Lucerne to Essen train with Deutsche Bahn (ICE)

Fri 21 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Südostbahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Südostbahn
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Essen

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£65

Average price

£98

Fastest journey

6 h 4 m

Average duration

6 h 55 m

Trains per day

2

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 £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Lucerne for Essen every day 2 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 55 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 46 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
03:546h04
Lucerne
09:58Essen
£651One-way
0 changes
Deutsche Bahn
07:547h46
Lucerne
15:40Essen
£1311One-way
0 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 £28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. 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 £28, and a flight costs an average of £139.

Distance: 499 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£107

Average Price

£219

Average Price

£47

Average Price

Cheapest

7h 4m

Average total duration

6h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 30m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 30m

Average total duration

7h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.5 - 3.0kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Deutsche Bahn

Most popular train company

Eurowings

Most popular airline

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

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 tomorrow, Friday 21 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
deutsche_bahn03:54 Lucerne
6h04
09:58 Essen0 changesdirect
deutsche_bahn07:54 Lucerne
7h46
15:40 Essen0 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.

Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Essen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Essen run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £65 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:36, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 499 km distance in 5h 55m.

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 £28
Distance
499 km
Average train duration
6h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
£65
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
5h 55m
First train
00:36
Last train
23:03
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 £28

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Südostbahn from Lucerne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Südostbahn trains will get you between Lucerne and Essen from £28. 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
£35
Deutsche Bahn frequency
15 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

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 6m
Südostbahn frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
To fully experience Essen's cultural and historical highlights, plan for 2 to 3 days.
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Essen is by coach, costing approximately £28.
A day trip from Lucerne to Essen is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 55m each way. However, there are 13 trains per day available for this route.
The train distance from Lucerne to Essen is 499 km.
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.
The last train from Lucerne to Essen departs at 23:03.
The cost of a train ticket from Lucerne to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £65, while the average price tends to be around £107.
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.
There is no night train service from Lucerne to Essen.
The train journey from Lucerne to Essen covers a distance of 499 km and takes approximately 5h 55m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Essen is Lucerne station, and it arrives at Essen Hbf.
The first train from Lucerne to Essen leaves at 0:36.
Trains from Lucerne to Essen run approximately 13 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Lucerne to Essen.
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.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lucerne and Essen

Lucerne
Essen
The major train station for departures in Lucerne is Luzern Bhf. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luzern Bhf for your trip from Lucerne to Essen.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
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
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
14
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Zentralstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant La Cucina
  • Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • CHF 1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Monopol Luzern
  • Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
  • Hotel Central Luzern
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 420 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Germany, Italy, and regional destinations
  • Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
  • Hall 3: Boat connections
Public transport options for Luzern Bhf
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Boat: Lake Lucerne boats
  • Train: SBB services to various destinations

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