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If you want to travel from Basel to Lucerne by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Basel to Lucerne by train to take around 1 hour 19 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 1 hour 2 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 56 trains per day running on this route, which spans 79 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Lucerne. SBB trains are the main operator of services on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Lucerne.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Basel to Lucerne if you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
First train | 12:05 am | |
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Last train | 11:01 pm | |
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 |
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).
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car 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 power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board 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 baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car 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 power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board 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 traveling 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 on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
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.§
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.
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!
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.