- Must visit
Swiss Museum of Transport
Major transport museum with trains, planes, automobiles and interactive exhibits. Excellent for families and anyone curious about mobility.
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£31
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 1 m
Trains per day
71
Distance
79 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basel to Lucerne will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
Of the 71 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne every day 27 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 1 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
IC 21 659 | 659
IR 27 2459 | 2459
IC 21 663 | 663
IR 27 2461 | 2461
IR 27 2469 | 2469
IC 21 667 | 667
IR 26 2315 | 2315
IC 21 659 | 659
IR 26 2311 | 2311
IC 21 663 | 663Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £20, and a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 79 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price |
1h 40m Average total duration 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne trains for tomorrow, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IR 26 2347 | 2347 | 0:04 Basel SBB | 1h12 | 1:16 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 2349 | 2349 | 1:00 Basel SBB | 1h17 | 2:17 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
S 1 17001 | 17001 · S 1 17009 | 17009 · SN 1 13715 | 13715 · RE N7 2607 | 2607 | 1:20 Basel SBB | 3h03 | 4:23 Lucerne station | 3 changes | |
S 3 17015 | 17015 · S 29 8912 | 8912 | 3:45 Basel SBB | 2h00 | 5:45 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
S 3 17313 | 17313 · S 29 8916 | 8916 · S 1 21116 | 21116 | 4:38 Basel SBB | 2h07 | 6:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 659 | 659 | 5:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 6:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 607 | 607 · RE 24 4709 | 4709 | 5:24 Basel SBB | 1h31 | 6:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 551 | 551 · IR 75 2106 | 2106 | 5:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 7:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 61 957 | 957 · S 29 8920 | 8920 · S 1 21120 | 21120 | 5:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 7:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2311 | 2311 | 6:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 7:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3 1057 | 1057 · IR 70 2613 | 2613 | 6:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 7:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2459 | 2459 | 6:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 7:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 61 | 61 · RE 24 4711 | 4711 | 6:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 7:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 559 | 559 · IR 75 2108 | 2108 | 6:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 8:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 6 959 | 959 · S 29 8924 | 8924 · S 1 21124 | 21124 | 6:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 8:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 663 | 663 | 7:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 8:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3 761 | 761 · IR 70 2615 | 2615 | 7:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 8:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2461 | 2461 | 7:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 8:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 611 | 611 · RE 24 4713 | 4713 | 7:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 8:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 561 | 561 · IR 75 2110 | 2110 | 7:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 9:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
ICE 271 | 271 · S 29 8928 | 8928 · S 1 21128 | 21128 | 7:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 9:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2315 | 2315 | 8:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 9:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 3 763 | 763 · IR 70 2617 | 2617 | 8:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 9:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2463 | 2463 | 8:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 9:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 6 613 | 613 · RE 24 4715 | 4715 | 8:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 9:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 563 | 563 · IR 75 2112 | 2112 | 8:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 10:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 6 963 | 963 · S 29 8932 | 8932 · S 1 21132 | 21132 | 8:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 10:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 667 | 667 | 9:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 10:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 273 | 273 · IR 70 2619 | 2619 | 9:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 10:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2465 | 2465 | 9:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 10:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 615 | 615 · RE 24 4717 | 4717 | 9:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 10:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 553 | 553 · IR 75 2114 | 2114 | 9:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 11:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 61 965 | 965 · S 29 8936 | 8936 · S 1 21136 | 21136 | 9:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 11:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2319 | 2319 | 10:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 11:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 275 | 275 · IR 70 2621 | 2621 | 10:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 11:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2467 | 2467 | 10:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 11:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 63 | 63 · RE 24 4719 | 4719 | 10:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 11:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
TGV 9203 | 9203 · IR 75 2116 | 2116 | 10:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 12:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
