Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen train with Deutsche Bahn

Sat 22 Nov
+ Add return
Deutsche Bahn
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Deutsche Bahn
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, and a flight costs an average of £120.

Distance: 503 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£97

Average Price

£61

Average Price

Cheapest

£156

Average Price

7h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

22h 34m

Average total duration

22h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 3m

Average total duration

11h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen 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.

Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
GermanyGermany
Icon of train

Trains from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £81 but you can travel from only £41 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:37, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 503 km distance in 6h 25m.

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 £41
Distance
503 km
Average train duration
6h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£81
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
6h 25m
First train
00:37
Last train
20:45
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 £41

Train companies: Deutsche Bahn, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen trainsDeutsche Bahn, Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) trains will get you between Lucerne and Gelsenkirchen from £41. 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 31m
Cheapest Price
£43
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

Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 16m
Cheapest Price
£115
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen 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 Gelsenkirchen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Two to three days in Gelsenkirchen should be sufficient to explore its main attractions, including the Veltins-Arena, the Zoom Erlebniswelt zoo, and nearby industrial heritage sites.
The train journey from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the Swiss landscapes, featuring picturesque mountains and lakes, before transitioning to more urban vistas in Germany.
The train distance from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen is 503 km.
To get from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train journey from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen covers a distance of 503 km and takes approximately 6h 25m. Trains run 6 per day.
A day trip from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen is not feasible due to the journey duration of 6h 25m. However, there are 6 trips per day by train.
The first train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen leaves at 0:37.
Booking trains from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The last train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen departs at 20:45.
The cost of a train ticket from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £81, while the average price tends to be around £97.
Trains from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen run approximately 6 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen is by coach, costing approximately £41.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen.
There is no night train service from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen.
The train station in Lucerne that goes to Gelsenkirchen is Lucerne station, and it arrives at Gelsenkirchen Hbf.
Yes, you can take the train from Lucerne to Gelsenkirchen.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lucerne and Gelsenkirchen

Lucerne
Gelsenkirchen
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 Gelsenkirchen.
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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