The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Essen
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
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.
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.




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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 03:54 Lucerne | 6h04 | 09:58 Essen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 07:54 Lucerne | 7h46 | 15:40 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.
21 Nov
22 Nov
23 Nov
24 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
27 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Lucerne to Essen
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.
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 |
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
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.
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.
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.
Südostbahn
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Lucerne and Essen
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Access via Zentralstrasse.
- Restaurant La Cucina
- Restaurant Bellini Locanda Ticinese
- Outside the main entrance.
- CHF 1
- Hotel Monopol Luzern
- Waldstätterhof Swiss Quality Hotel
- Hotel Central Luzern
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- 420 places, covered
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-9 for trains to Germany, Italy, and regional destinations
- Hall 2: S-Bahn platforms
- Hall 3: Boat connections
- Bus: Several lines available
- Boat: Lake Lucerne boats
- Train: SBB services to various destinations
- Monday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Thursday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Friday: 07:30 - 19:00
- Saturday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Kiepenkerl
- Cafe Extrablatt
- Tacos
- Ambassador
- Gästearpartment Dahl
- WG-Hotel im Unperfekthaus
- Motel One
- Bollywood Express - Pizza & More
- Haus Wilmes
- Mana Mana
- Karawane
- Webers
- Pizzeria Don Camillo
- Lindos
- Zur Platte
- Arman Döner
- McDreams
- Burger King
- Werner
- Bückmannsmühle
- Muckel-Eis
- Kettner's Kamota
- Abraham Konditorei & Cafe Werntges seit 1962
- La Piazzetta
- Pia
- Hotel Hohenstein
- Domstuben
Most popular train connections from Lucerne
More options for your journey from Lucerne to Essen
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