Lucerne

Private car transfer from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

Door-to-door
in 50 min
From €44
per seat
Comfortable
car
Zurich Airport
Lucerne
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Zurich Airport.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 50 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Lucerne.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 70 km
  • 50 min

Overview: Zurich Airport transfer to Lucerne

The drive from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lucerne covers a distance of 42 miles (67 km) in around 50 minutes. Taking a Daytrip private car transfer also allows you to add sightseeing stops along the way to round out your time in Switzerland with some final exploration.

For instance, visit Hallwyl Castle and explore its stunning courtyard before strolling through the eleven Life in the Middle Ages exhibits.

Or, for a walk on the wild side, head to Langenberg Wildlife Park, home to 19 native and previously native mammal species. The vast wild enclosures offer the animals a peaceful existence that visitors can observe while on a quiet forest walk.

Daytrip also offers transfers from Zurich’s city center to Lucerne, which can be booked online here. It's perfect for getting to your hotel in Zurich!

About Lucerne

Those traveling near the Italian border often stumble upon Lucerne, a small, picturesque city in central Switzerland, with a rich and immersive history and culture. Like many other cities in Switzerland, Lucerne is well known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture, stunning natural landscapes, beautiful lake, and impressive panoramic mountainside views. Yet for all that it is similar, it brings unparalleled uniqueness to visitors.

Lucerne's history stretches far into the past, with the remnants of Stone Age and Roman settlements leaving traces within the area. Historians say Lucerne began as a fishing village in 840 and grew into a regional market town that supplied the hinterland for centuries. With prospering trade agreements, Lucerne advanced from a regional market to a commercial center around the 13th century, maintaining facetious trading partnerships until the 17th century.

Unfortunately, in 1798, Lucerne lost some of its importance when it lost its independence to Napoleon. For a few short years, Napoleon ruled Lucerne as the Helvetic Republic until Switzerland became a modern state, with advancements of the time, like the railway expansion, bringing modernity to the region. Ever since this expansion, the city has grown into a globetrotter's dream destination and a tourism hub.

Those planning a trip to Lucerne can expect to enjoy a glimpse into the city's past and the adventure of a lifetime. The city perfectly balances cozy, charming, adventurous, and thrilling. Prepare yourself for long, meandering walks through cobblestone streets that spill into beautiful squares and admire hand-painted building facades and magnificent ancient fountains. Not to mention, you need to make room in your travel schedule for hearty meals, chocolate tastings, and lazy lakeside visits with ice-cold beverages.

From Zurich Airport to Lucerne: travel tips

Zurich Airport (ZRH) transfer to Lucerne doesn't need to be difficult if you memorize a few handy travel tips like the ones we've shared below.

Pack for all weather conditions

For the most part, Switzerland is seasonally predictable, which means that summers are usually hot and winters cold, but some expectations will keep you on your toes. For example, it's not unheard of to experience a violent storm on a summer day when traveling from Zurich to Lucerne or snow at altitude in August. That's why it's important to be prepared by packing for all weather conditions, no matter when you plan a trip from Zurich Airport to Lucerne.

Book hotels and cabins in advance

Since Switzerland is one of the most visited European countries in the world, it's unsurprising that everything from fancy hotels to rugged cabins and cheap backpacker accommodation is booked in advance. So, to avoid missing out on staying over in any of the places found along the way or in Lucerne itself, book your stay well ahead of your intended travel time.

Try to call places by their local names

It can be easy to visit attractions and landmarks and call them by their Westernized names, but if you want to make friends and impress the locals, it is best to call places by their local names. For example, use Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) or Vierwaldstattersee (Lake Lucerne) for instant kudos. You can brush up on the local history by speaking with your Daytrip driver to learn what the locals call the places you plan on visiting during your stay.

Getting around Zurich Airport

Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland's largest, is well-designed for efficiency and ease of navigation. The airport has three terminals (A, B/D, and E) connected by a central Airside Center. Transfers between terminals are fairly quick and seamless, with average walking times of 5–15 minutes.

Terminal E, which primarily serves non-Schengen flights, is a satellite terminal accessible by the Skymetro, a short automated train ride from the main terminal area. Travelers benefit from Zurich Airport's reputation for punctuality and reliability.

It is always recommended to make sure to have enough time to transfer from your gate as it might require walking or other modes of transport. You can explore Zurich Airport in detail in an interactive, online map.

How to get from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

So you've decided to travel from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Lucerne but are unsure how to get from one Swiss city to the next. Don't fret—we've got you covered. Below, you'll find our discussion on the best ways to get from Zurich Airport to Lucerne by train, bus, taxi, and private car transport service.

Private transfer from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

The most comfortable and convenient option for many travelers is the Daytrip private car transfer service, a 50-minute door-to-door adventure with optional sightseeing stops on the way. Daytrip’s flexible booking means you’ll travel with a bespoke itinerary and peace of mind if your plans change.

A friendly, professional driver will assist you every step of the way, from helping with your luggage to providing local insight into the area. The 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures the elevated travel experience meets your expectations and is the ultimate airport sendoff.

Bus from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

The most affordable option is the bus from Zurich Airport, which will cost $9-$13. The duration of the trip is much longer, at almost 2 hours. Travelers will also have to plan around the bus schedule. You may have to arrive very early and increase your wait time at the airport or risk a late arrival depending on the bus company’s timetable.

