Basel to Lucerne train with SBB

Fri, 20 Mar
+ Add return
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
SBB
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Südostbahn
Eurostar
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basel to Lucerne

Showing times and prices for 21 Mar

Cheapest price

$37

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

1 h 9 m

Average duration

1 h 14 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

79 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basel to Lucerne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Basel to Lucerne will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $37.

Fast trains

Of the 11 trains that leave Basel for Lucerne every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 9 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

SBBIC 61 965 | 965 · RE 24 4717 | 4717
09:27AM1h28
Basel SBB
10:55AMLucerne station
$371One-way
1 change
SBBIC 6 963 | 963 · RE 24 4715 | 4715
08:27AM1h28
Basel SBB
09:55AMLucerne station
$371One-way
1 change
SBBIR 27 2463 | 2463
08:12AM1h18
Basel SBB
09:30AMLucerne station
$391One-way
0 changes
SBBIR 27 2465 | 2465
09:12AM1h18
Basel SBB
10:30AMLucerne station
$391One-way
0 changes
SBBIR 27 2467 | 2467
10:12AM1h18
Basel SBB
11:30AMLucerne station
$391One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Basel to Lucerne

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basel to Lucerne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $25, and a coach costs an average of $12.

Distance: 79 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

$40

Average Price

Cheapest

$42

Average Price

1h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 42m

Average total duration

1h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

SBB

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Basel to Lucerne train times

The table below shows live departures for Basel to Lucerne trains for tomorrow, Friday, 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:44 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
sbbIC 3 763 | 763 · IR 70 2617 | 26177:04 am Basel SBB
1h47
8:51 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbIR 27 2463 | 24637:12 am Basel SBB
1h18
8:30 am Lucerne station0 changesdirect
sbbIC 6 963 | 963 · RE 24 4715 | 47157:27 am Basel SBB
1h28
8:55 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbIC 61 615 | 615 · IC 21 667 | 6677:56 am Basel SBB
1h09
9:05 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbICE 273 | 273 · IR 70 2619 | 26198:04 am Basel SBB
1h47
9:51 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbIR 27 2465 | 24658:12 am Basel SBB
1h18
9:30 am Lucerne station0 changesdirect
sbbIC 61 965 | 965 · RE 24 4717 | 47178:27 am Basel SBB
1h28
9:55 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbEC 63 | 63 · S 29 8936 | 8936 · S 1 21136 | 211368:56 am Basel SBB
1h49
10:45 am Lucerne station2 changes
sbbEC 63 | 63 · IR 26 2319 | 23198:56 am Basel SBB
1h09
10:05 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbICE 275 | 275 · IR 70 2621 | 26219:04 am Basel SBB
1h47
10:51 am Lucerne station1 change
sbbIR 27 2467 | 24679:12 am Basel SBB
1h18
10:30 am Lucerne station0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Basel to Lucerne by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
21 Mar
Sun
22 Mar
Mon
23 Mar
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24 Mar
Wed
25 Mar
Thu
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar
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28 Mar
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02 Apr
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10 Apr

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Basel to Lucerne?

The best time to book your train from Basel to Lucerne is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Basel to Lucerne route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Basel to Lucerne per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Basel to Lucerne.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Basel to Lucerne

SwitzerlandSwitzerland
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
Icon of train

Trains from Basel to Lucerne run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $12 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 79 km distance in 1h 1m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $12
Distance
79 km
Average train duration
1h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$25
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 1m
First train
00:04
Last train
23:58
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from $12

Train companies: SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn from Basel to Lucerne trainsSBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn trains will get you between Basel and Lucerne from $12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

SBB

About
SBB is Switzerland’s national railway company, operating a wide range of train services including InterCity, InterRegio, RegioExpress, Regio, S-Bahn, and international InterCityExpress connections. InterCity trains reach speeds of up to 200 km/h for fast travel between major cities, while Regio trains provide slower, more frequent local services. Ticket options include Standard and First Class, as well as passes and discounts such as the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, and Super Saver tickets. Onboard amenities may feature Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restaurant cars. Popular routes include Zurich–Geneva, Basel–Bern, and Geneva–Lausanne.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest Price
$25
SBB frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one larger piece of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant cars on long-distance trains, bistro service available. First class receives at-seat service
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available with advance notice
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require half-price ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest Price
$74
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
20 a day

Südostbahn

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 1m
Südostbahn frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Basel to Lucerne train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basel to Lucerne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lucerne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Basel to Lucerne can start from as little as $25 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Basel to Lucerne is $40; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Basel to Lucerne is 1h 1m to travel the 79 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Basel to Lucerne leaves at 12:04 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Basel to Lucerne leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 4 direct trains a day from Basel to Lucerne with SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Basel to Lucerne, you can count on SBB, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), Südostbahn for the best way to get you to Lucerne. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Basel and Lucerne and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Lucerne from Basel is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 1m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Basel to Lucerne is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basel and Lucerne including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Basel and Lucerne

Basel
Lucerne
The major train station for departures in Basel is Basel SBB. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Basel SBB for your trip from Basel to Lucerne.
Basel SBBWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
10
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 7 days a week, accessible via Centralbahnstrasse.
Dining
Dining
  • Restaurant Da Roberto
  • Brasserie Bahnhof Basel
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • CHF 2
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Victoria
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 800 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-5 for Swiss domestic trains
  • Hall 2: platform 6-10 for international trains
  • Hall 3: shopping and services area
Public transport options for Basel SBB
  • Tram: Line 1, Line 2, Line 8, Line 10, Line 11
  • Bus: Several lines available
Basel, Brausebad
information
Basel, Kannenfeldplatz
information

More options for your journey from Basel to Lucerne

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Lucerne

HomeTrainsBasel to Lucerne train

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