Lucerne Holidays
Get in touch with us to plan your Lucerne rail holiday today!
Few destinations capture the beauty of Switzerland quite like Lucerne. Set beside the clear waters of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks, the city combines historic architecture, spectacular scenery and some of Switzerland’s finest rail journeys.
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing lakeside break or including the city as part of a wider Switzerland rail holiday, Lucerne makes an ideal base for exploring the country by train. From the moment you arrive, mountain views, waterfront promenades and the charming streets of the Old Town are all within easy reach.
A Lucerne train holiday allows you to experience Switzerland at a more relaxed pace. The city’s railway station sits close to the waterfront and historic centre, meaning you can begin exploring almost as soon as you step off the train. Many of Lucerne’s major attractions, including the Chapel Bridge, Old Town, Lion Monument and lakeside promenade, can easily be explored on foot.
At the heart of the city is the famous Chapel Bridge, Lucerne’s historic covered wooden bridge stretching across the River Reuss alongside its distinctive Water Tower. From here, wander through the colourful streets and squares of the Old Town, stopping at independent shops, cafés and restaurants as you explore.
Lake Lucerne provides an equally impressive backdrop. Spend an afternoon strolling beside the water or take to the lake itself on a boat cruise, where the city’s historic skyline gradually gives way to mountains and traditional lakeside communities. Boat services also connect with mountain railways and cable cars around the region, making it easy to combine sightseeing on the water with a journey into the Alps.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing rail holidays in Lucerne is just how easily you can explore beyond the city. Mount Pilatus is one of the region’s best-known excursions, with journeys combining lake, mountain railway and cable car travel available from Lucerne. Another option is Mount Rigi, where panoramic views across central Switzerland are reached using historic mountain railways.
For one of Switzerland’s most memorable scenic journeys, travel aboard the Lucerne-Interlaken Express. The route connects Lucerne with Interlaken through the heart of central Switzerland, passing Alpine lakes, mountain scenery and green valleys along the way. The journey takes around one hour and 50 minutes and services operate throughout the day.
You can also incorporate Lucerne into a longer journey through Switzerland, combining the city with destinations such as Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt or St Moritz. Marvellous Escapes’ Switzerland programme already incorporates some of the country’s most famous panoramic trains and can be tailored around the destinations and experiences you would most like to see.
Back in Lucerne, evenings can be spent beside the lake, exploring the atmospheric Old Town or enjoying traditional Swiss cuisine overlooking the water. The compact nature of the city makes it particularly suited to travellers who want plenty to experience without having to rush between attractions.
If you’re looking to experience rail holidays around Lake Lucerne or Switzerland, our travel experts can create an itinerary completely around you. We’ve been curating bespoke rail holidays for over 20 years and can combine your preferred hotels, rail journeys and Swiss destinations into one seamless holiday.


UNMISSABLE MOMENTS ON THE LUCERNE RAIL HOLIDAY
- Walk across Lucerne's iconic Chapel Bridge and explore the historic Old Town
- Cruise across Lake Lucerne surrounded by spectacular Alpine scenery
- Journey into the mountains for panoramic views from Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi
- Travel aboard the scenic Lucerne-Interlaken Express
- Relax beside the waterfront and enjoy traditional Swiss food with views across the lake
LUCERNE HIGHLIGHTS
- Scenic rail journeys through the Swiss Alps
- Beautiful views across Lake Lucerne
- Easy access to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi
- Historic landmarks including the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument
- Direct connections with some of Switzerland's most popular rail destinations
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.

