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The Best Day Trips from Lucerne by Train
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Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most rewarding bases for exploring by train. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, yet connected to major cities and Alpine resorts, it offers plenty of variety without the need to keep changing hotels.
From panoramic journeys towards Interlaken to mountain railways and historic cities, some of the best day trips in Switzerland are within just a couple of hours. If you are planning a longer Switzerland rail holiday, these are some of the destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
Why Take Day Trips from Lucerne by Train?
Switzerland’s sophisticated rail network makes exploring beyond Lucerne wonderfully straightforward. Direct trains connect the city with destinations including Bern, Zurich and Interlaken, while mountain railways provide easy access to some of Central Switzerland’s finest viewpoints.
At Marvellous Escapes, we’ve experienced some of the best places Switzerland has to offer. So which are the best day trips from Lucerne to suit your itinerary?
Interlaken: Best for a Scenic Rail Journey
The stunning Bernese Alps form a dramatic backdrop to the town of Interlaken, which sits beautifully between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Getting there is half the fun; the Luzern-Interlaken Express delivers a memorable journey through Central Switzerland’s Alpine landscapes and past pristine lakes in just under two hours.
Once in Interlaken, take time to explore the Höheweg promenade and town centre, with the Bernese Alps giving a dramatic backdrop. For a bird’s-eye view of the town and surrounding lakes, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm.
Engelberg and Mount Titlis: Best for Alpine Scenery
For a different experience from Lucerne, the journey to Engelberg takes you directly into the Alps. The train journey takes around 45 minutes. On arrival, you’ll note the change in atmosphere from a bustling town to a peaceful village.
Engelberg is worth exploring in its own right, but it is also the gateway to Mount Titlis. From the village, the mountain lifts take you towards the summit, where dramatic views, snow-covered peaks and glacier scenery provide a complete contrast to lakeside Lucerne.
It is an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience the Swiss Alps without committing to a separate overnight stay.
Mount Rigi: Best for Mountain Railways and Lake Views
Mount Rigi combines several of the things that make travelling through Switzerland so memorable: mountain railways, sweeping views and Lake Lucerne.
One particularly scenic option is to travel by boat from Lucerne to Vitznau before joining the cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm. The boat journey takes around an hour, while the railway climbs from Vitznau to the summit in around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by train towards Arth-Goldau and join the mountain railway there.
Known as the “Queen of the Mountains”, Rigi offers panoramic views across Central Switzerland and is an ideal choice for travellers looking for a relaxed mountain excursion.
Bern: Best for History and Swiss Culture
Switzerland’s capital is approximately an hour from Lucerne by direct train, making Bern an easy change of pace after exploring the mountains.
Its UNESCO-listed Old City is characterised by sandstone buildings, narrow streets and around six kilometres of arcades. The medieval Zytglogge clock tower is another of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Spend the day strolling through the historic centre, stopping for lunch and enjoying the city at a leisurely pace before catching the train back to Lucerne.
Zurich: Best for a City Day Trip
Zurich offers another straightforward city excursion from Lucerne, with the two destinations connected by regular direct trains.
Once there, explore Zurich’s historic Old Town, including the narrow streets and courtyards of the Niederdorf quarter, before heading towards the lakefront or stopping at one of the city’s cafés.
Zurich works particularly well for travellers looking to combine Switzerland’s mountain and lake scenery with museums, shopping and a livelier urban atmosphere. Our Zurich and the Swiss Alps rail holiday package is a favourite for those wishing for a holiday with both.
Can You Take a Day Trip from Zurich to Lucerne?
Yes. The journey works just as well in the opposite direction, making day trips from Zurich to Lucerne a popular way to experience Central Switzerland.
Once in Lucerne, many of the main sights are within easy walking distance. Explore the Old Town, cross the famous Chapel Bridge, visit the Lion Monument and enjoy a stroll beside Lake Lucerne before returning to Zurich.
For travellers staying in Zurich, it provides an easy introduction to Lucerne without requiring an overnight stay.
Make Lucerne Part of a Longer Switzerland Rail Holiday
While these Lucerne day trips can all be enjoyed individually, they can also form part of a longer journey through Switzerland.
Marvellous Escapes can incorporate stays in Lucerne alongside scenic rail journeys, mountain excursions and destinations across the Swiss Alps. Explore our tailor-made Switzerland rail holidays or discover journeys aboard the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
We’ve been tailoring perfectly curated rail holidays for over 15 years. Contact our team of professional Travel Designers to create a bespoke Swiss rail itinerary built around the places you most want to experience.
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