We are flying into Frankfurt airport in Sept and want to take the train to Lucern where we will begin our 2 week Switzerland vacation. I am really confused as to which trains to take.
Thank you in advanced!
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1869 posts
Depends on the time you leave the airport. Basically if you train from the airport to the Main station, you then train to Lucerne changing in Basel. It is a five to five and a half hour trip.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6941 posts
You can look up the schedule and prices at www.bahn.de
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6941 posts
I don't know where Threadwear found that information, but there is no need visit Frankfurt Hbf. Normally it is a 4 hour trip with two changes, in Mannheim and Basel.
Posted by
OP
Surprise, AZ, USA
98 posts
We arrive at the airport from the US around 9 am. thank you. I did find that information! Are we able to buy the tickets when we land or do we have to purchase ahead of time?
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8939 posts
You dont need to choose a line. The German Rail (Deutsche Bahn) website (bahn.com) shows all trains and sells tickets. Try and go from the airport rail station (Frankfurt Flughafen). You can buy tickets there too.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8003 posts
Thank you. what train line would I look at? We arrive at the airport from the US around 9 am.
Only buy from the national rail company Deutsche Bahn https://www.bahn.com/en
Your starting station is Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbf, Destination Lucerne or Luzern.
There are several options, some require a change in Mannheim and Basel, some just Basel that I saw. There are some that take you into Frankfurt (Main) Hbf, but that just complicates things.
As for what time for a train? Depends how lucky you are feeling. Assuming no delays leading to a late arrival, typical time to get through immigration, 2 hours, or 11:00 AM should be safe, but one never knows. Noon would be safer, you could get a coffee or beer, something to eat, before the train
Posted by
OP
Surprise, AZ, USA
98 posts
Thank you! This helps a lot...I dont like rushing and grabbing a drink sounds like a plan!
Posted by
Green Bay
21108 posts
If, by chance, you are flying Condor, Lufthansa, or United, you can get a continuing train ticket with Rail & Fly. It has to be a German station, but Basel Bad station is considered a German station. Cost is 30 EUR 2nd class. Then you can take any train when you arrive without an advance booking. At Basel Bad, you can buy an ongoing ticket to Luzern. Since you are going to be in Switzerland for 2 weeks, I assume you will be getting either a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card for travel in Switzerland.
With a Swiss Travel Pass, you would stay on the train across town to Basel SBB station and change to a train to Luzern. With a Half Fare Card, you could buy the continuing ticket with the SBB app and do the same.