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

Thu, Jun 18
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Trenitalia EuroCity
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Cologne

Showing times and prices for Jun 18

Cheapest price

$114

Average price

$166

Fastest journey

5 h 11 m

Average duration

6 h 18 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

443 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Lucerne to Cologne will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Lucerne for Cologne on Thu, Jun 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 443 km distance in an average of 6 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 11 m .

On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 7 h 30 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
    7:05 AM7h27
    Lucerne
    2:32 PMCologne
    $1141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:54 AM6h12
    Lucerne
    4:06 PMCologne
    $1651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:54 AM5h11
    Lucerne
    2:05 PMCologne
    $1711One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:54 AM5h11
    Lucerne
    1:05 PMCologne
    $1721One-way
    0 transfers
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:35 AM7h30
    Lucerne
    4:05 PMCologne
    $2091One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Lucerne to Cologne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. 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 $39, and a flight costs an average of $86.

Distance: 275 miles (443 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$138

Average price

$60

Average price

Cheapest

$533

Average price

$184

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 55m

Average total duration

5h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 25m

Average total duration

8h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 7m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

5h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

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 Lucerne to Cologne is a bus with an average price of $60 (€49).

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

A bus is $78 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lucerne to Cologne costing on average $138 (€113).

A bus is $473 (€386) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lucerne to Cologne costing on average $533 (€435).

The fastest way to travel from Lucerne to Cologne is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Cologne take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 25m.

Bus takes on average 8h 55m.

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

The journey is about 9m faster (5h 25m by train vs 5h 34m by car) and roughly $46 (€37) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($138 (€113) vs $184 (€150)). 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

Lucerne to Cologne train times

The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Deutsche Bahn7:05 AM Lucerne
7h27
2:32 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn7:54 AM Lucerne
5h11
1:05 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:35 AM Lucerne
7h30
4:05 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn8:54 AM Lucerne
5h11
2:05 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect
Deutsche Bahn9:54 AM Lucerne
6h12
4:06 PM Cologne0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Lucerne to Cologne 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
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24

Why should you book Lucerne to Cologne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn and more offer trains services from Lucerne to Cologne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lucerne to Cologne.

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 Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) or Südostbahn to find the best option for your trip from Lucerne to Cologne.
  • 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 Lucerne to Cologne.

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 Lucerne to Cologne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Cologne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Cologne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 275 miles (443 km) distance in 5h 11m.

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 $39 (€32)
Distance
275 miles (443 km)
Average train duration
5h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$51 (€42)
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 11m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
35 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 $39 (€32)

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Lucerne to Cologne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Lucerne and Cologne from $39 (€32). 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 11m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
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.
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

Trenitalia EuroCity

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest Price
$166 (€136)
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest Price
$155 (€127)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
6 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Südostbahn frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Cologne

Things to do in Cologne

Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum Ludwig

Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, known for its strong Picasso collection and Pop Art holdings.

  • Must visit

Römisch-Germanisches Museum

Cologne’s key archaeology museum for Roman heritage, especially famous for the Dionysus mosaic and Roman artifacts from the city.

  • Recommended

Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud

Important fine arts museum with medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century painting, including one of Germany’s leading Impressionist collections.

Euro

Moderate by German standards. Museums and transit are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
EUR 8-15 for kebab, bakery, or currywurst.
Mid-range
EUR 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
EUR 3-5 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up small bills; tip about 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Add EUR 1-2 for taxis, and round up in cafés if table service is provided.

FAQs: Trains from Lucerne to Cologne

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Lucerne to Cologne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $51 (€42), while the average price is around $138 (€113).
The train from Lucerne to Cologne takes 5h 11m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Lucerne to Cologne is 275 miles (443 km).
The first train from Lucerne to Cologne leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Lucerne to Cologne leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Cologne.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lucerne to Cologne.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Cologne is Lucerne station, which connects to Cologne Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Cologne is by bus, with a cost of around $39 (€32).
Yes, the train journey from Lucerne to Cologne is scenic as it passes through picturesque landscapes including the Swiss Alps, the Rhine Valley, and charming villages along the way.
A day trip from Lucerne to Cologne is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 11m. However, there are 9 trains per day covering the distance of 275 miles (443 km).
In Cologne, you can explore the Cologne Chocolate Museum to learn about chocolate history and production, enjoy a scenic Rhine River Cruise, and visit the Botanical Gardens Flora for stunning floral displays. Discover trendy boutiques and vibrant street art in the Belgian Quarter, or attend a concert at the renowned Cologne Philharmonic Hall. Don't miss the iconic Cologne Cathedral, the modern art collection at Museum Ludwig, and the love lock-adorned Hohenzollern Bridge. Wander through the charming Old Town (Altstadt) and visit the diverse Cologne Zoo.
Three days are generally recommended to explore Cologne's main attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral, Old Town, and museums.
Yes, you can take the train from Lucerne to Cologne.
Since both Lucerne and Cologne 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 Cologne include Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Liège, Aachen, Bonn.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Lucerne to Cologne 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.
Germany uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards, especially contactless payments, in cities and larger establishments. However, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes preferred in smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. Carrying some cash is recommended for flexibility.
In Cologne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations, the main shopping streets, and during events such as Carnival. Common scams include distraction techniques and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or deals. Public transportation is generally safe, but vigilance is recommended during late hours.
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 Lucerne to Cologne

Most Lucerne to Cologne trains use the Luzern Bhf to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Lucerne
Arrival train stations in Cologne

Which Lucerne station do trains to Cologne leave from?

Trains from Lucerne to Cologne leave from Luzern Bhf. The station is from Lucerne city centre at Zentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland.
Luzern BhfZentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Luzern Bhf from Lucerne city centre

TrainRe24, S1, Sn1 · 11m · $5 · every ~7 min
BusEv1 · 17m · $11
72 · 22m · $4 · every ~2 min

Luzern Bhf train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.

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