Basel to Lucerne

During daytime, direct trains run every hour, at the top of the hour, take one hour travel time, and cost I think not more than $50 per person in 2nd class. Tickets are easy to buy at the train station. Booking a hotel online or by email is also the same as booking here at home.

Nancy, it might be interesting to know how much the cruise line charges for their add-on. Last time I looked it was very very expensive for what you get.

Nancy, you are confusing me. The title of your post is "Basel to Lucerne", but then you say "Will be ending a river cruise in Berne and want to spend a few days in Lucerne". Which is it, Basel or Bern?
I am guessing Basel because that is where the Rhine cruises end. The big cruise boats cannot get any further upstream than Basel.
As Laura says, the best way to get anywhere to anywhere in Switzerland is by train.
Direct trains run from Basel to Luzern (local spelling) twice per hour, the trip takes between 1 and 1¼ hours and costs CHF 33 per person 2nd class. You can look up times and prices for all trains in Switzerland on www.sbb.ch

Bern to Luzern costs CHF 38, they don't use '$' (of any sort) in Switzerland.

Thanks, Chris. I did mean to say Basel as in the title...not Berne.
Appreciate the info about money. I have plenty of Euros but will also get some Swiss money. I try to use my credit card whenever possible. Yes, the cruise line add-on is pricey. Will be checking out making my own plans.
Thanks to all for the replies.

Would you consider driving?

We got off our cruise in Basel and rented a car at the airport, drove to Lucern. We had time some we went to Gruyere and Montreux (on the lake), then Zermatt, Interlachen and finally Lucern. Driving around that country is a wonderful way to go. Trains, ya ok, but you see more from the road. It is only 60 miles from Basel to Lucern.

Gordon: "Trains, ya ok, but you see more from the road" Amen!

I agree with those who say DRIVE. If you are two or more persons, renting a car can be about the same price as a train PLUS you get complete control over where and when you stop and go. Try Europcar for reasonable rates with no one-way dropoff fees.

This new driving twist seems like an odd recommendation to me. There's lots more of Switzerland to see if you have time, but if you just want to get to Lucerne, than a direct train is simple. Trains also work for expanded itineraries and passes can help moderate the cost.

The train takes you through beautiful country and is very easy to use. That is why I never drive in Switzerland, especially if your staying put in Lucerne before flying back from Zurich (I'm assuming this). The train station in Lucerne is right downtown and easy to walk to most hotels. Don't miss the Picasso exhibit, it's wonderful.