Erwin, Der Blaue Reiter.
Luzern Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Luzern, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need