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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Karlsruhe to Lucerne
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$91
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 10 m
Trains per day
4
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 $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 4 trains that leave Karlsruhe for Lucerne on Fri, May 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 217 km distance in an average of 3 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 29 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.
10:26 AM3h29Karlsruhe1:55 PMLucerne$521One-way0 transfers- 6:01 AM3h04Karlsruhe9:05 AMLucerne$731One-way0 transfers
- 7:01 AM3h04Karlsruhe10:05 AMLucerne$1081One-way0 transfers
- 3:01 PM3h04Karlsruhe6:05 PMLucerne$1301One-way0 transfers
- 3:01 PM3h04Karlsruhe6:05 PMLucerne$1301One-way0 transfers
- 7:01 AM3h04Karlsruhe10:05 AMLucerne$1081One-way0 transfers
- 6:01 AM3h04Karlsruhe9:05 AMLucerne$731One-way0 transfers
- 10:26 AM3h29Karlsruhe1:55 PMLucerne$521One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Karlsruhe to Lucerne
Omio 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 $24. 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 $24, and a train costs an average of $39.
Distance: 134 miles (217 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $120 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 $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Karlsruhe to Lucerne costing on average $67 (€54).
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 $53 (€42) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($67 (€54) vs $120 (€96)). 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
Karlsruhe to Lucerne train times
The table below shows live departures for Karlsruhe to Lucerne trains for today, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:01 AM Karlsruhe | 3h04 | 9:05 AM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:01 AM Karlsruhe | 3h04 | 10:05 AM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:26 AM Karlsruhe | 3h29 | 12:55 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:26 AM Karlsruhe | 3h29 | 1:55 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Karlsruhe to Lucerne by train or bus
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.
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
Why should you book Karlsruhe to Lucerne trains with Omio?
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 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) to find the best option for your trip from Karlsruhe 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Karlsruhe to Lucerne.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Karlsruhe to Lucerne.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Karlsruhe to Lucerne
Germany
Switzerland
Trains from Karlsruhe to Lucerne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€31) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) 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 $39 (€31) |
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 |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) from Karlsruhe to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC), Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains will get you between Karlsruhe and Lucerne from $24 (€19). 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.
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
FAQs: Trains from Karlsruhe to 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Karlsruhe to Lucerne
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Monday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Thursday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Friday: 06:30 - 21:00
- Saturday: 08:00 - 19:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 20:00
- Vinarte
- Am Tiergarten
- Panorama
- Alter Brauhof
- Hotel Barbarossa
- Hotel Avisa
- Am Tiergarten
- Aparthotel Aijana
WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Monday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Thursday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Friday: 08:00 13:30 - 12:30 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00
- Hubraum
- Vogel Hausbräu Durlach
- Asia Gourmet
- Borsalino
- Hotel Große Linde
- Zum Erwin
- Der Blaue Reiter
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Carts
- 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
AccessibilityMost popular train connections from Karlsruhe
More options for your journey from Karlsruhe to Lucerne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lucerne and Karlsruhe
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