Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $113. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $113, and a flight costs an average of $239.
Distance: 312 miles (503 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$169 Average price | $256 Average price | $117 Average price Cheapest | $146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 10m Average total duration Fastest 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 33m Average total duration 14h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 15m Average total duration 20h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen:
A bus is $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $169 (€139).
A bus is $140 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen costing on average $256 (€210).
Other travel options to Gelsenkirchen take longer:
Flight takes on average 14h 33m.
Bus takes on average 20h 45m.
Tickets start at around $169 (€139) compared to roughly $146 (€119) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.27 (€-19.06). The journey takes 6h 40m versus 6h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen 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.
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Why should you book Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen 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 Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) to find the best option for your trip from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen.
- 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 Gelsenkirchen.
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 Gelsenkirchen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen
Trains from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $168 (€138) but you can travel from only $113 (€92) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 22:34. The fastest train covers the 312 miles (503 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 312 miles (503 km) |
Average train duration 6h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€138) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 7h 50m |
First train 2:15 AM |
Last train 10:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Lucerne and Gelsenkirchen from $113 (€92). 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.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
FAQs: Trains from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen
Most Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen trains use the Luzern Bhf to Gelsenkirchen Hbf station pair. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Gelsenkirchen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Lucerne station do trains to Gelsenkirchen leave from?
Getting to Luzern Bhf from Lucerne city centre
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.
Which Gelsenkirchen station do trains from Lucerne arrive at?
Getting to Gelsenkirchen Hbf from Gelsenkirchen city centre
Gelsenkirchen Hbf is 1 km from Gelsenkirchen city centre. Public transport options include:
Gelsenkirchen Hbf train station facilities and services
Gelsenkirchen 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 and drink
Food options include: Subway, Café Madrid, Shere Punjab, Café del Sol
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. ATMs are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Information desks are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel St. Petrus.
Most popular train connections from Lucerne
More options for your journey from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen
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