- 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
$157
Average price
$187
Fastest journey
7 h 17 m
Average duration
7 h 21 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
366 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salzburg to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salzburg to Lucerne will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $157.
It's difficult to get from Salzburg to Lucerne without transferring at least once.
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ECE 196
ECE 196 · IR 2576+
79010
RJ 13478+
IR 2120
RE5+
EC 198+
IR 2114
RE5+
EC 196+
IR 2576
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ECE 196
ECE 196 · IR 2576+
79010
RE5+
EC 196+
IR 2576
RE5+
EC 194+
IR 2122
RJ 13478+
IR 2120Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salzburg to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $177.
Distance: 227 miles (366 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$117 Average price | $88 Average price Cheapest | $549 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 0m Average total duration Fastest 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 8h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 57m Average total duration 7h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Salzburg to Lucerne:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Salzburg to Lucerne costing on average $117 (€95).
A bus is $460 (€372) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salzburg to Lucerne costing on average $549 (€444).
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Flight takes on average 7h 57m.
Bus takes on average 8h 54m.
Tickets start at around $117 (€95) compared to roughly $144 (€116) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 6h 30m versus 5h 51m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Salzburg to Lucerne trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79010+ ECE 196 · IR 2576 | 6:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h20 | 1:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
RE5+ EC 196+ IR 2576 | 6:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h20 | 1:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
S 2 · 27086 · 27004 · ECE 196 | 6:08 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h17 | 1:25 PM Lucerne station | 4 transfers | |
RJ 13478+ IR 2120 | 6:56 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h29 | 2:25 PM Lucerne station | 1 transfer | |
RE5+ EC 194+ IR 2122 | 8:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h20 | 3:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
S 3+ 79022+ ECE 192 · IR 2126 | On time 9:56 AM Salzburg Liefering | 7h29 | 5:25 PM Lucerne station | 3 transfers | |
79022+ ECE 192 · IR 2126 | On time 10:05 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h20 | 5:25 PM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
RE5+ EC 198+ IR 2114 | 3:47 AM Salzburg Hbf | 7h38 | 11:25 AM Lucerne station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Salzburg to Lucerne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 227 miles (366 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 227 miles (366 km) |
Average train duration 6h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 6h 25m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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
The train connection between Salzburg and Lucerne offers a scenic journey through the heart of Europe, making it an ideal choice for travelers. The primary train providers on this route include ÖBB, Deutsche Bahn, and ÖBB | Euro City (EC). With comfortable seating and picturesque views along the way, passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience as they traverse from Austria to Switzerland.
Traveling from Salzburg to Lucerne takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes, with a total of 0 direct connections available each day. Passengers will need to make transfers during their journey, as there are no non-stop services between these two cities.
The first daily train journey from Salzburg to Lucerne departs at 06:00 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the scenic beauty of Switzerland. The last departure is scheduled for 06:00 PM, allowing visitors ample time throughout the day to enjoy both cities' attractions and culture before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Salzburg and Lucerne is €30. The average ticket price typically hovers around €96, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these beautiful cities in Austria and Switzerland.
Welcome to Chapel Bridge, or Kapellbrücke, a stunning wooden bridge dating back to the 14th century that not only serves as a vital connection across the Reuss River but also stands as one of Switzerland's most iconic landmarks. Its significance lies in its rich history and unique design featuring painted panels that depict Lucerne’s historical events, making it an open-air gallery for visitors. As you stroll along this picturesque bridge adorned with vibrant flowers, take a moment to appreciate how it has survived fires and floods while still retaining its charm.
Next on our journey is the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), which commemorates Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution in 1792. This poignant sculpture carved into sandstone captures both beauty and sorrow; it's often described as "the saddest lion in the world," symbolizing bravery amidst tragedy. The monument's intricate details evoke deep emotions, inviting reflection on sacrifice and loyalty—an experience every visitor should cherish.
Finally, we arrive at Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), renowned for its breathtaking scenery surrounded by majestic mountains and charming villages dotted along its shores. This glacial lake holds immense significance not just for locals but also for tourists seeking adventure through boat cruises or hiking trails offering panoramic views of nature’s splendor. Unique features like its fjord-like arms create hidden coves perfect for exploration; don’t miss out on capturing unforgettable memories against this stunning backdrop!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salzburg 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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