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

Wed 14 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cologne to Lucerne

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£73

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£104

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

5 h 11 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

6 h

Trains on 14 Oct

9

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 £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.

Fast trains

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 9 trains from Cologne to Lucerne, including 9 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 443 km distance in an average of 6 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 11 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 12 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.

  • Deutsche Bahn
    7:536h12
    Cologne
    14:05Lucerne
    £731One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    8:545h11
    Cologne
    14:05Lucerne
    £731One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:426h23
    Cologne
    13:05Lucerne
    £771One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    6:536h12
    Cologne
    13:05Lucerne
    £781One-way
    0 changes
  • Deutsche Bahn
    9:536h12
    Cologne
    16:05Lucerne
    £901One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cologne to Lucerne

GermanyGermany
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Cologne to Lucerne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 443 km distance in 4h 32m.

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 £27
Distance
443 km
Average train duration
5h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£35
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
4h 32m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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 £27

Live departures

Cologne to Lucerne train times

The table below shows live departures for Cologne to Lucerne trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Deutsche BahnICE 225 · ECE 5 · IC 627 · RE 4729
Delayed
9:52 11:32Cologne Hbf
5h23
16:55 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 29 · ICE 919 · ICE 73 · EC 6711:53 Cologne Hbf
7h02
18:55 Lucerne station4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 517 · ICE 371 · IR 2331
Delayed
10:05 11:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
17:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1644 · ICE 373 · IR 233512:53 Cologne Hbf
6h12
19:05 Lucerne station2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 107 · IC 683
Delayed
10:59 12:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
18:05 Lucerne station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 919 · ICE 73 · EC 67 · RE 4733
On time
13:35 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h20
18:55 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 229 · ICE 1011 · ICE 7 · IC 635
On time
13:53 Cologne Hbf
7h02
20:55 Lucerne station
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 519 · ICE 373 · IR 2335
Delayed
12:03 13:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
19:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1946 · ICE 375 · IR 2339
On time
14:53 Cologne Hbf
6h12
21:05 Lucerne station
2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 109 · IC 687
Delayed
12:56 14:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
20:05 Lucerne station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1011 · ICE 7 · IC 635 · RE 4737
On time
15:31 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h24
20:55 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 927 · ICE 1013 · ICE 75 · IC 641
On time
15:53 Cologne Hbf
7h02
22:55 Lucerne station
4 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 611 · ICE 375 · IR 233915:54 Cologne Hbf
5h11
21:05 Lucerne station2 changes
Deutsche BahnIC 1948 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IR 2343
On time
16:53 Cologne Hbf
6h12
23:05 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 201 · IC 691
Delayed
14:56 16:54Cologne Hbf
5h11
22:05 Lucerne station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1013 · ICE 75 · IC 641 · RE 4741
Delayed
15:36 17:33Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h22
22:55 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 929 · ICE 1015 · ECE 9 · IR 2347
On time
17:53 Cologne Hbf
7h23
1:16 Lucerne station
3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 613 · ICE 377 · IC 989 · IR 234317:54 Cologne Hbf
5h11
23:05 Lucerne station3 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 613 · ICE 377 · RE 474317:54 Cologne Hbf
6h01
23:55 Lucerne station2 changes
Deutsche BahnICE 203 · IC 2345
On time
18:54 Cologne Hbf
5h11
0:05 Lucerne station
1 change
Deutsche BahnICE 1015 · ECE 9 · IR 2347
On time
19:30 Cologne Messe/Deutz
5h46
1:16 Lucerne station
2 changes
Wednesday 14 October
Deutsche Bahn5:53 Cologne
6h12
12:05 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn6:42 Cologne
6h23
13:05 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn6:53 Cologne
6h12
13:05 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:31 Cologne
6h54
14:25 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn7:53 Cologne
6h12
14:05 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:53 Cologne
7h02
15:55 Lucerne0 changesdirect
Deutsche Bahn8:54 Cologne
5h11
14:05 Lucerne0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cologne to Lucerne trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all 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?

