Planning a train trip from Lucerne to Munich with a connection in Zurich. Most of the connections allow only 8 minutes to switch trains. Are the platforms for a transfer like this close and is 8 minutes enough time to complete the transfer successfully?
Posted by
Chicago
962 posts
Yes, as long as you know what you're doing.
Knowing the train number is important, as well as other intermediate and
end destinations (not just yours), so you can look at monitors and quickly
find your connection.
You can check schedule status online during your trip and confirm platforms.
Having a map of the transfer station doesn't either.
If, however, you have more luggage than you can handle on your own, or you
purchase two separate tickets with some conditions, then you might have some
issues.
Posted by
Green Bay
22330 posts
The EC train to Munich leaves from the underground platforms at Zurich HB, and the trains from Luzern generally arrive at one of the center ground level platforms at Zurich HB. That means when you exit the train from Luzern, look for the escalator going down mid platform. then walk a few feet to the escalator down from there to your departure platform. Should take about 3 minutes.
Also, since there is a train from Luzern to Zurich HB every 30 minutes, you can take an earlier train if 8 minutes makes you nervous.
Look at your departure on www.sbb.ch/en. It will show the platform numbers and you can click on a small map showing you route. Down from level 0 to level -4.
Posted by
Switzerland
291 posts
Yes, it is enough time. You don’t need to know the train number, just the final destination of the train.
If you use the SBB app, you will see that when you choose a route and time you are taken to next screen showing the details of your route.
After the first train Luzern - Zürich HB is listed you will see an icon of a person walking and ‘change’
Expand this section to view a map showing the route from the arrival platform to the one your train will depart from. Choose 'open map' to follow it live while you are transferring.
Also, there are multiple directional overhead signs in the train station that are very easy to follow.
Posted by
OP
Stillwater, NY
96 posts
Thanks so much for the great info folks. I did look deeper and saw I could make the layover longer by choosing a stopover. I am not intimidated by a quick change, but just like to have a general idea of what I will need to do to facilitate movement from one platform to another. On past trips I have used Man in Seat 61 which is also very informative as well. Research is always a fun part of planning a trip.
Posted by
Wengen
3231 posts
"Knowing the train number is important, "
Departure and platform displays in Switzerland do not show train numbers, so knowing the train number is useless. What you need to remember is the final station ("direction") and departure time, and in some cases the line number.
But the best thing to do is to just use the trip planner. It will show you on which platform your train arrives and your next train leaves. 8 minutes is above the minimum connection time for Zurich, so if you are able to follow signs you will be fine. The Swiss Railways offer those short connections because they want you to have a fast and efficient trip. They are doing you a favour.