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Travelling from Basel to Lucerne by train

Looking to travel from Basel to Lucerne by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 1 hour 19 minutes to travel from Basel to Lucerne by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 1 hour 2 minutes though. You'll usually find 56 trains per day running along the 49 miles (79 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Lucerne. You'll probably be hopping onto a SBB train to get to Lucerne, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Basel to Lucerne.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Lucerne by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.

Basel to Lucerne by train

First train

00:05

Last train

22:59

Departure station

Basel

Arrival station

Lucerne

Journey time

From 1h 2m

Distance

49 miles (79 km)

Frequency

56 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS, Flixbus

Basel to Lucerne train times

Check out the next trains departing from Basel to Lucerne for terça-feira 26º março 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
11:16 12:30 1h 14m, direct
11:28 12:55 1h 27m, 1 change
12:03 13:05 1h 2m, direct
12:16 13:30 1h 14m, direct
12:28 13:55 1h 27m, 1 change
13:03 14:05 1h 2m, direct
13:16 14:30 1h 14m, direct
13:28 14:55 1h 27m, 1 change
14:03 15:05 1h 2m, direct
14:16 15:30 1h 14m, direct

SBB trains from Basel to Lucerne

You can travel from Basel to Lucerne on SBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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).

Intercity and Eurocity classes from Basel to Lucerne

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Basel to Lucerne.

Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Basel to Lucerne.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

There are plug sockets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

InfoInfoOther

There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.

LuggageLuggageLuggage

You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided.​

RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

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.

PetPetPets

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.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

InfoInfoOther

There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.

Cheap train tickets from Basel 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 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 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 to Lucerne take?

The average journey time by train between Basel 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 and Lucerne by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Basel to Lucerne is 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Basel to Lucerne?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Basel to Lucerne without having to change trains. There are 35 direct trains from Basel 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 to Lucerne leave?

The first train from Basel to Lucerne leaves at 00:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Basel to Lucerne leave?

The last train from Basel 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 and Lucerne by train?

Trains travelling from Basel to Lucerne cover a distance of around 49 miles (79 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lucerne to Basel. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Basel to Lucerne.

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