- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, with large exhibitions on rail, road, aviation, space and mobility, plus family-friendly interactive displays.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
1 h 39 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Trains per day
51
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lugano to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lugano to Lucerne will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 51 trains that leave Lugano for Lucerne on Thu, Jul 09, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312
IC 21 664 | 664
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308
B 4 4017 | 4017 · IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312
S 10 25792 | 25792 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308
IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 26 2324 | 2324
IC 21 680 | 680
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316
IC 21 672 | 672
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lugano to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Lugano to Lucerne:
A bus is $45 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Lucerne costing on average $72 (€59).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with SBB, Rhatische Bahn, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Lugano to Lucerne trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B 4 4097 | 4097 · EC 178 | 178 | 11:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 1:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 178 | 178 | 12:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 1:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4105 | 4105 · EC 150 | 150+ IR VAE 2020 | 2020 | 12:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 2:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 150 | 150+ IR VAE 2020 | 2020 | 12:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 2:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4113 | 4113 · IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 26 2324 | 2324 | 12:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 2:41 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 878 | 878 · IR 26 2324 | 2324 | 1:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 2:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4121 | 4121 · EC 30 | 30+ IR VAE 2022 | 2022 | 1:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 3:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 30 | 30+ IR VAE 2022 | 2022 | 1:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 3:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4129 | 4129 · IC 21 680 | 680 | 1:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 3:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 680 | 680 | 2:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 3:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4139 | 4139 · EC 16 | 16+ IR VAE 2024 | 2024 | 2:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 4:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 16 | 16+ IR VAE 2024 | 2024 | 2:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 4:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4145 | 4145 · IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 26 2328 | 2328 | 2:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 4:41 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 882 | 882 · IR 26 2328 | 2328 | 3:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 4:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4153 | 4153 · EC 152 | 152+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026 | 3:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 5:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 152 | 152+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026 | 3:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 5:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4163 | 4163 · IC 21 684 | 684 | 3:46 PM Lugano | 1h55 | 5:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 684 | 684 | 4:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 5:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 5 5172 | 5172 · EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:12 PM Lugano | 2h09 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
B 1 1208 | 1208 · S 10 25128 | 25128 · EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:12 PM Lugano | 2h09 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4177 | 4177 · IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 26 2332 | 2332 | 4:46 PM Lugano | 1h55 | 6:41 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 26 2332 | 2332 | 5:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 6:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 3 3292 | 3292 · EC 22 | 22+ IR VAE 2030 | 2030 | 5:14 PM Lugano | 2h07 | 7:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 22 | 22+ IR VAE 2030 | 2030 | 5:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 7:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4193 | 4193 · IC 21 688 | 688 | 5:46 PM Lugano | 1h55 | 7:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 688 | 688 | 6:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 7:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 461 560 | 560 · EC 24 | 24+ IR VAE 2032 | 2032 | 6:14 PM Lugano | 2h07 | 8:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 24 | 24+ IR VAE 2032 | 2032 | 6:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 8:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4209 | 4209 · IC 2 890 | 890 · IR 26 2336 | 2336 | 6:46 PM Lugano | 1h55 | 8:41 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 890 | 890 · IR 26 2336 | 2336 | 7:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 8:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4219 | 4219 · EC 36 | 36+ IR VAE 2034 | 2034 | 7:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 9:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 36 | 36+ IR VAE 2034 | 2034 | 7:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 9:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4227 | 4227 · IC 21 692 | 692 | 7:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 9:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 692 | 692 | 8:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 9:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 26 | 26 · S 3 21382 | 21382 | 8:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 10:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, July 9 | |||||
B 461 590 | 590 · S 10 25792 | 25792 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 | 12:37 AM Lugano | 6h04 | 6:41 AM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
S 10 25792 | 25792 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 | 12:55 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h46 | 6:41 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
