Cologne to Lucerne train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE,IC,EC)

Thu 16 Jul
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Lucerne

Showing times and prices for 16 Jul

Cheapest price

£61

Average price

£75

Fastest journey

5 h 11 m

Average duration

5 h 50 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

443 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cologne to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cologne to Lucerne will cost around £75 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.

Fast trains

To travel from Cologne to Lucerne you need to make at least one change.

  • Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IR 2473
    8:545h36
    Cologne Hbf
    14:30Lucerne station
    £611One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
    8:536h12
    Cologne Hbf
    15:05Lucerne station
    £681One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 105 · IR 2477
    10:545h36
    Cologne Hbf
    16:30Lucerne station
    £701One-way
    1 change
  • Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
    9:545h11
    Cologne Hbf
    15:05Lucerne station
    £791One-way
    2 changes
  • Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371 · IR 2479
    10:536h37
    Cologne Hbf
    17:30Lucerne station
    £811One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Cologne to Lucerne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cologne to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a flight costs an average of £109.

Distance: 443 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£102

Average Price

£45

Average Price

Cheapest

£382

Average Price

5h 45m

Average total duration

5h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 29m

Average total duration

8h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cologne to Lucerne train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lucerne trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnIC 2040 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
On time
8:53 Cologne Hbf
6h12
15:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 103 · IR 2473
Delayed
6:57 8:54Cologne Hbf
5h36
14:30 Lucerne station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 977
On time
9:53 Cologne Hbf
7h12
17:05 Lucerne station
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 279 · IR 2327
Delayed
8:22 9:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
15:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 2013 · ICE 371 · IR 2479
On time
10:53 Cologne Hbf
6h37
17:30 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 105 · IR 2477
Delayed
8:57 10:54Cologne Hbf
5h36
16:30 Lucerne station
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cologne to Lucerne by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

Thu
16 Jul
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Why should you book Cologne to Lucerne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn as well as Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) offer trains services from Cologne to Lucerne.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cologne to Lucerne.

Why book with Omio vs Deutsche Bahn?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Deutsche Bahn, but also compare tickets for the likes of Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) to find the best option for your trip from Cologne to Lucerne.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Deutsche Bahn with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cologne to Lucerne.

Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cologne to Lucerne.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cologne to Lucerne?

The best time to book your train from Cologne to Lucerne is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cologne to Lucerne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cologne to Lucerne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cologne to Lucerne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Lucerne

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Lucerne run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 5h 11m.

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
Coach from £30
Distance
443 km
Average train duration
5h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
£47
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 11m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
77 days
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
Coach from £30

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) from Cologne to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn, Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) trains will get you between Cologne and Lucerne from £30. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Deutsche Bahn

About
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s main train operator, running around 40,000 domestic and international services each day. Its fleet includes a variety of train types: high-speed ICE (Intercity Express) trains, reaching up to 300 km/h; IC (Intercity) and EC (EuroCity) trains for long-distance travel; and IRE (Interregio-Express), RE (Regional Express), and RB (Regionalbahn) services for regional and local connections. While bathrooms are standard on all trains, amenities such as onboard restaurants and free Wi-Fi are available only on certain train types and routes. DB offers a wide range of fares, including Super Saver, Saver, and Flexible tickets, along with discount cards like the BahnCard 25, 50, and 100. Additional options include single tickets, day tickets, and group tickets. Popular routes include Berlin–Munich, Hamburg–Frankfurt, Cologne–Stuttgart, Berlin–Dresden, and Hamburg–Cologne, as well as numerous regional services across Germany.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest Price
£47
Deutsche Bahn frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Passengers are allowed to bring hand luggage and one additional larger item free of charge, provided they can carry it themselves
Luggage storage
Luggage can be stored in overhead racks, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas near the doors or in the middle of the carriage.
Cancellation Policy
Tickets can be canceled based on their fare conditions as mentioned in what type of train tickets are refundable?
Refund
If DB cancels a train, passengers are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Most ICE and many IC/EC trains have:
A Bordrestaurant (restaurant car) where you can sit and eat.
A Bordbistro (bistro bar) with snacks, hot meals, and drinks to-go.
At-seat service in 1st class: staff will take your order and serve food/drinks directly to your seat.
Regional trains (RE / RB / S-Bahn):
No onboard catering.
You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Seat reservation
Second Class:
Not included by default.
You can add a seat reservation when booking (recommended for busy routes).
Costs around €4.90 per seat (or €5.90 if booked separately later).
First Class:
Yes, always included in the ticket price.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
DB trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and assistance services.
Pets
Small pets (e.g. cats, small dogs, etc.):
Allowed for free if they can fit in a transport box (max. size: hand luggage).
Must stay in the box for the entire journey.
Large dogs:
Require a separate (paid) ticket — typically half the price of a regular second-class ticket.
Must be leashed and wear a muzzle while on the train.
Cannot sit on seats.
Assistance dogs:
Travel free of charge.
Do not need a muzzle or leash if medically not required.
Allowed to accompany the passenger at all times.
Quiet zone

Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 11m
Cheapest Price
£135
Deutsche Bahn Intercity (DB IC) frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Cologne to Lucerne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cologne 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Lucerne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £102.
The train journey from Cologne to Lucerne covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 5h 11m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cologne to Lucerne is 443 km.
The first train from Cologne to Lucerne leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Cologne to Lucerne departs at 23:55.
Trains from Cologne to Lucerne run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Lucerne.
To get from Cologne to Lucerne, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Cologne to Lucerne.
The train station in Cologne that goes to Lucerne is Cologne Hbf, and it arrives at Lucerne station.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Lucerne is by coach, costing approximately £30.
Booking trains from Cologne to Lucerne in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Cologne to Lucerne is scenic, offering views of the Rhine River, charming German towns, and the picturesque Swiss landscapes as you approach Lucerne.
A day trip from Cologne to Lucerne is not feasible since the travel time is 5h 11m. However, there are 8 train journeys per day covering the 443 km, allowing for flexibility in planning longer stays.
In Lucerne, you can enjoy a boat tour or scenic walk around the picturesque 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 for an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss the historic Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, the interactive Swiss Museum of Transport, and the medieval Museggmauer wall with its panoramic views.
Three days in Lucerne is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, and the Swiss Transport Museum, while also enjoying scenic boat trips on Lake Lucerne.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Lucerne.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Lucerne

Most Cologne to Lucerne trains use the Köln Hbf to Luzern Bhf station pair, with some services arriving at Luzern, Bahnhof. Use this guide to compare Cologne and Lucerne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cologne
Arrival train stations in Lucerne

Which Cologne station do trains to Lucerne leave from?

Trains from Cologne to Lucerne leave from Köln Hbf. The station is 1 km from Cologne city centre at Trankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, Germany.
Köln HbfTrankgasse 11, 50667 Cologne, GermanyWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Hbf from Cologne city centre

Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 16m · £6 · every ~3 min
BusIvano-Frankivsk · 20m
Subway16 · 46m · £4 · every ~9 min
18, 16 · 51m · £4 · every ~14 min

Köln Hbf train station facilities and services

Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.

Köln Messe/DeutzKöln Messe/Deutz, Ottoplatz 7, 50679 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln Messe/Deutz from Cologne city centre

Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRb26 · 12m · £3 · every ~3 min
Subway1, 9, 4, 3 · 15m · £2 · every ~52 min

Köln Messe/Deutz train station facilities and services

Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.

Köln/Bonn FlughafenKöln/Bonn Flughafen, Waldstraße 247, 51147 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln/Bonn Flughafen from Cologne city centre

Köln/Bonn Flughafen is 13 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Rb26 · 21m · £4
Re · 23m · every ~2 min
BusS19, S12 · 29m · £4

Köln/Bonn Flughafen train station facilities and services

Köln/Bonn Flughafen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café Bistro Leysieffer, Mishba, Ständige Vertretung, Kamps

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. ATMs are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Information desks are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln/Bonn Flughafen.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Lucerne

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