- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Swiss Transport Museum with trains, planes, cars, simulators, and media exhibits. Lucerne’s top family-friendly museum.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
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 an average ticket price of €17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €17, while a train costs an average of €84.
Distance: 56 miles (91 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€84 Average price | €17 Average price Cheapest | €23 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 €17.
This is compared to other travel options from St Gallen to Lucerne:
A bus is €67 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St Gallen to Lucerne costing on average €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 €84 compared to roughly €23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-61.18. 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.
Tue
Sep 08
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
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 €84 but you can travel from only €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 €8
Distance 56 miles (91 km) |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €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 €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 €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 Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) Price
€84
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
34 a day
Südostbahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Südostbahn 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
Sammlung Rosengart
Collection of Pablo Picasso works in a historic building once linked to the artist’s celebrated 1930s Lucerne exhibition.
- Recommended
Kunstmuseum Luzern
Jean Nouvel-designed art museum showing modern and contemporary works in a superb lakeside cultural complex.
- Must visit
Weinmarkt
Preserved old town square lined with frescoed historic buildings, fountains, and guild houses. A classic Lucerne photo stop.
- Recommended
Rathausquai
Car-free riverside promenade beside the Reuss with shops and facades. Ideal for strolling between major old town sights.
- Recommended
Nationalquai
Elegant lakefront promenade with mountain views, grand hotels, and access to the KKL and boat piers.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Rösti
Crisp potato rösti from Central Switzerland, often served plain or topped. It is a beloved Swiss staple found in Lucerne homes and taverns.
- Vegetarian
Cheese Fondue
Rich melted cheese with bread, potatoes, or pickles. A classic Swiss communal meal that reflects alpine dairy traditions popular around Lucerne.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Raclette
Melted raclette cheese scraped over potatoes and pickles. It is a hearty mountain dish widely enjoyed across Switzerland, including Lucerne.
Restaurant Olivo
Elegant fine dining focused on creative French-Swiss cuisine with lake views and a long-standing reputation for special occasions.
Wirtshaus Galliker
Historic riverside restaurant known for Lucerne classics like Chügelipastete in a traditional setting near the old town.
Brasserie VICO
Refined lakeside dining with seasonal Swiss cuisine and polished service in the grand Hotel Schweizerhof.
Swiss franc (CHF)
Lucerne is pricier than most European cities, with high hotel rates, meals, and local transport, especially in peak tourist season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- CHF 30-50 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- CHF 80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- CHF 4.50-6 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for great service. Round up taxi fares and leave small change at cafes.
Fairtiq
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- CHF 2.60
- Day pass
- CHF 8.60
To the city center
Luzern Verkehrshaus -> Luzern Bahnhof, Lucerne
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Buy your ticket before boarding; buses in Lucerne do not sell tickets on board. Use FAIRTIQ or ticket machines.
- Contactless card payment is available at many ticket machines, but not directly on most buses. Validate your fare before travel.
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 €84, while the average price is around €84.
The train from St Gallen to Lucerne takes 1h 53m and runs 50 per day.
The first train from St Gallen to Lucerne leaves at 4:37 AM.
The distance by train from St Gallen to Lucerne is 56 miles (91 km).
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 €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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
