Train options from Lucerne to Zurich airport?

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is seeking advice about taking a train from Lucerne to Zurich Airport for their departure back to the U.S. They want to know about the logistics, how to get to the main terminal, and how early to arrive at the airport for an international flight.

Key takeaways:
  • Direct trains from Lucerne to Zurich Airport take about 1 hour, while connecting trains add another 7-8 minutes.
  • Arriving at Zurich Airport via train means you'll be below the main terminal; follow signs and take escalators up to check-in, which should take around 10-12 minutes.
  • It’s advisable to arrive at least 2 hours before your international flight.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    3 March 2018 at 16:59:13 #814598

    Wanting advice on travelling by train from lucerne to zurich airport for departure back to the U.S. at the end of our trip. What does this look like logistically, does this bring you into the main terminal at the airport, how early should we plan to arrive at the airport on this train to allow ourselves the time we need to navigate this airport and fly out on an international flight? Thank you for the help.

  • User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 1 of 4 • 3 March 2018 at 18:04:45 #877618

    Hi mommamenges,

    It is quite easy to do this trip. The timetable here will show you exactly how it works on the date and time of travel you need. Enter Lucerne to Zurich airport on the date you want.

    There are trains traveling direct from Lucerne to Zurich airport (others will require a train change at Zurich main station). Direct trains take 1 hour and connecting trains an extra 7/8 minutes.

    You arrive below Zurich airport so you just need to take escalators up to the next floor where you may be able to check-in (depending on airline). Most airlines have check-in one more floor up and another short walk. So worst-case, if you have a big family with kids & luggage etc maybe 10-12 minutes after getting off the train you’ll be at a check-in desk.

    Certainly everything is well signed. You can find details about Zurich airport on our website here. There is a link on this page for airport terminal plans as well.

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    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 2 of 4 • 4 March 2018 at 3:32:13 #877619

    How early before flight is advisable to be at zurich airport to depart for an international flight?

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 3 of 4 • 4 March 2018 at 4:51:43 #877620

    I would give yourself 2 hours prior to an international departure.

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 4 of 4 • 4 March 2018 at 5:29:48 #877621

    thank you

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