Lucerne to Budapest train with Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC)

Tue, Dec 09
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
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Deutsche Bahn
ÖBB
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Regionale
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Budapest

Showing times and prices for Dec 09

Cheapest price

$149

Average price

$157

Fastest journey

11 h 27 m

Average duration

11 h 38 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

811 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lucerne to Budapest will cost around $157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $149.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Lucerne for Budapest on Tue, Dec 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 09 the direct trains cover the 811 km distance in an average of 11 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 27 m .

On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest trains will take 11 h 44 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
06:35AM11h44
Lucerne
06:19PMBudapest
$1491One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
08:35AM11h27
Lucerne
08:02PMBudapest
$1491One-way
0 transfers
Deutsche Bahn
10:35AM11h44
Lucerne
10:19PMBudapest
$1741One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Lucerne to Budapest

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Budapest among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €60, and a flight costs an average of €93.

Distance: 503 miles (811 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€127

Average price

€83

Average price

Cheapest

€190

Average price

12h 19m

Average total duration

11h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

20h 8m

Average total duration

19h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 25m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 2.0kg

CO2 emissions

2.4 - 4.9kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Lufthansa

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Lucerne to Budapest train times

The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Budapest trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:12 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
deutsche_bahn6:35 AM Lucerne
11h44
6:19 PM Budapest0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn8:35 AM Lucerne
11h27
8:02 PM Budapest0 transfersDirect
deutsche_bahn10:35 AM Lucerne
11h44
10:19 PM Budapest0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lucerne to Budapest 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.

Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15

Why should you book Lucerne to Budapest trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC) as well as ÖBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) offer trains services from Lucerne to Budapest. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lucerne to Budapest.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC)?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Lucerne to Budapest.
  • 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 (EC,ICE,IC) with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lucerne to Budapest.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC) tickets can be bought on Deutsche Bahn (EC,ICE,IC)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of ÖBB and Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Lucerne to Budapest.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Lucerne to Budapest.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Budapest

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
HungaryHungary
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Budapest run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:32, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 503 miles (811 km) distance in 11h 27m.

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
Distance
503 miles (811 km)
Average train duration
11h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
$71 (€57)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
11h 27m
First train
00:32
Last train
23:42
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

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Lucerne to Budapest trainsDeutsche Bahn, ÖBB, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Lucerne and Budapest from $71 (€57). 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
11h 27m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€57)
Deutsche Bahn frequency
3 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

ÖBB

About
ÖBB is Austria’s national railway company, offering a comprehensive network of train services across the country and to neighboring nations. Its fleet includes high-speed InterCity Express (ICE) trains for the fastest and most comfortable journeys, EuroCity (EC) trains for international connections, InterCity (IC) trains for reliable long-distance travel, and Regional Express (REX) trains for frequent local stops. Ticket types include Standard Ticket, Comfort-Ticket, ÖBB Sparschiene-Ticket, and ÖBB Sparschiene Comfort-Ticket, along with options for single, return, and group travel. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and food and beverage services. Popular routes include Vienna–Salzburg, Vienna–Innsbruck, and Vienna–Graz
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on long-distance trains), bistro service, at-seat service in first class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, boarding assistance, and special seating areas
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare), guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 27m
Cheapest Price
$231 (€186)
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Trains from Lucerne to Budapest

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lucerne to Budapest 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 Budapest, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
In Budapest, you can relax at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, explore the vibrant Great Market Hall, take a scenic cruise on the Danube River for unique views of landmarks, visit the House of Terror Museum, and enjoy a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House. Don't miss sights like Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Heroes' Square for their stunning architecture and historical significance.
Three to four days are generally recommended to explore Budapest’s main attractions, including the historic Buda Castle, thermal baths, and vibrant ruin bars.
Yes, you can take the train from Lucerne to Budapest.
The distance by train from Lucerne to Budapest is 503 miles (811 km).
The first train from Lucerne to Budapest leaves at 12:32 AM.
The last train from Lucerne to Budapest leaves at 11:42 PM.
A day trip from Lucerne to Budapest is not feasible, as the journey takes 11h 27m with a distance of 503 miles (811 km). There are 3 train trips per day.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Budapest.
Yes, the train journey from Lucerne to Budapest is scenic, offering views of the Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, and charming European countryside, making it a visually appealing experience.
Train ticket prices from Lucerne to Budapest can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $71 (€57), while the average price is around $158 (€127).
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Budapest is by train, with a cost of around $71 (€57).
The train from Lucerne to Budapest takes 11h 27m and runs 3 per day.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Budapest is Lucerne station, which connects to Budapest Keleti.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lucerne to Budapest.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Lucerne to Budapest

Lucerne
Budapest
The major train station for departures in Lucerne is Luzern Bhf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luzern Bhf for your trip from Lucerne to Budapest.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
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
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
14
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Zentralstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant La Cucina
  • Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Monopol Luzern
  • Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
  • Hotel Central Luzern
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 420 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
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, BahnhofAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility

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