Zurich to Lucerne

Very easy.

If you have a lot of luggage, you might want to opt for 1st class seats as you will have more room.

Thank you, we most likely will as we will have large suitcases.

Assuming you are arriving at Zurich airport and going directly to Luzern. There is a luggage rack in the entrance to each carriage for large luggage. I've ridden 2nd class on Swiss trains with large luggage, even skis, without any problem. 1st class is overkill, but that is just my opinion. The direct trains are only a tad more than one hour in both cases.

Also sometimes--not always (and I don't know how to tell the difference!)--first class was often upstairs in my experience, so I had to go upstairs with my luggage if I intended to keep an eye on it (just had a small bag, I would not have wanted to lug a bigger bag up the stairs).

rccherapist, just in case you haven't been on trains before, you are responsible for carrying and managing your luggage on and off. That means going up some stairs to get in the car. The worst thing you can do is block the doorway trying to get on while people are trying to get off, and blocking the aisles. Then, it helps to be ready to get off, with your bags before the train reaches your stop. Otherwise you can get trapped in the aisle or wrestling with luggage while everyone else is getting off, and the train is only there for a short time.

But the trains in Switzerland are very convenient and worth the effort.

Otherwise you can get trapped in the aisle or wrestling with luggage while everyone else is getting off, and the train is only there for a short time.

Fortunately, if you stick to direct trains (and you should if you have big luggage), from Zurich airport they terminate at Luzern, so you won't get stuck. Same for Luzern to Basel SBB, although there is only one direct train every hour at 54 past the hour.

Get a top floor room at Hotel Balances in Luzern……great spot to stay and look over the river…..

first class was often upstairs

I have never seen this, where first class was only upstairs (other than on the boat). Perhaps I have never traveled the route that you did.

Also keep in mind train stations have pay lockers if you just need/want to stash your stuff for a few hours or a day

Really appreciate your feedback and hotel suggestions!

I have taken the train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne twice. Both times in first class. First class was both upstairs and downstairs. I usually take downstairs because most other people want upstairs.

Thank you!