Train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

Travelers can also take an indirect train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne Station, which will take about one hour (not including time spent getting to the station.) The cost of tickets varies but is typically around $30-$55. The timetable varies, but trains leave every 30 minutes during peak travel times.

Taxi or Shuttle from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

Switzerland has some of the highest taxi costs in the world. A taxi from Zurich Airport to Lucerne takes around 50 minutes, but the fare can be as much as $340-$420. For a better fare, it may be best to find a shuttle service that allows you to schedule a trip in advance.

Things to do when you get to Lucerne

When you get to Lucerne, there are many things you can do, but if you've never traveled to the city before, you might not know everything you can do when visiting. That's why we've shared a few of the best things to do in Lucerne for those driving from Zurich to Lucerne. Let's take a look:

Inseli Park

If you want to spend time outdoors while visiting Lucerne, you cannot miss planning a picnic or walking in Inseli Park. This park encompasses everything great about the outdoors in this small city in Switzerland. With its magnificent mountain landscapes peaking along the horizon and its twinkling lake lapping the shores, Inseli Park is a destination where you'll find peace and tranquility where you can unwind after a busy day of touring everything the city has to offer.

Sammlung Rosengart

Art lovers will find solace, inspiration, and joy when visiting the Sammlung Rosengart Museum. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of artworks gathered by Swiss art dealers Siegfried and Rosengard. Since the pair were friends with famed artist Picasso, it's unsurprising that a tour through the museum will showcase more than 40 examples of Picasso's best works.

Besides Picasso's artwork, the museum is also home to imaginative and exploratory art by modernists Miro, Monet, Cezanne, Chagall, and Matisse. You'll also see a few gorgeous sketches by Swiss-born artist Paul Klee, so be sure to book your tickets to this museum in advance so you don't miss out.

Lucerne's Cold War bunker

Those in the mood to visit a site that is not the typical attraction when in Lucerne should consider adding a trip to Lucerne's Cold War bunker to their travel itinerary. Built in 1976, the bunker has an interesting history: it was designed to house a third of the city's population if a nuclear war broke out. When visiting you can learn more about its design and how it would function when housing so many people in a new world underground.

When is the best time to visit Lucerne?

The summers in Lucerne offer a wildly contrasting atmosphere to the winters in the city, so it is important to plan carefully when you want to drive from Zurich Airport to Lucerne to visit this spectacular city. Typically, we recommend trusting your instincts and examining your budget when deciding when to visit since Lucerne can get busy and pricey quickly.

If you want to avoid overpriced accommodations and attractions and enjoy your strolls through the city without brushing shoulders with other travelers, you must visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. If you have a bigger budget, don't mind larger crowds, and want to enjoy Lucerne when the weather is hot, it's best to book a trip to the city in the Summer.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

The best way for families to travel from Zurich Airport to Lucerne is with Daytrip's super convenient private transfer service, offering stress-free door-to-door transport in a comfortable vehicle with child seats available and the option to add sightseeing adventures on the way.
The train ride from Zurich to Lucerne itself is rather scenic, offering glimpses of mountaintops and glacial blue lakes, except for perhaps the stretch from the airport to the Zurich city center, which is a quick journey without much to see beyond the city.
No direct trains travel from Zurich Airport to Lucerne Train Station. A transfer is typically required at Zurich's main train station (Zurich HB.) Travelers will typically take one of Swiss Railway's SBB trains, and the journey takes just over an hour on average but can take longer.
The best way to get from Lucerne to ZRH is with Daytrip's comfortable and convenient private transfer service, offering flexible booking and a 100% satisfaction guarantee backed by a responsive support team and a fleet of friendly, professional drivers.
If you want an adventurous getaway in a city bursting with charm, liveliness, and quaint experiences, you'll want to visit Lucerne. This city has lots to see and do, from hiking trails and paddle boats out on the lake to shopping in town and dinners at cute local restaurants. There is something for everyone.
With a Daytrip private car transfer, the drive from Zurich Airport to Lucerne covers a distance of 42 miles (67 km) in around 50 minutes. Google Maps estimates may vary, and the actual travel time will depend on your pickup and drop-off locations.
The total price of a taxi from Zurich Airport to Lucerne can vary depending on the taxi company used and other factors, such as the amount of luggage travelers have in tow. Generally, you can expect to spend about $340-$420.

Visit these sights on the way

Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi

Europe’s oldest alpine railroad take visitors up this massive massif, which provides panoramic views all the way into France and Germany.  Queen of the Mountains 

Zug

Zug

Hugging the shores of Lake Zug, this medieval market town has become a tax haven maintaining its historic landmarks. Historic Haven 

Langenberg Wildlife Park

Langenberg Wildlife Park

Learn about, and see, Switzerland’s indigenous animals as they roam large enclosures that mirror their natural habitat. Free to Roam 

Hallwyl Castle

Hallwyl Castle

Well-preserved and completely surrounded by water, this is one of the finest moated castles in all of Switzerland. Floating through Time 

Why people love Daytrip

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5,100+ reviews
  • 360 travelers took this route with us
Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861
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Maps315861

Feb 28, 2025
Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte
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Golourdesduarte

Feb 20, 2025
Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R
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Michelle R

Feb 10, 2025
Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar
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Omar

Jan 25, 2025

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From €79 per seat

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From €156 per seat

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Zurich Airport to Lucerne
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Zurich Airport to Lucerne

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,100+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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