- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for St Gallen to Lucerne
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St Gallen to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $104.
Distance: 56 miles (91 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 16m Average total duration 8h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from St Gallen to Lucerne is a bus with an average price of $21 (€17).
This is compared to other travel options from St Gallen to Lucerne:
A bus is $83 (€67) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St Gallen to Lucerne costing on average $104 (€84).
The fastest way to travel from St Gallen to Lucerne is by train with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Lucerne take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St Gallen and Lucerne including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from St Gallen to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $104 (€84) compared to roughly $28 (€23) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-76.13 (€-61.37). The journey takes 2h 10m versus 1h 41m 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 St Gallen to Lucerne by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from St Gallen to Lucerne
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Trains from St Gallen to Lucerne run on average 50 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $104 (€84) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 1h 53m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€8)
Distance 56 miles (91 km) |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $104 (€84) |
Trains per day 50 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 1h 53m |
First train 4:37 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€8)
Train companies: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from St Gallen to Lucerne trainsSwiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between St Gallen and Lucerne from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€84)
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
34 a day
Südostbahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 16m
Südostbahn frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Lucerne
Things to do in Lucerne
Discover the best of Lucerne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lucerne trip today.
- Must visit
Rosengart Collection
Major art museum in central Lucerne featuring important works by Picasso, Klee and Impressionist masters from the renowned Rosengart collection.
- Recommended
Glacier Garden Lucerne
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.
- Must visit
Lucerne Old Town
The historic heart of the city, filled with painted facades, fountains, guildhalls and lively lanes that are ideal for wandering on foot.
- Must visit
Lake Lucerne Promenade
Scenic waterfront walking area with mountain views, elegant hotels, boat activity and classic postcard perspectives of Lucerne.
- Recommended
Weinmarkt
Historic square in the old town surrounded by decorated buildings, central to Lucerne’s medieval atmosphere and a popular photo stop.
Luzerner Chügelipastete
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.
- Vegetarian
Älplermagronen
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Rösti
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.
Wirtshaus Galliker
Historic traditional inn known for classic Lucerne and Swiss dishes, especially Luzerner Chügelipastete, in an old-school local atmosphere.
Restaurant Balances
Well-known stylish restaurant on the Reuss with refined Swiss and international cooking, plus excellent river and old town views.
Old Swiss House
Established upscale Lucerne restaurant famous for classic Swiss hospitality and tableside Wienerschnitzel in an elegant historic setting.
Swiss Franc
Lucerne is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transport are pricey, though supermarkets help budget travelers.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- CHF 90+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
Fairtiq
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.60
- Day pass
- CHF 8.60
To the city center
Luzern Railway Station, Lucerne -> Lucerne City Center
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tap-and-go ticketing is available via Fairtiq, which is widely used for local buses in Lucerne. Buy before boarding if you are not using the app.
- Card payment is generally accepted at ticket machines, but not always directly on board buses. Validate that your ticket covers the correct fare zones.
FAQs: Trains from St Gallen to Lucerne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Gallen 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.
Train ticket prices from St Gallen to Lucerne can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $104 (€84), while the average price is around $104 (€84).
The train from St Gallen to Lucerne takes 1h 53m and runs 50 per day.
The distance by train from St Gallen to Lucerne is 56 miles (91 km).
The first train from St Gallen to Lucerne leaves at 4:37 AM.
The last train from St Gallen to Lucerne leaves at 10:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from St Gallen to Lucerne.
Yes, there is a direct train from St Gallen to Lucerne. This service operates 13 times per day, provided by Südostbahn.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from St Gallen to Lucerne.
The cheapest way to get from St Gallen to Lucerne is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
Yes, the train journey from St Gallen to Lucerne is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss countryside, including rolling hills, charming villages, and glimpses of Lake Lucerne as you approach your destination.
A day trip from St Gallen to Lucerne is not feasible as the travel time is 1h 53m. However, there are 16 trains per day covering the 56 miles (91 km) journey.
In Lucerne, you can enjoy a picturesque boat tour or scenic walk by Lake Lucerne, explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, and visit the Richard Wagner Museum. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne for breathtaking mountain views or ride the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus. Don't miss the historic Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and the interactive Swiss Museum of Transport. For panoramic views, visit Mount Pilatus via cable car or cogwheel railway and explore the medieval Museggmauer city wall with its nine towers.
To fully enjoy Lucerne's key attractions such as Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, and the Chapel Bridge, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows ample time for exploration and experiencing the city's charm.
Yes, you can take the train from St Gallen to Lucerne.
Lucerne is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Lucerne include Zurich, Interlaken, Basel, Bern, Engelberg.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from St Gallen to Lucerne among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards; however, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and larger establishments, making card payments convenient. Cash is still useful for small purchases, local markets, or remote areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Lucerne, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like train stations and popular tourist spots. Common scams include distraction techniques used to steal wallets or bags. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of surroundings. Additionally, always use licensed taxi services and official ticket counters to avoid overcharging. Overall, Lucerne is considered safe, but standard urban vigilance is recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from St Gallen to Lucerne
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lucerne and St Gallen
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