- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, with extensive exhibits on rail, road, aviation, navigation and communication, plus immersive simulators and family-friendly displays.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$104
Fastest journey
1 h 39 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
17
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 $104 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 17 trains that leave Lugano for Lucerne on Mon, May 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316
IC 21 672 | 672
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312
EC 12 | 12+
IR VAE 2014 | 2014
IC 2 1466 | 1466+
IR VAE 2010 | 2010
IC 2 870 | 870 · IR 26 2316 | 2316
IC 21 672 | 672
IC 2 866 | 866 · IR 26 2312 | 2312
IC 21 668 | 668
EC 12 | 12+
IR VAE 2014 | 2014Omio 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 $14. 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 $14, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $92 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 $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lugano to Lucerne costing on average $73 (€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, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B 4 4003 | 4003 · IC 21 664 | 664 | 5:44 AM Lugano | 1h57 | 7:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4019 | 4019 · 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 4027 | 4027 · 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 4035 | 4035 · IC 21 668 | 668 | 7:47 AM Lugano | 1h54 | 9:41 AM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 668 | 668 | 8:02 AM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 9:41 AM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
B 4 4043 | 4043 · 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 4051 | 4051 · 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 4059 | 4059 · 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 4067 | 4067 · 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 4075 | 4075 · 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 4083 | 4083 · 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 4091 | 4091 · 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 | |
B 4 4099 | 4099 · 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 4107 | 4107 · 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 4115 | 4115 · 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 4123 | 4123 · 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 4131 | 4131 · 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 4137 | 4137 · 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 4147 | 4147 · 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 4155 | 4155 · EC 332 | 332+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026 | 3:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 5:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 332 | 332+ IR VAE 2026 | 2026 | 3:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 5:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4161 | 4161 · IC 21 684 | 684 | 3:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 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 4 4171 | 4171 · EC 20 | 20 · IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
B 4 4171 | 4171 · EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
EC 20 | 20 · IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
EC 20 | 20+ IR VAE 2028 | 2028 | 4:30 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h51 | 6:21 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
B 4 4179 | 4179 · IC 2 886 | 886 · IR 26 2332 | 2332 | 4:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 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 4 4187 | 4187 · EC 22 | 22 · IR VAE 2030 | 2030 | 5:17 PM Lugano | 2h04 | 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 4195 | 4195 · IC 21 688 | 688 | 5:47 PM Lugano | 1h54 | 7:41 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
IC 21 688 | 688 | 6:02 PM Lugano, Stazione | 1h39 | 7:41 PM Lucerne station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $53 (€43) but you can travel from only $14 (€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 $53 (€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 extensive exhibits on rail, road, aviation, navigation and communication, plus immersive simulators and family-friendly displays.
Major art museum in central Lucerne featuring important works by Picasso, Klee and Impressionist masters from the renowned Rosengart collection.
A compact museum and geological site with glacier potholes, natural history displays and the famous mirror maze, offering insight into Lucerne’s Ice Age past.
The historic heart of the city, filled with painted facades, fountains, guildhalls and lively lanes that are ideal for wandering on foot.
Scenic waterfront walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, boat activity and classic postcard perspectives of Lucerne.
Historic square in the old town surrounded by decorated buildings, central to Lucerne’s medieval atmosphere and a popular photo stop.
Lucerne’s signature specialty: a puff-pastry shell filled with veal, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, often garnished with raisins. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional dishes.
A hearty Swiss Alpine pasta and potato bake with cheese, cream, and onions, often served with apple sauce. Popular across Central Switzerland as comforting mountain food.
Crisp fried grated potatoes, originally a Swiss farmhouse dish and now a classic side or main. In Lucerne it commonly appears with cheese, egg, or regional meat toppings.
Historic traditional inn known for classic Lucerne and Swiss dishes, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in an old-school local atmosphere.
Well-known stylish restaurant on the Reuss with refined Swiss and international cooking, plus excellent river and old town views.
Established upscale Lucerne restaurant famous for classic Swiss hospitality and tableside Wienerschnitzel in an elegant historic setting.
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though supermarkets help budget travelers.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
Official public transport app
Lucerne Railway Station, Lucerne -> Lucerne City Center, Lucerne
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.

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