How to get to Lucerne by rail
How to get to Lucerne depends first on whether you are arriving at Zurich Airport (ZRH) or already starting in central Zurich. These are different stations and different journeys. For an independent city visit, begin with a rail connection to Lucerne station and then plan the final leg to your accommodation. The station and KKL are on the lakeside opposite the Old Town, which lies north of the Reuss. Decide which side your address is on before choosing a route with luggage.
From Zurich Airport, the IR75 route runs via Zurich HB and Zug towards Lucerne. Depending on the hour, a change at Zurich HB may be needed. Read the complete connection for your travel date, including its change instructions, rather than choosing solely by the train number. Leave space between your arrival and a timed activity in the city. The accommodation area guide helps connect your arrival point to your plans.
Starting at Zurich HB
From Zurich HB, direct IR and IC connections to Lucerne are described at a half-hourly frequency. Use the timetable for the actual departure and journey time on your chosen day. A departure from the main station suits visitors already staying in the city; an airport arrival needs its own connection search. For the departure city, see Zurich. Keep the distinction when comparing an independent journey with an organised day visit.
The organised rail day trip shown here starts at Zurich HB and includes second-class train tickets, a local guide and a two-hour city tour in Lucerne. A lake cruise is included only when that option is booked. Choose it for an accompanied city visit from the main station. For an arrival at ZRH followed by a hotel check-in, use the airport travel options instead.
A day visit from Zurich
This organized trip combines second-class train tickets from Zurich with a Lucerne city tour.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
An organised rail visit from Zurich HB
Second-class rail tickets, a local guide and a Lucerne city walk form this day visit; add the lake cruise option when booking if you want it.
Taxi and transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH)
A road transfer is an alternative when you want to arrange the airport-to-accommodation leg around your luggage and travelling party. Compare the total quote with the rail journey for everyone travelling, then look at the agreed collection point and destination. Include flight arrival details and the amount of luggage when requesting a vehicle. For a family, describe any seating needs in the same request so the proposed vehicle matches the journey.
For a private airport transfer, give the full Lucerne accommodation address and agree how the driver will handle the final approach. This matters particularly for an Old Town address inside the pedestrian zone. Ask where you will leave the vehicle and how you will cover the remaining distance with bags. Settle the pickup arrangements, waiting terms and destination before travel so your airport arrival has a clear sequence.
Reserve your transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lucerne in advance on intui.travel.
Car hire and parking
A hire car makes more sense as part of a wider onward itinerary than as the starting point for every city visit. Compare where you will collect and return it with the journeys you actually intend to drive. The Old Town is marked as a pedestrian zone, so arrange parking and the final approach to your accommodation rather than treating the address as a general driving destination. Ask the accommodation about its specific access arrangements.
For chargeable Swiss motorways and expressways, the 2026 annual vignette costs CHF 40 for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; trailers generally need a separate vignette. The 2026 vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027. Electronic and adhesive versions are available. With a rental, establish whether the vehicle already has the required vignette before buying one. Obtain the current parking tariff for the place you intend to use.
Local transport after arrival
Overnight guests receive the guest card from their accommodation by email or at check-in. It covers second-class buses and trains in zone 10 for the stay, including arrival and departure days, up to 14 days. Ships are excluded. Keep the airport journey separate from this local benefit, and ask a Kriens accommodation to confirm eligibility and the applicable area. For the first journey to the accommodation within the covered area, the reservation confirmation serves as the ticket under the guest-card rules.
Once settled, combine the Old Town walking route with a visit to the Chapel Bridge, or select a timed activity from the Lucerne tours. Put the arrival journey into your schedule before booking that activity. This keeps luggage, local travel and sightseeing as separate decisions instead of tying the whole day to a tight connection.
Questions about your visit
Are all airport trains direct?
Some IR75 connections require a change at Zurich HB. Follow the connection for the hour and date you will travel.
Does the guest card cover boats?
It covers buses and trains in zone 10, second class, for eligible stays up to 14 days. Ships are excluded.
Is the organised rail visit an airport transfer?
It starts at Zurich HB and includes a city tour in Lucerne. Use a separate airport connection or transfer for an arrival at ZRH.