Lucerne is Switzerland's postcard city: the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the water tower, the Lion Monument and a lakefront ringed by the Alps, with Mount Pilatus and the Rigi within easy reach.
Lucerne sits where the Reuss leaves Lake Lucerne, 50 km from Zürich and a 45-50 minute InterCity ride. The wooden Chapel Bridge and its octagonal Water Tower are the symbols of the city, while the old town fills with painted facades and cafe terraces. The Lion Monument, carved in 1821 to honour Swiss Guards killed in Paris, sits in a quiet rock garden a ten-minute walk from the station. Lake Lucerne's paddle-steamer cruises depart from the piers next to the rail station and reach Vitznau, Weggis and Flüelen; from Vitznau the Rigi cog railway climbs to 1,797 m. Day trippers often add Mount Pilatus via gondola and cogwheel railway. Other options include the Swiss Museum of Transport and the Rosengart Collection. The Swiss Travel Pass includes the train and the lake boats.
| Distance | 50 km south-west of Zürich |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 45-50 minutes by train |
| Getting there | SBB InterCity train: departs Zürich HB every 30 minutes to Luzern station; second-class single about CHF 27 (about $34) |
| Cost | Train about CHF 27 (about $34) each way; lake cruise from about CHF 22 (about $28); free to walk the old town and bridges |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Bahnhofplatz, 6003 Lucerne |
How to get there
- Train: SBB InterCity Zürich HB to Luzern, 45-50 min, about CHF 27 (about $34) single (half with Half Fare Card)
- Boat: from Lucerne pier on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, Weggis, Flüelen
- Car: A4 and A14 via Zug, about 55 minutes
Location
Bahnhofplatz, 6003 Lucerne
47.0502, 8.3093 View on map
Highlights
- Walk across the Kapellbrücke and the Spreuerbrücke
- Visit the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) at Denkmalstrasse 4
- Lake Lucerne boat trip or Rigi / Pilatus excursion
- Old-town squares such as Weinmarkt and Kornmarkt
- Swiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus)
Tips for visiting
- Leave Zürich HB by 08:00 to have a full day
- Combine a lake cruise with a Rigi cog railway for a loop (Swiss Travel Pass covers most of it)
- Check the weather before going up Pilatus or Rigi; cloud often hides views
When to visit
June to September for lake cruises; December for Christmas markets; weekdays for fewer crowds.
Accessibility
Luzern station has step-free platforms and lifts. The old town is flat and mostly accessible, though the wooden bridges have gentle slopes and cobbles.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Lucerne worth a day trip from Zürich?
Yes. The 45-50 minute direct InterCity makes Lucerne one of the easiest and most scenic day trips, with the bridges, old town and lake reachable on foot from the station.
How much does the train cost?
A second-class single is about CHF 27 (about $34); with a Half Fare Card it is about half. The Swiss Travel Pass covers it fully.
Can I visit Mount Pilatus on the same day?
Yes. Allow six to seven hours total for Lucerne plus Pilatus. Check the weather first.