Have you been wondering how to get from Lucerne to Geneva? I’ve got you covered!
Embarking on a journey from Lucerne to Geneva is like stepping into a dream. With breathtaking landscapes, picturesque towns, and the serene beauty of Lake Geneva, this adventure is one that will surely leave a lasting impression on your heart. Having travelled on this mesmerizing route firsthand, I can’t wait to share my personal experience, tips, and insights with you all.
With a distance of approximately 265km (165 miles) between these two cities, there are several ways to explore this enchanting route when travelling in Switzerland with kids, whether you want to go a longer more scenic way or you’re in a hurry to get to the airport.
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How to Get from Lucerne to Geneva: An Overview
You definitely have more than one option when travelling from Lucerne to Geneva. In my opinion, the BEST WAY TO GET FROM LUCERNE TO GENEVA IS BY TRAIN. However, if you have hired a car already, the best way is to drive. You can also carshare, get the bus or fly (from Zurich) to reach Geneva from Lucerne. Here’s everything you need to know. You can read my more in-depth post about travelling to from Zurich to Lucerne and vice versa here.
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Lucerne to Geneva Train – 2 Hours, 45 Minutes
Swiss Federal Railays (SBB) runs the route. Three types of trains are available – InterCity, InterRegio and Regional trains which all have different journey durations, but the average time taken is 2 hours, 45 minutes. The train I went on was travelling from Lucerne to Genève Aéroport which is perfect to save the hassle of changing trains.
Ticket prices: Starting from CHF 25 (standard class) to CHF 50 (first class) when booked in advance
Scenic Train Via Lausanne
For a more scenic option, consider travelling via Lausanne along the shores of Lake Geneva for stunning views.
The GoldenPass Line – 5 Hours
For a VERY scenic option, the GoldenPass line runs in the direction of Geneva and takes approximately 5 hours. On the GoldenPass line, you’ll have stunning views through Panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and dining options. The GoldenPass line runs from Lucerne to Montreux, where you can then take a direct train to Geneva.
Ticket prices: Starting from CHF 84 (standard class) to CHF 134 (first class) when booked in advance.
Lucerne to Geneva by Car – 3 Hours
Renting a Car in Lucerne and Driving to Geneva
It takes approximately 3 hours to drive from Lucerne to Geneva. The journey is 265km (165 miles) along the A1 motorway. The great thing about driving between Lucerne and Geneva is that you can take advantage of pitstops and attractions along the way.
Take the route via Bern and Lausanne for picturesque views and charming pit stops. Visit Gruyères, a medieval town with a historic castle, and Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with terraced vineyards.
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Tip – PARKING IN GENEVA – Upon arrival in Geneva, you’ll find various parking options, including public parking garages and street parking. Some hotels offer private parking facilities for their guests. Familiarizing yourself with parking regulations and fees is essential to avoid fines.
Carpooling and Ridesharing
You can find carpooling options on local websites like BlaBlaCar and Swiss forums. This is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to travel.
Lucerne to Geneva Bus – 5 Hours
If you’re on a budget, travelling by bus is the best way to travel (along with carpooling). The bus from Lucerne to Geneva takes 4.5-5 hours. FlixBus and Eurolines offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
The Swiss PostBus travels from Lucerne to Geneva with a change in Bern, and the journey takes 5.5 hours.
Ticket prices: Starting from CHF 20 when booked in advance.
Can You Fly from Lucerne to Geneva?
You can’t fly from Lucerne to Geneva directly, but you can fly from Zurich to Geneva. The flight time is 1 hour and tickets start at CHF 80 with advanced booking. Swiss and EasyJet operate this route.
To get from Lucerne to Zurich, you can either drop your hire car off back in Zurich and fly, or get the train from Lucerne to Zurich.
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Geneva to Geneva Airport
If you choose to hire a car, there are dropoff points in Geneva and at Geneva Airport.
Trains run regularly from Geneva train station to Geneva Airport. This is the fastest way to travel if you are staying nearby a train station.
Bus no.10 also runs from many locations in Geneva to Geneva Airport
Tips for Travelling from Lucerne to Geneva
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage options are available at Lucerne and Geneva stations.
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The Swiss Travel Pass
Offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland for a selected number of days, plus free admission to over 500 museums. This is great value if you are planning to do LOTS of exploring during your trips. Make sure you add up the cost of the attractions and trains on your trip to see if the pass is worthit.
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Swiss Half Fare Card
Provides a 50% discount on train, bus, and boat travel within Switzerland for 1 month. This is perfect if you have a longer stay in Switzerland. Childeren under 16 travel free is an adult has this pass.
Saver Day Pass
Offers unlimited travel on public transport for a day at a discounted price when booked in advance.
Interrail and Eurorail Passes
Interrail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents) passes offer a cost-effective and flexible way to experience the Lucerne to Geneva route and beyond. There are different types of passes available. T
he global pass covers 33 European countries, suitable for those planning extensive travel across Europe.
This can be flexible (e.g. 7 days within a month) or continuous for 15 days to 3 months. The one country pass is ideal for focusing on a single country.
Traveling from Lucerne to Geneva offers a wealth of breathtaking experiences, from the serene beauty of Lake Geneva to the majesty of the Swiss Alps. Each transportation option presents its unique set of advantages, but personally, I’d recommend the Lucerne to Geneva by train journey for its unbeatable combination of comfort, convenience, and scenic views.
Whether you choose to travel by train, car, bus, or plane, one thing is certain – this unforgettable Swiss adventure will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Lucerne to Geneva FAQs
Lucerne is closer to Zurich than to Geneva. The distance from Lucerne to Zurich is approximately 52 kilometers (32 miles), while the distance from Lucerne to Geneva is around 265 kilometers (165 miles).
Travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours on SBB trains or approximately 5 hours on the GoldenPass Line. By car, it takes about 3 hours. By bus, it takes between 4 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes. By plane, it takes about 1 hour plus additional travel time to and from airports.
Yes, the Lucerne to Geneva by train route via Lausanne along the shores of Lake Geneva offers picturesque views. The GoldenPass Line, which travels from Lucerne to Montreux and connects to a direct train to Geneva, is another scenic option with panoramic windows for an enhanced visual experience.
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.