- Must visit
Museum Folkwang
Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Essen
Showing times and prices for 27 Aug
Cheapest price
£60
Average price
£91
Fastest journey
6 h 4 m
Average duration
6 h 45 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
499 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lucerne to Essen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lucerne to Essen will cost around £91 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Lucerne for Essen every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 499 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 53 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.
8:056h17Lucerne14:22Essen£601One-way0 changes- 7:057h53Lucerne14:58Essen£701One-way0 changes
- 7:546h04Lucerne13:58Essen£1431One-way0 changes
- 7:546h04Lucerne13:58Essen£1431One-way0 changes
- 8:056h17Lucerne14:22Essen£601One-way0 changes
- 7:057h53Lucerne14:58Essen£701One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Lucerne to Essen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Essen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £45. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 4m. 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 £45, and a flight costs an average of £89.
Distance: 499 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£146 Average Price | £158 Average Price | £69 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 34m Average total duration Fastest 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 13m Average total duration 7h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 48m Average total duration 15h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Lucerne to Essen train times
The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Essen trains for today, Wednesday 26 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:54 Lucerne | 6h04 | 12:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:05 Lucerne | 6h17 | 14:22 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Lucerne to Essen 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
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Why should you book Lucerne to Essen trains with Omio?
Deutsche Bahn as well as Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn and more offer trains services from Lucerne to Essen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lucerne to Essen.
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 Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) or Südostbahn to find the best option for your trip from Lucerne to Essen.
- 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 Lucerne to Essen.
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 Lucerne to Essen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lucerne to Essen
Switzerland
Germany
Trains from Lucerne to Essen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £75 but you can travel from only £45 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 499 km distance in 6h 4m.
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 £45
Distance 499 km |
Average train duration 6h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £75 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 6h 4m |
First train 0:30 |
Last train 23:03 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £45
Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Lucerne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Trenitalia EuroCity, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Lucerne and Essen from £45. 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
6h 4m
Cheapest Price
£75
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.
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.
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.
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
Trenitalia EuroCity
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 4m
Cheapest Price
£131
Trenitalia EuroCity frequency
1 a day
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 4m
Cheapest Price
£124
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
4 a day
Südostbahn
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 4m
Südostbahn frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Essen
Things to do in Essen
Discover the best of Essen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Essen trip today.
- Must visit
Ruhr Museum
Industrial history museum in the former boiler house at Zollverein. Engaging displays explain coal, steel and daily life across the Ruhr.
- Recommended
Red Dot Design Museum
Design museum inside the Zollverein complex, showing contemporary design, everyday objects and changing exhibitions in a dramatic industrial setting.
- Must visit
Baldeneysee
Large lake south of the centre, popular for walks, boat trips and cycling. It combines water views, leisure activities and green surroundings.
- Must visit
Zeche Zollverein
Former industrial complex turned cultural district with open spaces, architecture, art and walking routes. It is one of Essen’s essential urban experiences.
- Recommended
Stadtgarten
Extensive park with lawns, sculptures and event spaces near Museum Folkwang. It is ideal for a central stroll and relaxed city views.
- Gluten-free
Potthucke
A hearty potato stew from the Ruhr area, traditionally cooked with beef, onions and vegetables. It is a classic working-class comfort dish in Essen.
- Gluten-free
Himmel und Erde
Mashed potatoes mixed with apples and onions, often served with black pudding or sausage. It is a well-known Rhineland and Ruhr comfort meal.
- Gluten-free
Matjes mit Hausfrauensosse
Pickled herring fillets in a sour marinade, often served with potatoes. This classic northern and western German fish dish is common in the Ruhr.
Schote
Elegant fine dining in Essen known for creative modern cooking and polished service in a calm, contemporary setting.
Hannappel
Long-established local favourite for classic German and Ruhr-style fare, with a cosy pub feel and straightforward cooking.
Meisenburg
Traditional brewery restaurant serving hearty regional German dishes and fresh beer in a lively, rustic atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Germany. Hotels and dining are often slightly cheaper than Munich or Frankfurt, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €2.80-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually not included. In restaurants, round up or tip about 5-10%. For taxis, round up the fare. In cafés, small change or rounding up is customary.
