We will fly into Zürich this June and arrive by 815. We are planning to take a train as soon as possible and would like to stop in Lucerne for two or three hours. When I looked at trains earlier, the train was going through Bern instead. I have also read that that route is by far more picturesque.I have downloaded the SBB app, but unsure of how to choose the right route.
Posted by
Oregon
2913 posts
If you are booking individual tickets, you need to book separately from Zurich to Lucerne, then Lucerne to Wengen. Unless you are using a pass, you can’t hop on hop off.
If you are using a pass, in the SBB app, you just get a train from Zurich to Lucerne. Then when you’re ready to leave, find a train to Wengen. You can also use the “via” option: Zurich to Wengen, via Lucerne.
Posted by
California
44 posts
this might help: ZRH-LUZERN-WENGEN
not sure what day you arrive but if you take the 938 train, you don't have to switch in Zurich central, it's a direct shot to Luzern.
Posted by
Green Bay
22795 posts
If you are booking individual tickets, you need to book separately from Zurich to Lucerne, then Lucerne to Wengen.
This statement is not correct, but you must book a ticket via Luzern to Wengen. A ticket is good for the entire day on that route and you can hop off and on anywhere and any number of times along the way.
Now, here is a low cost way of doing this. Since the trip is not until June, beginning 6 months in advance, you can purchase a Saver Day Pass for about 52 CHF. It is good for all train travel for the day in the GA area of Switzerland. With that, just take the next train that gets you to Luzern, even if you have to change at Zurich Hbf. Stop off as long as you want, then take the next train to Interlaken Ost (they go once per hour), then change to a train to Lauterbrunnen, then change to a train to Wengen. If you buy when you arrive at ZRH, it will cost you 74 CHF. These are current prices and will probably go up a small amount in 2026.
The Saver day Pass is nonrefundable and only good for the day you buy it for. So you must be sure of your plan. Prices go up as you get closer to you chosen travel date until a few weeks ahead, it will cost more than just buying a ticket when yiu arrive. Here is the info: https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/day-passes/saver-day-pass.html
PS. If searching for the schedule at www.sbb.ch/en, be sure to put Luzern in the "via" box. Otherwise SBB will show the route through Bern because it is the fastest way. If you want a scenic route, you must specify it by putting a way point along the routing you want in the "via" box. BTW, going via Luzern takes longer, but the ticket is slightly less because the actual distance traveled is less.