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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Traveling from Paris to Lucerne by train
Skip the stress of road traffic and the inconvenience of airport transfers by traveling from Paris to Lucerne by train. There are no direct trains, but with just two changes along the way, you could be sitting by the sparkling Lake Lucerne in under five hours.
Of course, any route from Paris, France to Lucerne, Switzerland is nice and scenic, and you’ll be taken from the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities to one of the prettiest Swiss cities in great comfort. Want to travel in style? Enhance your train trip by booking First Class tickets with operators such as TGV Lyria.
Once you arrive in Lucerne, we’d recommend heading for the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge in English) if you’re a first-time visitor to the city. This iconic bridge is covered in unique paintings depicting the city’s history and also offers beautiful views of Lake Lucerne. Plus, it’s only a five-minute walk from the station! Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Lucerne.
Psst: if you see ‘Luzern’ in our Journey Planner when searching for tickets, don’t panic! That’s the German way of spelling Lucerne, and you’re likely to see it on street signs and in the city’s train station. Knowing how to read the train station boards in Europe can take some getting used to.
Ready to book? Search from times and tickets above, or keep reading for:
- Classes on board TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and TER trains
- Services on board TGV, Trenitalia, OUIGO and TER trains
- Classes on board SBB trains
- Services on board SBB trains
- Classes on board TGV Lyria trains
- Services on board TGV Lyria trains
- Traveling from the airport to central Paris
- All about Paris train stations
- Transfers along the journey from Paris to Lucerne
- Arriving in Lucerne
- Using public transport in Lucerne
- What to do in Lucerne
- Popular train journeys in Europe
- Explore Europe with a Eurail Pass
- Traveling to the airport by train from Lucerne
Paris to Lucerne by train
| First train | 6:54 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:59 pm | |
| Departure station | Paris | |
| Arrival station | Lucerne | |
| Journey time | From 4h 35m | |
| Distance | 303 miles (487 km) | |
| Frequency | 22 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Paris to Lucerne?
Want to know more about your journey from Paris to Lucerne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Paris to Lucerne?
How far is Lucerne from Paris by train?
Which trains run from Paris to Lucerne?
Can I get from Paris to Lucerne without flying?
What is the best way to get from Paris to Lucerne?
When is the first train from Paris to Lucerne?
When is the last train from Paris to Lucerne?
How often do trains run from Paris to Lucerne?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Paris to Lucerne?
Looking for a return trip from Paris to Lucerne?
TGV Lyria and SBB trains from Paris to Lucerne
TGV Lyria
SBB
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland and can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h). Resulting from the collaboration between SNCF and SBB, TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF show Grand Voyageur at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
More information
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
What TGV Lyria, Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Paris to Lucerne?
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV Lyria, Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Paris to Lucerne.
TGV Lyria
Intercity
Eurocity
Standard Class
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
Première
When traveling in Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a First Class seat, as well as food sold at your seat.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
Première Signature
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Première Signature Class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Dining car
- Power outlets
- More legroom
- Quiet area
- Full ticket flexibility (1)
- Welcome service
- Complimentary in-seat meal
- Unlimited drinks
- (1) Check conditions when selecting the ticket.
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
What are the onboard services on TGV Lyria, Intercity and Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Paris to Lucerne.
TGV Lyria
Intercity
Eurocity
What baggage limits are there? | You can take baggage on board TGV Lyria trains without worrying about weight restrictions, so long as you're able to carry it yourself. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | There are two refreshment options on board TGV Lyria trains: Le Bistrot: Available in the café-bar car or at your seat, with a Standard or Standard Première TGV Lyria ticket. La Table: A French-Swiss dining experience available with a Première Signature TGV Lyria ticket. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | Free WiFi is available on board. To get online, connect to the network _WIFI_LYRIA when you're on the train and go to the TGV Lyria Portal in your browser. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Families can reserve two different areas on the train: The Family Square, located in cars 6, 16, 7 or 17 in Standard (Second Class). This is a set of four seats facing one another, with space for a stroller. You will also find baby changing facilities, including a baby changing table on the upper deck of cars 7 and 17, and the lower deck of cars 1 and 11. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | Bikes are allowed on board, so long as they're folded or their wheels are detached. Bikes must also be placed in suitable storage cases (no larger than 130 x 90 cm). |
Can I bring pets on board? | Small pets may travel with TGV Lyria, as long as they are carried in a carrier or container no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm (15.7” x 11.8” x 9.84”). Pets must be placed on your lap or by your feet and must travel with their own ticket at a flat rate of €7 ($7.63). Dogs on a leash may travel on TGV Lyria trains, but they must be muzzled throughout the journey and placed by your feet. Passengers must pay a flat-rate ticket fee of €20 ($21.79). |
What special assistance is available? | 2 seats in cars 1 or 11 in First Class are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility. You can request one of these seats when making your booking. If these spaces are no longer available, you can reserve a standard seat. You can also reserve assistance at the train station for help folding and storing your wheelchair. |
What else do I need to know? | You can travel with musical instruments if they're stored in a case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. If you're going skiing, snowboards and skis are allowed on board (one pair of skis or one snowboard per person). They must be stored in their covers. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet. |
What else do I need to know? | There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains. |
What baggage limits are there? | You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office. |
Can I bring pets on board? | Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities. |
What special assistance is available? | There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility. |
What else do I need to know? | There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Paris to Lucerne?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Classes on board SBB trains
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB (also known as CFF or FFS). Find out more about classes on board SBB trains.
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car on board many trains, where you'll find a menu offering high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
Services on board SBB trains
Baggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Traveling with children
Bicycles
Pets
Special Assistance
Classes on board TGV Lyria trains
TGV Lyria links France to Switzerland, and its trains can travel at a maximum speed of 200 mph (320 km/h).
TGV Lyria has three comfort classes on all trains. Standard (equivalent to the Second Class TGV, with comfortable seats), Standard 1ère (with more legroom and access to the SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge at the Gare de Lyon in Paris) and Business 1ère (available all week except Saturday, on some lines only).
Standard
TGV Lyria’s Standard Class offers comfortable seats and access to the dining car, perfect for an economical trip in comfort.
Standard Première
When traveling in Standard Première with TGV Lyria, you will have additional legroom, the comfort of a first-class seat, as well as a hot meal served at your seat.
Business Première
If you prefer to travel in style, upgrade to Business Première class and enjoy a welcome drink, a meal on board and much more.
TGV Lyria onboard services
Baggage
Food and drink
Entertainment
Travel with children
Bicycles
Pets
Special Assistance
Other
Traveling from the airport to central Paris
Visiting Paris from abroad? You’ll most likely arrive at one of Paris’ airports. If you want to know how to get to central Paris from the airport, keep reading for more details.
In Paris, there are three major airports:
- Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Orly Airport (ORY)
- Beauvais Tillé Airport (BVA)
All airports offer a bus and taxi service, but only Charles de Gaulle and Orly have their own dedicated train stations (the nearest train station to Beauvais Tillé is nearby Beauvais).
How to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris
How to get from Orly Airport to central Paris
How to get from Beauvais Tillé Airport to central Paris
All you need to know about Paris train stations
When you travel to Lucerne by train, you’ll be leaving from either Paris Gare de l’Est or Paris Gare de Lyon. We’ve got all the information you need to get there.
How to get to Paris Gare de l’Est
Hopping on a train from Paris towards Lucerne? Your train may leave from Paris Gare de l’Est. You can use public transport to get to the train station from any part of the city.
- Metro: Lines 4, 5 and 7 stop at Paris Gare de l’Est.
- RER: Lines D and E serve Paris Gare de l’Est station.
- Buses: Buses 31, 32, 38, 39, 46, 54, 56 and 91 serve Gare de l’Est station.
- Night buses: If you’re traveling late at night, you may need one of the following services: N01, N02, N13, N14, N41, N42, N43, N44, N45, N141, N142, N143.
- On foot: If you’ve arrived from elsewhere at Paris Gare du Nord, it’s easy to walk to Paris Gare de l’Est. Follow the signs in the station toward Gare de l’Est - it’s a five-minute walk.
What’s available at Paris Gare de l’Est?
If you’ve got time to spare when waiting for your train at Paris Gare de l’Est, don’t worry! Alongside free WiFi in the station, there are plenty of facilities where you can pick up anything you need for your journey, including:
- Stores such as FNAC, Relay, Sephora and Monoprix
- Food outlets such as McDonald’s, Starbucks and PAUL
- A drugstore (pharmacie)
What’s more, Canal St-Martin is just a stone’s throw from the station – the perfect place to sit and eat your lunch while you’re waiting for your train.
How to get to Paris Gare de Lyon station
Train services towards Lucerne, including TGV Lyria and SNCF trains, leave from Paris Gare de Lyon. Not sure how to get there? We’ll tell you how!
Trains from Paris Gare de Lyon
If you’re headed to Paris Gare de Lyon train station from another part of Paris, you can get there using public transport:
- Metro: Lines 1 and 14 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon metro station
- RER trains: Lines A and D on the RER network stop here
- Transilien: Line R of Paris’ Transilien network stops here
- RATP buses: Buses 61, 63, 72, 77 and 87 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station
- Night buses: Night buses N31, N32, N33, N34, N35, N131, N132, N133, N134 and N144 stop at Paris Gare de Lyon train station – these buses run from 12:30am to 5:30am.
