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Trains from Zurich HB to Lucerne

Posted by on

A small group of us will be doing a day trip from Zurich HB to Lucerne. We will buy our tickets day of from each station since we really haven't formulated a firm time yet - does anyone know what platforms the trains leave from for the Zurich to Lucerne run and then returning from Lucerne? We have never been to Zurich station and this is our first time. Do we need to validate the tickets?

We will also be taking the train from Zurich HB a couple of days later to Strasbourg. Chris gave some very nice detailed information on the transfer in Basel and walking outside the station to the French side. Will the platforms going from Zurich to Basel portion be on the main level or do we find this out day of?

Thanks!

Posted by
8889 posts

Different trains leave from different platforms, there is no one platform for Luzern.
You can look up train times on the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website: https://www.sbb.ch/en/
There are two trains per hour, leaving at 04 and 35 minutes past each hour. If you click on one of the trains listed, it will show you the platform number for that train. Sometimes platform numbers change at short notice, always double-check the departures board when you arrive.
Tickets cost CHF 25 each way (if you have no discounts).

You do not need to validate tickets in Switzerland.

Again I don't know which platform Basel trains leave from, it varies. Look it up on the SBB website.

Posted by
5835 posts

To supplement Chris' response, note that conductors do not sell tickets on board. You will need to buy your ticket before boarding. No need or place to validate tickets.

We have bought our tickets just before boarding and in advanced.

Posted by
20023 posts

As you get closer, look at buying nonrefundable Supersaver tickets. They go on sale 30 days before your planned travel date. They are train specific, like airline tickets, but could get you up to half off that 25 CHF each way price.

Posted by
768 posts

I'm 99% sure that when you get there and see the "big board" you'll figure it out.
Even if you don't, take your best guess, find a conductor (or local) near the train, and say "Luzern??"
I once lived in Switzerland, and did that dozens of times, and people were always helpful.

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