Trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne
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Taking the train from Basel to Lucerne
Planning a trip from Basel to Lucerne? While it’s not too far to consider car travel, skip the stress of facing potential traffic and dealing with parking woes. Hop on a high-speed train from Basel to Lucerne and you’ll find yourself in the picturesque Swiss town in just an hour.
National Swiss operator SBB runs daily direct services between these two cities on their modern and comfortable trains. It’s the perfect distance for a day trip to soak in the gorgeous views of Lake Lucerne and check out the charming town centre. Settle in for an easy journey as you’re whisked past scenic Swiss views at high speeds.
Interested in finding out a little more? Scroll down for the available train times, as well as essential information in the FAQs.
SBB trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity and Eurocity classes from Basel SBB to Lucerne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Basel SBB to Lucerne.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage.
You can take your bicycle onboard SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.
You can take your bike onboard SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when travelling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Basel SBB to Lucerne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Basel SBB to Lucerne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Basel SBB to Lucerne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Basel SBB to Lucerne take?
The average journey time by train between Basel SBB and Lucerne is 1 hour and 19 minutes, with around 56 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Basel SBB and Lucerne by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Basel SBB to Lucerne is 1 hour and 2 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Basel SBB to Lucerne without having to change trains. There are 35 direct trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Basel SBB to Lucerne leave?
The first train from Basel SBB to Lucerne leaves at 00:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Basel SBB to Lucerne leave?
The last train from Basel SBB to Lucerne leaves at 22:59. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Basel SBB and Lucerne by train?
Trains travelling from Basel SBB to Lucerne cover a distance of around 48 miles (78 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lucerne to Basel SBB. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Basel SBB to Lucerne.