Lucerne to Interlaken: travel options
Approximate direct distance: 53 km • Travel distance depends on the route and transport you choose.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Direct | Zentralbahn (Luzern-Interlaken Express) | About 1h 50m |
Check fare
Fare source checked: 6 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: Zentralbahn (Luzern-Interlaken Express) |
Dep: Luzern
Arr: Interlaken Ost
|
Zentralbahn describes an hourly direct train from Luzern to Interlaken Ost taking 1 hour 50 minutes. Buy a normal route ticket or use valid Swiss Travel Pass or GA coverage. A separate seat reservation guarantees a seat and costs extra. Brienz or Lungern can be a planned break, but check your ticket conditions for the onward train. Allow for luggage and the next departure. If your accommodation is nearer Interlaken West, add the local journey and read the host’s arrival instructions. |
Choosing your journey
The Luzern–Interlaken Express is both the transfer and a worthwhile part of the day. Allow about 1 hour 50 minutes.
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The journey
The Luzern–Interlaken Express is both the transfer and a worthwhile part of the day. Allow about 1 hour 50 minutes for the main connection, plus the journeys at each end. This is a planning range; use the timetable for your travel date.
Departure: Luzern. Arrival: Interlaken Ost.
Ordinary ticket, optional reserved seat
Zentralbahn accepts an ordinary ticket for the route, and valid Swiss Travel Pass coverage applies. An individual seat reservation is optional and costs extra. Do not confuse that extra with a compulsory premium-train fare.
Make a stop only if the ticket allows it
Brienz or Lungern can be a planned break, but check that your ticket permits the chosen onward train. The basic service is hourly. Luggage and the next departure determine whether a stop feels relaxed.
Use the correct Interlaken station
This train arrives at Interlaken Ost. If your room is nearer West, add the local journey. A guest card may help once valid, but read the host’s arrival instructions first.
Tickets and local travel
Use the operator information and SBB journey planner to choose the actual departure. Read the fare conditions: an ordinary ticket and a train-specific Supersaver ticket have different flexibility. Only select a discount if you hold the required card.
The Lucerne guide and Interlaken guide explain the local arrival and accommodation choices.