S 10 25104 | 25104 · IC 2 862 | 862 · IR 26 2308 | 2308 | 4:32 AM Lugano, Stazione | 2h09 | 6:41 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4001 | 4001 · IC 21 664 | 664 | 5:44 AM Lugano | 1h57 | 7:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 664 | 664 | 6:00 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h41 | 7:41 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4009 | 4009 · IC 2 1462 | 1462 · S 3 21326 | 21326 | 6:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 8:21 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1462 | 1462 · S 3 21326 | 21326 | 6:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 8:21 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4017 | 4017 · IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312 | 6:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 8:41 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312 | 7:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 8:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4025 | 4025 · IC 2 1466 | 1466+ IR VAE 2010 | 2010 | 7:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 9:21 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1466 | 1466+ IR VAE 2010 | 2010 | 7:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 9:21 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4033 | 4033 · IC 21 668 | 668 | 7:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 9:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4041 | 4041 · EC 10 | 10+ IR VAE 2012 | 2012 | 8:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 10:21 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 10 | 10+ IR VAE 2012 | 2012 | 8:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 10:21 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4049 | 4049 · IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316 | 8:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 10:41 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316 | 9:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 10:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4057 | 4057 · EC 12 | 12+ IR VAE 2014 | 2014 | 9:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 11:21 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
PE 3092 | 3092 | 9:18 AM Lugano, Stazione | 5h29 | 2:47 PM Luzern Bahnhofquai | 0 transfersDirect | |
EC 12 | 12+ IR VAE 2014 | 2014 | 9:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 11:21 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4065 | 4065 · IC 21 672 | 672 | 9:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 11:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 672 | 672 | 10:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 11:41 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4073 | 4073 · EC 14 | 14+ IR VAE 2016 | 2016 | 10:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 12:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 14 | 14+ IR VAE 2016 | 2016 | 10:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 12:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4081 | 4081 · IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 2320 | 10:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 12:41 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 874 | 874 · IR 26 2320 | 2320 | 11:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 12:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4089 | 4089 · IC 2 1474 | 1474+ IR VAE 2018 | 2018 | 11:17 AM Lugano | 2h04 | 1:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
IC 2 1474 | 1474+ IR VAE 2018 | 2018 | 11:30 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 1:21 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 Lugano to Lucerne run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€43) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 39m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€43) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Lucerne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lucerne trip today.
Switzerland’s most visited museum, with large exhibitions on rail, road, aviation, space and mobility, plus family-friendly interactive displays.
Major private art museum known for strong Picasso and Paul Klee holdings, along with works by Monet, Matisse and other modern masters.
Museum and geological site with glacier potholes, alpine geology exhibits and the historic mirror maze, combining natural history and local heritage.
The city’s most atmospheric walking area, full of painted facades, narrow lanes, small squares and easy access to major sights.
Scenic lakeside walking route with mountain views, elegant hotels, boat traffic and many of Lucerne’s classic postcard perspectives.
Historic old-town square surrounded by colorful buildings, a fine place to appreciate Lucerne’s civic history and street life.
Lucerne’s signature dish: a puff pastry pie filled with veal, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, often with raisins. It is a classic festive specialty strongly associated with the city.
A hearty Swiss Alpine pasta bake with macaroni, potatoes, cream, cheese, and onions, often served with apple sauce. It is a comforting traditional dish widely eaten in Central Switzerland.
Crisp grated potato cake, originally a Swiss farmhouse staple and now a national classic. In Lucerne it is commonly served as a side or topped with cheese, egg, or cured meats.
Historic traditional inn in Lucerne known for classic local dishes such as Luzerner Chügelipastete and hearty Swiss fare. Warm, old-style atmosphere and a long-standing local reputation.
Well-known riverside restaurant in Hotel des Balances serving polished Swiss and international cuisine. Stylish setting with Reuss views, suitable for a refined meal in the old town.
Established casual spot specializing in Swiss cheese fondue and other traditional dishes. Popular for an easygoing, classic Swiss dining experience in central Lucerne.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and restaurants, but public transport and casual food can be managed with planning.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated in restaurants; round up taxis, small tips optional at cafes and hotels.
Official public transport app
Lucerne Railway Station -> Lucerne Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lugano 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 Lugano to Lucerne trains use the Lugano, Stazione to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Use this guide to compare Lugano and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lugano, Stazione has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano, Stazione.
Lugano Città (funicolare) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lugano Città (funicolare).
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 Bahnhofquai 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Schiff, Restaurant Opus
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bahnhofquai. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bahnhofquai: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bahnhofquai.
Nearby hotels include Hotel des Balances, Hotel Monopol Luzern, Hotel Waldstätterhof.
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