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Travelling from Lucerne to Zurich by train
Thanks to daily direct services, taking the train is now the easiest way to travel between the centres of Lucerne and Zurich in just under an hour. There are 40 train services operating on this route every day. Pick a time that’s convenient for you and sit back to enjoy a quick and comfortable journey on the high-speed SBB train.
Start your exploration of the Swiss capital as soon as you arrive – the Swiss National Museum is located right next to the station. You can also walk over to the beautiful town of Altstadt to stroll through its pretty alleys and historic squares. With such a speedy journey taking you to the heart of the city, there’s plenty of time to discover all that Zurich has to offer.
Want to find out more? We’ve got the low-down on the Lucerne to Zurich train route, including FAQs and train times below.
SBB trains from Lucerne to Zurich Hb
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
Cheap train tickets from Lucerne to Zurich Hb
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 Lucerne to Zurich Hb 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 Lucerne to Zurich Hb? 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 Lucerne to Zurich Hb take?
The average journey time by train between Lucerne and Zurich Hb is 53 minutes, with around 43 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 Lucerne and Zurich Hb by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb is 41 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Lucerne to Zurich Hb without having to change trains. There are 40 direct trains from Lucerne to Zurich Hb each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb leave?
The first train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb leaves at 00:21. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb leave?
The last train from Lucerne to Zurich Hb leaves at 23:54. 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 Lucerne and Zurich Hb by train?
Trains travelling from Lucerne to Zurich Hb cover a distance of around 25 miles (40 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zurich Hb to Lucerne.