ICE 101 | 101 · S 29 8940 | 8940 · S 1 21140 | 21140 | 10:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 12:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 671 | 671 | 11:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 12:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2469 | 2469 | 11:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 12:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 619 | 619 · RE 24 4721 | 4721 | 11:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 12:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 569 | 569 · IR 75 2118 | 2118 | 11:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 13:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 61 969 | 969 · S 29 8944 | 8944 · S 1 21144 | 21144 | 11:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 13:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2323 | 2323 | 12:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 13:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
ICE 277 | 277 · IR 70 2625 | 2625 | 12:07 Basel SBB | 1h44 | 13:51 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IR 27 2471 | 2471 | 12:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 13:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
EC 65 | 65 · RE 24 4723 | 4723 | 12:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 13:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 591 | 591 · IR 75 2120 | 2120 | 12:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 14:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 6 971 | 971 · S 29 8948 | 8948 · S 1 21148 | 21148 | 12:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 14:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 675 | 675 | 13:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 14:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2473 | 2473 | 13:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 14:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 623 | 623 · RE 24 4725 | 4725 | 13:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 14:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
TGV 9211 | 9211 · IR 75 2122 | 2122 | 13:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 15:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
ICE 279 | 279 · S 29 8952 | 8952 · S 1 21152 | 21152 | 13:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 15:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2327 | 2327 | 14:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 15:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2475 | 2475 | 14:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 15:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 6 625 | 625 · RE 24 4727 | 4727 | 14:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 15:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 575 | 575 · IR 75 2124 | 2124 | 14:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 16:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 6 975 | 975 · S 29 8956 | 8956 · S 1 21156 | 21156 | 14:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 16:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
EC 173 | 173 | 15:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 16:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2477 | 2477 | 15:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 16:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 61 627 | 627 · RE 24 4729 | 4729 | 15:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 16:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 61 977 | 977 · S 29 8960 | 8960 · S 1 21160 | 21160 | 15:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 17:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IR 26 2331 | 2331 | 16:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 17:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2479 | 2479 | 16:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 17:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IC 6 629 | 629 · RE 24 4731 | 4731 | 16:30 Basel SBB | 1h25 | 17:55 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
IC 3 579 | 579 · IR 75 2582 | 2582 | 16:33 Basel SBB | 1h52 | 18:25 Lucerne station | 1 change | |
ICE 107 | 107 · S 29 8964 | 8964 · S 1 21164 | 21164 | 16:58 Basel SBB | 1h47 | 18:45 Lucerne station | 2 changes | |
IC 21 683 | 683 | 17:04 Basel SBB | 1h01 | 18:05 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
IR 27 2481 | 2481 | 17:16 Basel SBB | 1h14 | 18:30 Lucerne station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Basel to Lucerne run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 79 km distance in 1h 1m.
Distance 79 km |
Average train duration 1h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 1m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
Major transport museum with trains, planes, automobiles and interactive exhibits. Excellent for families and anyone curious about mobility.
Art museum at KKL with modern and classical exhibitions. A strong choice for thoughtful shows in a prominent lakeside cultural venue.
Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s later years, showing works and photographs in a central old-town building near the Reuss.
Car-free old town area with painted facades, fountains and lively lanes. Ideal for wandering, shopping and seeing Lucerne beyond the postcard icons.
Lakeside promenade and district with grand villas, gardens and mountain views. Perfect for an easy walk away from the busiest centre streets.
Hilltop viewpoint above Lucerne reached by funicular, with broad panoramas over the city, lake and surrounding mountains.
A rich cheese fondue often made with Swiss cheeses and white wine. A classic shared Alpine dish widely enjoyed in Lucerne, especially in colder months.
Swiss rösti of grated potatoes fried until crisp and often served as a side or main. It is a staple across Central Switzerland and common in Lucerne inns.
Pasta-like dumplings from Central Switzerland, traditionally served with cheese, onions or apple sauce. A hearty rustic dish linked to Alpine farming traditions.
Refined dining venue by the lake with seasonal cuisine, polished service and elegant surroundings suited to a special meal.
Well-known old-town Swiss restaurant serving fondue, raclette and hearty regional food in a lively, traditional setting.
Casual Lucerne institution popular for crisp potato rösti with varied toppings, offering a relaxed and reliable Swiss meal near the centre.
