Lucerne (Luzern) is a popular tourist city on the lake, about 65 km south of Zurich Airport.

About Lucerne

Lucerne (Luzern) is often called Switzerland's most beautiful city, set on the shores of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstattersee) where the lake meets the Reuss River against a backdrop of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), a covered wooden footbridge dating to 1333, is Europe's oldest surviving truss bridge and the city's iconic symbol, decorated with 17th-century triangular paintings depicting local history.

The compact Old Town features frescoed buildings along cobblestone squares, the Jesuit Church, and the poignant Lion Monument—a dying lion carved into a rock face commemorating Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution, which Mark Twain called 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.' Lake excursions on vintage paddle steamers offer stunning mountain panoramas, and the nearby peaks of Pilatus (reached by the world's steepest cogwheel railway) and Rigi provide year-round Alpine experiences.

Nearby Landmarks

Chapel Bridge Lion Monument Lake Lucerne Mount Pilatus Old Town walls

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CHF 150-200
Time 60-75 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (IR/IC to Luzern)

Cost CHF 25
Time 45 minutes (from Zurich HB)
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take S-Bahn from airport to Zurich HB (10 min). Transfer to InterRegio or InterCity train to Luzern (45 min). Well-signed connections.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CHF 150-200 60-75 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train CHF 25 45 minutes (from Zurich HB) Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Trains from Zurich Airport to Lucerne run until approximately 11 PM. After that, night trains or connections via Zurich Hauptbahnhof may be available on weekends. A taxi from the airport would cost approximately CHF 150-200 ($165-220) and is not recommended.

Luggage Tips

Swiss trains have spacious luggage areas between carriages and overhead racks. Lucerne station has luggage lockers. The Old Town is compact and walkable with suitcases, though cobblestones can be bumpy.

Accessibility

Swiss trains are among the most accessible in Europe with level boarding and wheelchair spaces. Lucerne station has elevator access. The Chapel Bridge and lakefront promenade are wheelchair accessible. Lake steamers have wheelchair access on the main decks. The cogwheel railway to Pilatus has limited wheelchair facilities.