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

Sun 11 Oct
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Deutsche Bahn
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lucerne to Essen

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Oct

Cheapest price on 11 Oct

£138

Average ticket price on 11 Oct

£138

Fastest journey on 11 Oct

6 h 28 m

Average journey duration on 11 Oct

6 h 28 m

Trains on 11 Oct

1

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 £138 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £138.

Fast trains

On Sun 11 Oct, we found 1 trains from Lucerne to Essen, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 499 km distance in an average of 6 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 28 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 28 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
    7:306h28
    Lucerne
    13:58Essen
    £1381One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Essen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Essen run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £71 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 499 km distance in 5h 21m.

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 £53
Distance
499 km
Average train duration
5h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£71
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
5h 21m
First train
0:30
Last train
23:03
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
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 £53

Live departures

Lucerne to Essen train times

The table below shows live departures for Lucerne to Essen trains for today, Saturday 10 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)11:54 Lucerne
6h04
17:58 Essen1 change
Trenitalia EuroCity13:54 Lucerne
6h04
19:58 Essen1 change
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)17:54 Lucerne
6h17
0:11 Essen1 change
Sunday 11 October
Deutsche Bahn7:30 Lucerne
6h28
13:58 Essen0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Lucerne to Essen trains with Omio?

Deutsche Bahn operates all 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?

  • 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.

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn from Lucerne to Essen trainsDeutsche Bahn trains will get you between Lucerne and Essen from £53. 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
5h 21m
Cheapest Deutsche Bahn Price
£71
Deutsche Bahn frequency
5 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 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

Museum Folkwang

Major art museum with strong 19th- and 20th-century collections, posters and photography. A leading cultural stop in central Essen.

  • 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.

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.

Best day trips from Essen by train

The most popular day trips by train from Essen are Düsseldorf, Cologne, Dortmund, Münster and Bonn. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Essen on Omio.

A view of Düsseldorf

Day trip from Essen to Düsseldorf by train

Why visit Düsseldorf for the day?

Düsseldorf is known for fashion, contemporary art and its lively Altstadt on the Rhine. Sleek shopping streets, traditional breweries and bold modern architecture give it a polished yet sociable character.

How to get from Essen to Düsseldorf by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 21m.

A view of Cologne

Day trip from Essen to Cologne by train

Why visit Cologne for the day?

Cologne is known for its towering cathedral, Roman heritage and relaxed Rhineland spirit. Museums, riverfront views and a strong brewing culture give the city an open, sociable feel.

How to get from Essen to Cologne 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 58 km distance in 43m.

A view of Dortmund

Day trip from Essen to Dortmund by train

Why visit Dortmund for the day?

Dortmund is a Ruhr city known for football, brewing heritage and its industrial roots. Former worksites, parks and modern cultural venues give it a practical, lively character.

How to get from Essen to Dortmund by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 20m.

A view of Münster

Day trip from Essen to Münster by train

Why visit Münster for the day?

Münster is a historic university city known for its cycling culture, rebuilt old town and links to the Peace of Westphalia. Gothic churches, Prinzipalmarkt and a strong student presence give it a lively but relaxed feel.

How to get from Essen to Münster by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 70 km distance in 46m.

A view of Bonn

Day trip from Essen to Bonn by train

Why visit Bonn for the day?

Bonn is best known as Beethoven’s birthplace and the former capital of West Germany. Set on the Rhine, it feels calm and cultured, with museums, leafy neighbourhoods and a strong university presence.

How to get from Essen to Bonn by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:33, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 80 km distance in 1h 8m.

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
The cost of a train ticket from Lucerne to Essen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £71, while the average price tends to be around £130.
The train journey from Lucerne to Essen covers a distance of 499 km and takes approximately 5h 21m. Trains run 5 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 5 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Essen.
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.
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.
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 11WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

More options for your journey from Lucerne to Essen

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

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