Lucerne is pricier than most European cities, with high hotel, dining and local transport costs, especially in peak tourist season.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service in restaurants. Round up small amounts for taxis and cafés.
Official public transport app
Luzern Bahnhof -> Luzern Bahnhof
Travellers planning a Swiss rail trip can take frequent daily direct trains from Basel to Lucerne. Journey times for the route south-east from Basel take just over one hour. Trains operate roughly three times an hour from early morning to late evening. Some additional indirect services to Lucerne from Basel require a brief change at Olten.
Daily schedules provide regular direct trains from Basel to Lucerne seven days a week. There are roughly three trains an hour to the central station in Lucerne. Some additional indirect daily services involve a change at Olten. Sunday timetables provide slightly fewer direct connections.
The fastest train from Basel completes the 67-mile trip south-east to Lucerne in one hour and two minutes. Other direct connections can take between five and 11 minutes longer to reach Lucerne. Indirect connections take around one hour and 27 minutes, with a wait of about 11 minutes between connections at Olten.
Departure station: Basel station is located south-east of the city centre, taking around 20 minutes to reach on foot, with most local tram routes and S-Bahn trains offering links to the station in around 10 minutes. The station concourse has a food supermarket, fast food outlets, coffee bars, cash points and luggage storage lockers.
Arrival station: Lucerne Central Station is located in the centre of the city, close to the lake, and is a short walk from the old quarter. Facilities at the terminus include a shopping mall with luxury fashion stores, a food court, coffee shops, cash points, luggage storage lockers, car rental desks and a taxi stand.
Swiss Federal Railways, known as SBB, CFF and FFS in German, French, and Italian, provides all the direct and indirect trains from Basel to Lucerne. The SBB trains operating on this route are either InterCity express trains or InterRegional local services, with most trains offering double-decker seating levels.
Swiss Federal Railways schedules for trains from Basel to Lucerne offer travellers a choice of InterRegional and InterCity services. There is a frequent direct service to Lucerne from early morning to late at night, with around three departures an hour throughout the day and evening, and some indirect connections via Olten. Timings for the direct journey range from one hour and two minutes to one hour and 13 minutes.
The SBB InterCity and InterRegional trains on this route from Basel to Lucerne offer a choice of first or second-class seating. InterCity trains include a cafe-bistro, a family zone and quiet carriage. All SBB trains provide low-floor access for wheelchair users and dedicated wheelchair areas on board. Dogs travel with their owners for half the price of a second-class ticket, while small pets in carriers travel for free. Cyclists can take their bike on the train with a purchase of a bike ticket. Travellers with a large amount of luggage can purchase a door-to-door or station-to-station check-in service.
The frequency of direct trains between Basel and Lucerne ensures that it is usually fairly straightforward to find the best fares for the journey. If timing is important, it is sensible to book well in advance, especially for peak time travel. Tickets for InterRegional services are usually, but not always, the cheaper option for trips to Lucerne.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel 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.

Most Basel to Lucerne trains use the Basel SBB to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern, Bahnhof. Use this guide to compare Basel and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basel SBB is 1 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel SBB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Da Roberto, Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel SBB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel SBB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel SBB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel SBB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel SBB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Victoria, Hotel Schweizerhof Basel, GAIA Hotel.
Basel, Brausebad has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station. ATMs are available at Basel, Brausebad.
Ticket office support is available at Basel, Brausebad.
Available at Basel, Brausebad: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel, Brausebad: The station has accessible entrances and facilities.
Basel Bad Bhf is 2 km from Basel city centre. Public transport options include:
Basel Bad Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Les Gareçons, Restaurant Bahn Kantine
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Basel Bad Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Basel Bad Bhf: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basel Bad Bhf: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Alexander, Hotel Wettstein, Hotel Balade.
Luzern Bhf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Luzern, Bahnhof has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern, Bahnhof.
Luzern Verkehrshaus is 2 km from Lucerne city centre. Public transport options include:
Luzern Verkehrshaus has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
ATMs are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Parking, WC.
Available at Luzern Verkehrshaus: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Verkehrshaus.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need