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How to get from Lucerne to Zurich
SBB trains run between Lucerne and Zurich main station (Zürich HB) in about 45 to 50 min, roughly every half hour. Driving on the A4 motorway takes about 45 min to 1 h. Direct trains also run to Zurich Airport in about 1 h 10.
Best option: Train. Frequent direct trains take you from one city centre to the other in under an hour, with no parking to worry about.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train SBB InterRegio and InterCity trains from Luzern to Zürich HB; some go on to Zurich Airport | about 45 to 50 min | about every 30 minutes | about CHF 15–30 second class, less with saver tickets or a Half Fare card | No reservation needed; Swiss Travel Pass holders travel free. |
| car A14 and A4 motorways via Rotkreuz (about 50 km) | about 45 min to 1 h | fuel plus the Swiss motorway vignette | Parking in central Zurich and Lucerne is expensive; rush-hour traffic near Zurich is heavy. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Saver day passes and Supersaver tickets on the SBB app can cut the price substantially if you book ahead.
- Lucerne station is right by the lake and the Chapel Bridge, so you can walk into the old town.
- Some trains go direct to Zurich Airport; check the departure board.
- A Swiss Travel Pass covers this train and the lake boats in Lucerne.
Common questions
How long is the train from Lucerne to Zurich?
About 45 to 50 min on the direct InterRegio and InterCity trains, which run about every half hour from Luzern to Zürich HB. Some trains continue to Zurich Airport, taking about 1 h 10 in total. You do not need a seat reservation. Check the SBB app for the exact departure, as times shift slightly through the day.
Can I do a day trip from Zurich to Lucerne?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular day trips in Switzerland. Trains run every half hour, the journey takes under an hour, and Lucerne's old town, Chapel Bridge and lakefront are a short walk from the station. You can add a lake boat trip or a mountain excursion such as Pilatus or Rigi if you start early.
What is the cheapest way from Lucerne to Zurich?
The train with an SBB Supersaver ticket, bought in advance on the app or website, is usually the cheapest, sometimes much below the standard fare. A Half Fare card also halves standard prices, and a Saver Day Pass can be good value if you make several trips. Driving costs fuel, the annual vignette and city parking, so it rarely saves money.
Do I need to book the train in advance?
No. Swiss trains have no compulsory reservations on this route, and you can buy a ticket at the machine or on the SBB app just before boarding. Booking ahead only matters if you want discounted Supersaver fares, which are limited and tied to a specific train. Pass holders simply board any train.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.