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How to get from Colmar to Lucerne
Take a TER train from Colmar to Basel (about 45 min) and an SBB train from Basel SBB to Lucerne (about 1 h), roughly 2 h total. Driving takes about 2 h via Basel and the A2 motorway.
Best option: Train. Two easy train legs connect centre to centre with frequent services.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train TER Grand Est train Colmar–Basel SBB (via Mulhouse), then SBB InterCity or InterRegio to Lucerne | about 2 h including the change | TER roughly hourly; Basel–Lucerne about every 30 min | about €15–25 for Colmar–Basel plus about CHF 20–40 for Basel–Lucerne | Buy separate tickets; Swiss Saver Day Passes can be cheaper if bought early. |
| car A35 to Basel, then the A2 motorway to Lucerne | about 2 h | fuel plus the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) | Parking in central Lucerne is expensive; use a park-and-ride. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches via Basel | about 2 h 30–3 h | limited | about €15–30 | Rarely better than the train. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy the Swiss vignette before entering Switzerland if driving.
- The Basel connection is usually smooth; allow 10–15 minutes.
- Swiss Half Fare or Saver tickets cut the Swiss part of the fare.
- Lucerne station is next to the lake and the Chapel Bridge.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Colmar to Lucerne?
No. You take a TER Grand Est train from Colmar to Basel SBB, about 45 minutes, and then an SBB train to Lucerne, about 1 hour. Total time is about 2 hours including the change. Both legs run frequently. Check current timetables for the best connections.
Can I do Lucerne as a day trip from Colmar?
Yes. With about 2 hours each way by train or car, you can spend a full day in Lucerne, walking the old town and Chapel Bridge or taking a lake cruise. A trip up Mount Pilatus or Rigi is possible too, but makes for a long day.
What documents do I need?
Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so there are usually no systematic passport checks, but carry your passport or EU ID card, as checks do happen. Switzerland is not in the EU customs union, so customs checks are possible, especially by car.
What is the cheapest way?
Booking an SBB Supersaver ticket from Basel to Lucerne in advance, combined with a regular TER fare from Colmar, is usually cheapest. Driving can be cheaper for groups but requires the CHF 40 vignette and expensive parking in Lucerne. Coaches are rarely cheaper than early train tickets.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.