Lucerne to Zurich by train

SBB runs two direct InterRegio trains an hour from Luzern to Zürich HB, taking 42 or 50 minutes, with no seat reservation needed.

Every train is direct

Both InterRegio lines start in Luzern and leave every half hour, alternating between a faster train and one via Rotkreuz.

The 42-minute train is often the busier one in 2nd class. With bags, the 50-minute train is usually the calmer choice. Direct trains run every half hour into the late evening, and on weekdays the last one leaves shortly before midnight. After that you need to change, except at weekends, when a direct night train also leaves shortly after half past midnight.

From 13 December 2026 the half-hourly pattern between Luzern and Zürich HB is planned to stay the same, though the timetable is not final yet.

Through to Zurich Airport

Both lines currently continue beyond Zürich HB to Zürich Flughafen, so for a flight you can simply stay on board. From 13 December 2026 only the faster train is planned to run through on weekdays; on the train via Rotkreuz you will usually change at Zürich HB on weekdays, while weekend trains still run through. Luzern to the airport takes about 1 hour 10 minutes direct. The faster train waits at Zürich HB for a while, and changing there to a train for the airport can save about 10 minutes.

Tickets and saver fares

Supersaver tickets give the lowest fares. SBB sells them on sbb.ch and in the SBB Mobile app up to six months ahead, in limited numbers, and each is valid only on the train you pick. With a Half Fare card they can start from around CHF 9 to CHF 10 for this trip. Not sure when you will leave Luzern? A Supersaver Flex ticket refunds 75% if you cancel before departure.

Supersaver fares are also sold in 1st class, which is often far quieter on these trains.

Swiss Travel Pass and Interrail

The Swiss Travel Pass covers the trip with no extra ticket. Only people living outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein can buy it, and you need your original passport or ID card on board. Interrail passes are valid too.

For a longer stay with fewer travel days, the Swiss Half Fare Card costs CHF 150 for a month and halves most fares, Supersaver tickets included.

Luggage on board

Keep big cases between or under the seats, where you can see them. On double-deck trains there is also a rack at the top of the stairs to the upper deck.

Works on 7 and 8 November 2026

SBB works on the Reuss bridge at Fluhmühle from 22:00 on Friday 6 November to 06:00 on Monday 9 November 2026, lifting the last renovated section back into place. Trains still run direct on Friday evening. On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, a replacement bus runs from Luzern station to Ebikon, where you board the train for Zürich HB. The trip takes just over an hour, so check your connection in the SBB timetable before you travel that weekend.