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This page was last updated by All routes from Zurich to Lucerne 
| Timetable and tickets | Mode of transport | Route | Scenery score | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More | Train | Route 1: direct | 2/5 | 40-50 minutes (from the airport: 70 minutes) |
| More | Train | Route 2: train + boat | 4/5 | 5 hours |
| Car | Route 1: direct | 1/5 | 50 minutes (from the airport: 55 minutes) |
➤ Discounts if you have a train pass
| Pass | Discount |
|---|---|
| Day Pass | Free:
|
| Eurail Global Pass | Free:
|
| Interrail Switzerland Pass | Free:
|
| Lucerne Travel Pass | Free:
|
| Saver Day Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Discount 50%:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass | Free:
|
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Free:
|
The Zurich to Lucerne routes
There are two public transport routes (direct and scenic), and one direct route by road. The train routes start at the airport train station “Zürich Flughafen” or the main station “Zürich HB”. These stations are 10 minutes apart.
Train route 1: the direct, fast train from Zurich to Lucerne
You need route 1 if you want the quickest, most comfortable connection.
- Duration: 70 minutes from “Zürich Flughafen” (Zurich Airport), 40-50 minutes from “Zürich HB” (the main station). Check the timetable.
- Minimum transfers: 0.
Route details: simply take any direct train to Lucerne. If you don’t want to wait for the next direct train, you can take one of the connections with a change of trains.
Train route 2: the scenic train and boat route from Zurich to Lucerne
Route 2 combines the train with a beautiful boat ride on Lake Lucerne. You’ll arrive at the same location as route 1, because the boat dock is across the Lucerne main station.
- Duration: 5 hours. Check the timetable.
- Minimum transfers: 1, in Flüelen. Plus a transfer at “Zürich HB” (main station) if you start from the airport.
Route details:
- Take a train to Flüelen.
- Transfer to the boat to Lucerne. It’s a 1-minute walk from the train to the boat.
I highly recommend this route as it’s much more scenic than route 1. The train ride takes 70 minutes, and you’ll pass 4 lakes. The transfer from the train to the boat in Flüelen is easy, even with luggage. The entry into Lucerne by boat is much more impressive than by train, and the entire boat ride is scenic from the start.
Car route 1: direct via the motorway
- Duration: 55 minutes from the airport, or 50 minutes from the Zurich city center.
- Note: traffic jams are not uncommon, so do take a longer journey into account.
Route details:
- Take the A4 motorway south.
- Continue on the A14 motorway.
- Just before Lucerne, the A14 merges with the A2 motorway.
- Take exit 26 “Luzern-Zentrum” for the city center, or exit 27 “Luzern-Kriens” to enter the city from the south.
Video of the Zurich to Lucerne routes
➤ Price & where to buy Zurich to Lucerne train tickets
What does a train ride from Zurich to Lucerne cost?
The price of a single full-fare 2nd class ticket for the direct route (route 1) is CHF 27 from the main station Zürich HB, or CHF 31 from the airport.
Do I need a ticket if I have a rail pass?
You do not need a ticket if you have a rail pass that allows free travel, such as the Swiss Travel Pass.
With other rail passes, you might only need a discounted ticket (for example with the Swiss Half Fare Card), or a ticket for part of the route.
Check rail pass discounts here.
Do I need a reservation?
You don't need reservations for any of the trains between Zurich and Lucerne.
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