When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
1hr 1 min - 1hr 13min
Daily
2 - x trains per hour
Is this journey from Basel to Lucerne direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
It isn't exceptional
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Lucerne?
Before 06:10 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Lucerne?
The station is exceptionally well located, it is adjacent to the old town area, the local bus station and piers for the boat services across Lake Lucerne.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Basel to Lucerne on this journey option
After midnight daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Basel?
Basel SBB station is located to the south of the city centre, but is connected from it by tram lines / routes 8, 10 or 11.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Basel to Lucerne trains?
Yes
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Basel to Lucerne trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.
What are the child ticket terms for these Basel to Lucerne trains?
Does the ticket for these Basel to Lucerne trains include assigned seats?
Reservations are available, but optional on the IC and EC trains, but they are not an option on the other trains.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Basel to Lucerne trains?
No
Is catering available on the Zurich to Lugano trains?
It depends on the trains
See the Train Guides in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.
This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.
We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.
Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.
So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.
This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney, which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.