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Travel from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne by train in 4 hours 5 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne by train is 4 hours 49 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 4 hours 5 minutes. Around 38 trains per day travel the 99 miles (159 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to Lucerne. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with SNCF or SBB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Book train tickets from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne in our Journey Planner.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

Trains to Lucerne from Thonon-les-Bains

First train

05:30

Last train

22:11

Departure stationThonon-les-Bains
Arrival stationLucerne
Journey time

From 4h 5m

Distance

99 miles (159 km)

Frequency

38 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

SBB CFF FFS, SNCF, SNCF Voyageurs

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne?

Want to know more about your journey from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Lucerne from Thonon-les-Bains?

To travel to Lucerne from Thonon-les-Bains, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 49 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 4 hours and 5 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne?

Trains from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne take an average of 4 hours and 49 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 4 hours and 5 minutes. You'll usually find 38 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Thonon-les-Bains and Lucerne by train?

The quickest journey time between Thonon-les-Bains and Lucerne by train is 4 hours and 5 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne?

No, there are no direct trains running from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

What are the train times from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne?

Check out the next trains departing from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne for Tuesday 7th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
08:3013:014h 31m, 2 changes
09:3013:584h 28m, 4 changes
09:3014:014h 31m, 2 changes
10:0414:584h 54m, 4 changes
10:4115:014h 20m, 2 changes
11:3015:584h 28m, 4 changes
11:3016:014h 31m, 2 changes
12:3016:554h 25m, 4 changes
12:3017:014h 31m, 2 changes
13:3017:554h 25m, 4 changes

SNCF and SBB trains from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne

You can travel from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne on SNCF and SBB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

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).

What Intercity and Eurocity classes are there from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when travelling from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne.

What are the onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne.

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.

WiFiWiFiWhat 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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat 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.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.

PetPetCan 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.

LuggageLuggageWhat 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.​

RestaurantRestaurantWhat 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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

There are plug sockets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

There is pushchair storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan 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.

PetPetCan 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.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet onboard, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.

InfoInfoWhat 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 Thonon-les-Bains 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

The price of train tickets from Thonon-les-Bains to Lucerne starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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