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

Sat 29 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Lucerne

Showing times and prices for 02 Dec

Cheapest price

£74

Average price

£102

Fastest journey

5 h 8 m

Average duration

5 h 42 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 £102 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £74.

Fast trains

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

Deutsche BahnEC 7 · IR 2327
08:536h12
Cologne Hbf
15:05Lucerne station
£741One-way
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 173
09:536h12
Cologne Hbf
16:05Lucerne station
£981One-way
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 121 · ICE 277 · IR 2327
09:285h37
Cologne Hbf
15:05Lucerne station
£1051One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 515 · ICE 277 · IR 2327
09:575h08
Cologne Messe/Deutz
15:05Lucerne station
£1071One-way
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2473
09:105h20
Cologne Messe/Deutz
14:30Lucerne station
£1071One-way
2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train 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 £23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. 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 £23, and a flight costs an average of £55.

Distance: 443 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£78

Average Price

£44

Average Price

Cheapest

£185

Average Price

6h 2m

Average total duration

5h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 18m

Average total duration

8h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 16m

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

BlaBlaCar

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, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 03:25
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahnICE 11 · ICE 71 · IR 2473
On time
07:18 Cologne Hbf
6h12
13:30 Lucerne station
2 changes
deutsche_bahnEC 7 · IR 2327
Delayed
07:54 07:53Cologne Hbf
6h12
14:05 Lucerne station
1 change
deutsche_bahnICE 915 · ICE 71 · IR 2473
On time
08:10 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h20
13:30 Lucerne station
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 121 · ICE 277 · IR 2327
On time
08:28 Cologne Hbf
5h37
14:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 27 · ICE 225 · ICE 73 · EC 173
On time
08:53 Cologne Hbf
6h12
15:05 Lucerne station
3 changes
deutsche_bahnICE 515 · ICE 277 · IR 2327
On time
08:57 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h08
14:05 Lucerne station
2 changes

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 coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train 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.

Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
Sat
13 Dec
Sun
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
Wed
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec

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 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 5h 10m.

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 £23
Distance
443 km
Average train duration
5h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£35
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 10m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:55
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 £23

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Lucerne from £23. 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 10m
Cheapest Price
£35
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

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
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.
A day trip from Cologne to Lucerne is not feasible since the travel time is 5h 10m. However, there are 8 train journeys per day covering the 443 km, allowing for flexibility in planning longer stays.
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.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Cologne to Lucerne is by coach, costing approximately £23.
The cost of a train ticket from Cologne to Lucerne can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The train distance from Cologne to Lucerne is 443 km.
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.
The last train from Cologne to Lucerne departs at 23:55.
The train journey from Cologne to Lucerne covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 5h 10m. Trains run 8 per day.
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 first train from Cologne to Lucerne leaves at 0:05.
Trains from Cologne to Lucerne run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cologne to Lucerne.
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 coach, train and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cologne and Lucerne

Cologne
Lucerne
The major train station for departures in Cologne is Köln Hbf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Köln Hbf for your trip from Cologne to Lucerne.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 21:00
  • Sat - Sun: 07:00 - 21:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only.
Lockers
Lockers
  • There are luggage lockers in the station.
Dining
Dining
  • asiagourmet
  • Coffee Fellows
  • dean&david
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • KFC
  • McDonald's
  • Pizza Hut
  • Nordsee
  • Starbucks
  • Schweinske
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Hotel
Hotel
  • Wyndham Koeln
  • Hilton Cologne
  • Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • One near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Köln-EhrenfeldWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Dining
Dining
  • I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato
  • Burger King
  • Café Franck
  • Eichendorf
Hotel
Hotel
  • Kölnotel
  • Black Hotels
Köln/Bonn FlughafenWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Friday: 09:00 13:00 - 12:30 18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 13:30 - 13:00 16:00
  • Sunday: 12:00 16:00 - 15:30 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Dining
Dining
  • Café Bistro Leysieffer
  • Mishba
  • Ständige Vertretung
  • Kamps
Köln SüdWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Subway
  • Ganesha
  • Magnus
  • Borsalino
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Chelsea
  • Hotel Mado
  • Elite Hotel
  • Blacksheep Hostel
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
10 km
Dining
Dining
  • Weiler Kebap
  • Başak Grill
  • Le'zzet
  • Seniorencafé Treffpunkt
Hotel
Hotel
  • Haus Wester
Köln Messe/DeutzWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Monday: 06:00 - 19:00
  • Tuesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Wednesday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Thursday: 07:00 - 19:00
  • Friday: 07:00 - 20:00
  • Saturday: 08:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Dining
Dining
  • Imbiss Athena
  • Arena Grill
  • Cafe Especial
  • Joe Champs
Hotel
Hotel
  • Pension Helenenwall
  • Zur guten Quelle
  • Zum Goldenen Hut
  • Merlin
Köln, Porz BfWifiLockersShoppingParkingTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
9 km
Köln, Breslauer Platz/HbfAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

More options for your journey from Cologne to Lucerne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone