What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Taking the train from Basel to Lucerne
Planning a trip from Basel to Lucerne? While it’s not too far to consider car travel, skip the stress of facing potential traffic and dealing with parking woes. Hop on a high-speed train from Basel to Lucerne and you’ll find yourself in the picturesque Swiss town in just an hour.
National Swiss operator SBB runs daily direct services between these two cities on their modern and comfortable trains. It’s the perfect distance for a day trip to soak in the gorgeous views of Lake Lucerne and check out the charming town centre. Settle in for an easy journey as you’re whisked past scenic Swiss views at high speeds.
Interested in finding out a little more? Scroll down for the available train times, as well as essential information in the FAQs.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
Want to know more about your journey from Basel SBB to Lucerne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is Lucerne from Basel SBB by train?
Which trains run from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
Can I get from Basel SBB to Lucerne without flying?
What is the best way to get from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
When is the first train from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
When is the last train from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
How often do trains run from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
Looking for a return trip from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
SBB trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne
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 Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Basel SBB to Lucerne?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Basel SBB to Lucerne.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy
Take advantage of the restaurant carriage which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Travelling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- 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 plug sockets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power sockets
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Family area
- Power sockets at each seat
- Extra luggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power sockets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, at-seat dining and plenty of space for your luggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Power sockets
- Luggage storage
- Catering at your seat
- More legroom
What are the onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Basel SBB to Lucerne.
Intercity
Eurocity
What luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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 plug sockets 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 pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family carriage. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bicycle onboard 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 luggage limits are there? | You can take as much luggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the luggage racks provided. |
|---|---|
What food and drink is available? | Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro carriage 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 plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | You can take your bike onboard 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 travelling 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 onboard, 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 Basel SBB 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 discounts
6. Take a night train
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.