ZÄPP
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= €3.60
- Day pass
- >= €7.00
To the city centre
Essen Hbf -> Essen Hbf
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Use the Ruhrbahn app ZÄPP to plan journeys and buy mobile tickets.
- Essen Hbf is already in the city centre, so many central destinations are reachable on foot.
FAQs: Lucerne to Essen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lucerne to Essen 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 Essen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Lucerne to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £75, while the average price tends to be around £146.
The train journey from Lucerne to Essen covers a distance of 499 km and takes approximately 6h 4m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Lucerne to Essen is 499 km.
The first train from Lucerne to Essen leaves at 0:30.
The last train from Lucerne to Essen departs at 23:03.
Trains from Lucerne to Essen run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Essen.
To get from Lucerne to Essen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Lucerne to Essen.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Essen is Lucerne station, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £45.
Booking trains from Lucerne to Essen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Lucerne to Essen offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland and the rolling hills of Germany. Travellers can enjoy glimpses of serene lakes, charming villages, and the majestic Alps, making it a pleasant and visually appealing route.
A day trip from Lucerne to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 4m each way. However, there are 13 trains per day available for this route.
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Lucerne to Essen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Lucerne and Essen
Most Lucerne to Essen trains use the Luzern Bhf to Essen Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. Use this guide to compare Lucerne and Essen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Lucerne
Arrival train stations in Essen
Which Lucerne station do trains to Essen leave from?
Trains from Lucerne to Essen leave from Luzern Bhf. The station is from Lucerne city centre at Zentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland.
Luzern BhfZentralstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Luzern Bhf from Lucerne city centre
TrainRe24, S1, Sn1 · 11m · £4 · every ~7 min
BusEv1 · 17m · £8
72 · 22m · £3 · every ~2 min
Luzern Bhf train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Restaurant La Cucina, Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luzern Bhf. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Luzern Bhf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luzern Bhf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luzern Bhf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luzern Bhf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Monopol Luzern, Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel, Hotel Central Luzern.
Which Essen station do trains from Lucerne arrive at?
Trains from Lucerne to Essen most often arrive at Essen Hbf. Some services arrive at Gelsenkirchen Hbf, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Essen arrival station.
Essen HbfEssen Hbf, Am Hauptbahnhof 5, 45127 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen Hbf from Essen city centre
BusNe12, Ne11, Ne2, Ne1, 196, 166, 155, 154, 146, 145 · 5m · every ~50 min
Tram109, 108, 107, 105, 103, 101 · 2m · every ~46 min
Essen Hbf train station facilities and services
Essen 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: Bollywood Express - Pizza & More, Kiepenkerl, Cafe Extrablatt, Tacos
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen Hbf. ATMs are available at Essen Hbf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen Hbf. Information desks are available at Essen Hbf.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen Hbf. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen Hbf.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Ambassador, Gästearpartment Dahl, WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus, Motel One.
Essen-WerdenEssen-Werden, Im Löwental 11, 45239 Essen
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen-Werden from Essen city centre
Essen-Werden is 7 km from Essen city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS6 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
BusS6 · 14m · £4
Ne8 · 22m · £4
Essen-Werden train station facilities and services
Essen-Werden 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: Kettner's Kamota, Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962, La Piazzetta, Pia
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen-Werden. ATMs are available at Essen-Werden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen-Werden. Information desks are available at Essen-Werden.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Essen-Werden. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen-Werden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Essen-Werden: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen-Werden.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Hohenstein, Domstuben.
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am ThyssenhausAm Thyssenhaus & Kruppstraße, 45128 Essen-Stadtbezirk I, Germany
City-centre transport
Getting to Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus from Essen city centre
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Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus train station facilities and services
Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus. ATMs are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Essen, Kruppstraße / Am Thyssenhaus: The station has basic accessibility features.
Most popular train connections from Lucerne
More options for your journey from Lucerne to Essen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Essen and Lucerne
Most popular train connections to Essen
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