Zurich/Lucerne train and car rental

I take it that your "friends" encouraging your visit who live outside of Luzern don't know a thing can't help you to come visit on a Sunday as they don't drive. I don't get it.

Jazz travels - see private message for details.

Any recommendations?

Your friends cannot provide a ride?

Taxi?

Arrive a different day?

Pick whichever of your options you find least objectionable.

I guess I need to explain my question better. My friends are not available on Sunday. I had already booked my arrangements, without letting them know. It’s not their problem, but mine since I’m not used to places being closed on Sunday’s.

I just thought some others might have suggestions.

There are a handful of rental companies at Zurich train station and Lucerne, however it appears in Lucerne is quite a bit more expensive/limited (an overnight hire/return in Lucerne was about €300 minimum for this Sunday 8pm, returning Monday at midday) Zurich train station however (overnight, pick up/drop off at Zurich station) starts from around €80 - reason for the difference I suspect is that Zurich is a lot busier, hence more suppliers. The website I used is this: https://zurichairport.net/zurich-airport-car-hire/#/searchcars if you scroll down that page you will see all the available locations from which you can collect/return.

Thanks deconfusing airports - I looked at that site.

I checked into companies that are at the Zurich train station and are open on Sunday evenings. Budget is one of them and has a good price. I decided to just rent a car for a couple of days, from the train station, to use around the countryside, and then return it to Zurich. It was a better deal than the trains. I will be back in the Zurich area anyway, so we can drop off the car, then take the train back to Lucerne, in the evening.

It’s interesting how the same train trip can cost $9-$26 depending on the time you travel. Anyway, I found that to be most economical (less than trains fares) and gives us flexibility as well.

Glad you found that useful Linda - it never ceases to amaze me how much car rental prices can vary, including to the point they can be cheaper than public transport sometimes.

Linda, where are you pricing your train journeys at? If you are using the SBB site, remember that the default position is that the price shown is as if you have a half fare card. I’d you don’t have one, double the price listed. Also prices are in CHF.

Carol,

I used that site and got what you mentioned. If 3 people are traveling by car in certain areas, it’s better to use the car.

I am going to use the train for one trip which will work out great.