- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Switzerland’s most visited museum, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Trains per day
2
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mendrisio to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mendrisio to Lucerne will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Of the 2 trains that leave Mendrisio for Lucerne on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 141 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Mendrisio to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $54.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 51m Average total duration 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Mendrisio to Lucerne:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mendrisio to Lucerne costing on average $72 (€59).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 21m.
The journey is about 8m faster (2h 6m by train vs 2h 14m by car) and roughly $23 (€19) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($72 (€59) vs $95 (€78)). 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.
Direct services run with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Mendrisio to Lucerne trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:41 AM Mendrisio | 2h00 | 1:41 PM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 6:41 AM Mendrisio | 2h00 | 8:41 AM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:41 AM Mendrisio | 2h00 | 10:41 AM Lucerne | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Mendrisio to Lucerne run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:18, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 6:18 AM |
Last train 11:18 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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, covering rail, road, aviation, space, and communication with large interactive exhibits. A top choice for families and transport enthusiasts.
Major art museum with works by Picasso, Paul Klee, and Impressionists from the Rosengart family collection. A compact but high-quality museum in the city center.
A geological and cultural museum complex with glacial potholes, mirror maze, and exhibits on Lucerne’s natural history. One of the city’s classic attractions.
The historic core of the city, filled with painted facades, guild houses, fountains, and narrow streets. It is the best area for first-time visitors to explore on foot.
Scenic lakeside walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, and access to boat piers. A classic place for a relaxed stroll and photography.
Busy square near the lake and Chapel Bridge, often used as a meeting point and gateway between shopping streets, the waterfront, and major sightseeing areas.
A classic Lucerne specialty of puff pastry filled with a creamy ragout, traditionally with veal, mushrooms and sometimes raisins. It is one of the city’s signature festive dishes.
A hearty Swiss Alpine dish of macaroni, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions, often served with applesauce. It is popular across Central Switzerland and common in Lucerne.
Crisp pan-fried grated potatoes, originally a Swiss farmhouse dish and now a national staple. In Lucerne it is often served as a side or topped with cheese, egg or meat.
A long-established traditional Lucerne restaurant known for classic local cuisine, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in a warm historic setting.
An elegant riverside restaurant with refined Swiss and seasonal cuisine, known for polished service and views over the Reuss in the old town.
A famous historic restaurant serving upscale Swiss classics in a grand traditional interior, popular for special occasions and classic hospitality.
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though bakeries, supermarkets, and lunch specials can help cut daily costs.
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or adding CHF 5-10 for good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Official public transport app
Lucerne Railway Station, Lucerne -> Lucerne Old Town, Lucerne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mendrisio 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 Mendrisio to Lucerne trains use the Mendrisio to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern, Bahnhof. Use this guide to compare Mendrisio and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mendrisio has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Pizzeria Corona, Osteria Lanterna
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Mendrisio. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Mendrisio. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mendrisio: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mendrisio: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mendrisio: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Coronado, Albergo Stazione Mendrisio, Hotel Milano.
Capolago-Riva San Vitale is 3 km from Mendrisio city centre. Public transport options include:
Capolago-Riva San Vitale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Capolago-Riva San Vitale.
ATMs are available at Capolago-Riva San Vitale.
Available at Capolago-Riva San Vitale: Parking, WC.
Available at Capolago-Riva San Vitale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Capolago-Riva San Vitale.
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, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Luzern Verkehrshaus is 2 km from Lucerne city centre. Public transport options include:
Luzern Verkehrshaus has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
ATMs are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Parking, WC.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need