What’s on offer at Paris Gare de Lyon?
Got a bit of time to spare before your train departs? Don’t worry! There’s plenty to keep you occupied at Gare de Lyon station, including:
- Food outlets such as Brioche Dorée, McDonalds and PAUL
- Stores such as Relay and Sephora
- Free WiFi and power outlets
- Restrooms
Transfers during the journey from Paris to Lucerne
There aren’t any direct trains from Paris to Lucerne, so you’ll likely have to make two transfers on the way.
Taking the train from Paris to Lucerne is simple, though it’s not a direct route. You’ll have to make a couple of transfers. You can pick which route suits you based on timings, price and journey duration – you'll find everything you need to buy the tickets that suit you in our Journey Planner.
Feeling a bit lost? Don’t sweat it. Luckily, all your journey information – including when and where to transfer between trains – is stored in our app, so we’ll be with you all the way!
Route 1: Paris – Strasbourg – Basel SBB – Lucerne
To get from Paris to Lucerne by train, one option is to go via Strasbourg, France and Basel, Switzerland.
Route 2: Paris – Geneva – Olten – Lucerne
Another route when traveling from Paris to Lucerne by train is to change trains in Geneva and Olten (both in Switzerland).
- Take a TGV Lyria train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva
- Change trains here and hop on an SBB train to Olten
- Transfer onto a different SBB train to Lucerne
You might see Geneva written as ‘Genève’ in our Journey Planner, on your ticket or in the city itself. This is the French spelling. Did you know: Switzerland has four official languages, including French and German?
Arriving in Lucerne from Paris
Lucerne only has one railway station, so you’ll arrive here when traveling to the city by train.
When you head to Lucerne by train, you’ll arrive at Lucerne station. You may also see signs for Luzern Bahnhof – this is the German name for the city’s train station.
The station boasts a waterfront location, so you’ll see the city’s famous Lake Lucerne almost as soon as you arrive.
If you need to stock up on anything before you start exploring the city, you’re in luck! There are many amenities on both the ground floor and lower level of the station, including:
- Food and drink outlets including Burger King and Joe & The Juice
- Stores such as H&M and Läderach
- Tourist information center
- Toilets
Using public transport in Lucerne
Lucerne has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trains and boats. Find out more here.
Getting around Lucerne is easy, whether you want to walk, bike or use public transport. We’ve summarized some of your options below:
- Bus: Many bus services stop at the city’s train station – from here, you can easily travel to other parts of Lucerne.
- Train: SBB trains depart from Luzern Bahnhof and can take you to other parts of the city as well as further afield in Switzerland.
- Boat: It’s possible to take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Many boats are operated by SGV and prices depend on the journey you wish to make.
- Bicycle: You can hire a bike from the Tourist Information Center (located at Lucerne train station).
- On foot: If you want to get a feel for Lucerne, why not take a wander through its streets on foot? Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) is only a short distance from Luzern Bahnhof.
What to do in Lucerne, Switzerland
Need inspiration for what to do now you’ve arrived in Lucerne? Look no further!
- Visit the Kapellbrücke: Perhaps one of Switzerland’s most famous bridges, this bridge (literally Chapel Bridge in English) is a Lucerne icon. It’s over 700 years old and contains paintings from the 17th Century. It’s well worth a visit – even if just to take some vacation photos!
- Catch a concert at KKL: Lucerne’s Culture and Convention Center (KKL) plays host to concerts throughout the year. It’s perfectly located next to the train station, so it’s easy to get to from across the city.
- Check out the Old Town: Known for its preserved medieval architecture, Lucerne’s Old Town is a neighborhood you won’t want to miss. Think cobblestones, timber-framed houses and much more.
Want even more ideas? Take a look at our article on the best things to do in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Popular train journeys in Europe
Train travel piqued your interest? Want to check out more of Europe by train? We’ve got you. Here are some popular routes:
Explore Europe by train with a Eurail Pass
After visiting Lucerne, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.
Traveling to the airport by train from Lucerne
If you’re coming to the end of your European adventure in Lucerne, you might be heading for the airport. The closest airport to Lucerne is Zurich Airport.
Luckily, it’s easy to hop on a train from Luzern to Zurich Airport. It takes a little over an hour – just enough time for you to sit and choose which vacation snaps you want to post on social media.
You can take an SBB InterRegio train from Lucerne station to Zurich HB, then it’s a quick transfer onto an Intercity train which will take you straight to the airport!
Find out more about the train journey from Lucerne to Zurich Airport.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.