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How to get from Interlaken to Lucerne
The Luzern–Interlaken Express train links Interlaken Ost and Luzern in about 1 h 50, every hour, crossing the Brünig Pass. Driving takes about 1 h 15–1 h 30 for roughly 70 km.
Best option: Train. The direct hourly train is scenic, comfortable and arrives at Luzern station by the lake and old town.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Luzern–Interlaken Express (Zentralbahn) from Interlaken Ost to Luzern | about 1 h 50 | hourly | about CHF 30–35 one way; covered by the Swiss Travel Pass | Sit on the right towards Lucerne for the best lake views. Seat reservations are not required. |
| car Main road along Lake Brienz and over the Brünig Pass, then the A8 to Lucerne | about 1 h 15–1 h 30 | fuel plus the Swiss motorway vignette | Parking in central Lucerne is expensive; use a park-and-ride or hotel parking. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Supersaver tickets on the SBB app can be cheaper than the standard fare if booked ahead.
- The train leaves from Interlaken Ost, not Interlaken West; it also stops at Brienz and Meiringen.
- Luzern station is next to the Chapel Bridge and the lake steamers.
- The Swiss motorway vignette is compulsory for the A8; buy it before you drive.
Common questions
How long is the train from Interlaken to Lucerne?
About 1 h 50 on the direct Luzern–Interlaken Express, which runs every hour from Interlaken Ost. The route follows Lake Brienz, climbs the Brünig Pass and descends past several lakes to Lucerne. It is one of the most scenic regular train rides in Switzerland and needs no change.
Is the Interlaken–Lucerne train covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. The Luzern–Interlaken Express is a standard Swiss train, fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and discounted with the Half Fare Card. Seat reservations are not needed for the regular service, though the panoramic carriages can be busy in summer, so board early at Interlaken Ost.
Can I do a day trip from Interlaken to Lucerne?
Yes. With hourly trains of under two hours, you can spend six or more hours in Lucerne, enough for the old town, the Chapel Bridge, a lake cruise or a trip up Pilatus or Rigi. Check the last train back to Interlaken, which runs in the evening.
Should I drive or take the train from Interlaken to Lucerne?
The train is easier for most visitors. Driving is slightly faster, about 1 h 15–1 h 30, but you need the Swiss vignette and must pay for parking in Lucerne, which is expensive. The train runs every hour and drops you in the centre of Lucerne, next to the lake.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.