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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Bern to Lucerne by train
It’s just an hour from Bern to Lucerne so there’s no real excuse not to swap the capital for this picturesque city to the east. You’ll travel by SBB trains and the handy ticket options make it easy to make this a day trip with travel through your destination city all included. A city that could have just stepped out of a fairytale, get into a magical mood by walking along Chapel Bridge. It’s the oldest bridge of its kind in the world with an even older water tower at one end, plus it’s an all-weather attraction being a covered bridge too! For amazing design on an even grander scale, visit the Lion Monument, a huge lion carved into a cliff front as a memorial to those who died in the French revolution. Overlooking the water, it’s a beautiful spot for a bit of calm reflection.
Hofkirche St. Leodegar should be your next stop, a stunning church that dates back to 1633 and built on the remains of a Roman basilica. We’ve saved the best suggestion to last though, and it is the best because it involves a train. The world’s steepest train. Mt Pilatus railway has some seriously exciting/white-knuckle-inducing climbs that will earn you some amazing views over the mountains, well worth a bit of climbing. Ready to go? Then get reading our route information below!
Bern Hbf to Lucerne by train
| First train | 12:02 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:31 pm | |
| Departure station | Bern Hbf | |
| Arrival station | Lucerne | |
| Journey time | From 1h 1m | |
| Distance | 42 miles (67 km) | |
| Frequency | 59 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Bern Hbf to Lucerne
Want to know more about your journey from Bern Hbf to Lucerne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How close is Bern Hbf to Lucerne by train?
Which train companies operate from Bern Hbf to Lucerne?
Is it possible to get from Bern Hbf to Lucerne without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Bern Hbf to Lucerne?
What time does the first train from Bern Hbf to Lucerne leave?
What time does the last train from Bern Hbf to Lucerne leave?
How often are trains from Bern Hbf and Lucerne?
Do you need to book the train from Bern Hbf to Lucerne in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Bern Hbf to Lucerne?
SBB trains from Bern Hbf 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).
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Intercity classes from Bern Hbf to Lucerne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity when traveling from Bern Hbf to Lucerne.
Economy Class
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.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- 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 power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Onboard services on Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bern Hbf to Lucerne.
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.
Cheap train tickets from Bern Hbf 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 Bern Hbf 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.