  • 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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Cologne to Lucerne trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Cologne and Lucerne from £27. 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 Deutsche Bahn Duration
4h 32m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£35
Deutsche Bahn frequency
6 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

Complete guide to Lucerne

Things to do in Lucerne

Discover the best of Lucerne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lucerne trip today.

  • Must visit

Swiss Museum of Transport

Major transport museum with trains, planes, automobiles and interactive exhibits. Excellent for families and anyone curious about mobility.

  • Recommended

Kunstmuseum Luzern

Art museum at KKL with modern and classical exhibitions. A strong choice for thoughtful shows in a prominent lakeside cultural venue.

  • Recommended

Sammlung Rosengart

Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s later years, showing works and photographs in a central old-town building near the Reuss.

Swiss franc (CHF)

Lucerne is pricier than most European cities, with high hotel, dining and local transport costs, especially in peak tourist season.

Average meal costs

Budget
CHF 15-25 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
CHF 35-60 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
CHF 90+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
CHF 4.50-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for excellent service in restaurants. Round up small amounts for taxis and cafés.

Best day trips from Lucerne by train

The most popular day trips by train from Lucerne are Zurich, Bern, Basel, Interlaken and Lugano. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Lucerne on Omio.

A view of Zurich

Day trip from Lucerne to Zurich by train

Why visit Zurich for the day?

Zurich combines a global financial role with a calm lakeside setting and a well-kept Altstadt. It is known for banking and shopping, but also for art, river bathing and a distinctly orderly Swiss feel.

How to get from Lucerne to Zurich by train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 40 km distance in 42m.

A view of Bern

Day trip from Lucerne to Bern by train

Why visit Bern for the day?

Bern is Switzerland’s capital, known for its sandstone Old City, arcades and the Aare around its centre. It combines medieval character with a calm, everyday feel and a strong link to Albert Einstein.

How to get from Lucerne to Bern by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 66 km distance in 1h 0m.

A view of Basel

Day trip from Lucerne to Basel by train

Why visit Basel for the day?

Basel is known for its art museums, Rhine setting and well-kept old town. On Switzerland’s northern border, it feels both historic and distinctly international.

How to get from Lucerne to Basel by train?

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 79 km distance in 59m.

A view of Interlaken

Day trip from Lucerne to Interlaken by train

Why visit Interlaken for the day?

Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is known as a gateway to the Jungfrau region. Its grand old hotels, riverfront setting and steady outdoor buzz give the town a polished but relaxed Alpine feel.

How to get from Lucerne to Interlaken by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 1h 43m.

A view of Lugano

Day trip from Lucerne to Lugano by train

Why visit Lugano for the day?

Lugano is known for its lakeside setting and Swiss-Italian character, where palm-lined streets meet elegant piazzas. It combines a polished business centre with relaxed outdoor life, framed by Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills.

How to get from Lucerne to Lugano by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 30m.

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 £35, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Cologne to Lucerne covers a distance of 443 km and takes approximately 4h 32m. Trains run 7 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 7 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cologne to Lucerne.
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.
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.
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. 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-EhrenfeldKöln-Ehrenfeld, Stammstr. 1, 50968 KölnWifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Köln-Ehrenfeld from Cologne city centre

Köln-Ehrenfeld is 3 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRe · 5m · every ~3 min
Re8, Rb27, Re9, Rb38, S19, S12 · 6m · £0.89 · every ~21 min
BusRb38, Re8, Rb27, S19 · 18m · £4
142 · 18m · every ~7 min
Subway3, 4 · 9m · £2 · every ~25 min

Köln-Ehrenfeld train station facilities and services

Köln-Ehrenfeld 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: I Siciliani-Dolce&Salato, Burger King, Café Franck, Eichendorf

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. ATMs are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Information desks are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Köln-Ehrenfeld. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Köln-Ehrenfeld: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Köln-Ehrenfeld.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Kölnotel, Black Hotels.

More options for your journey from Cologne to Lucerne

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

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