Your driver will meet you at your address in Lucerne.
You’ll travel in comfort for 50 min.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Zurich.
On the drive from Lucerne to Zürich, you can see some of Switzerland's most famous lakes. Departing from Lucerne, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the mighty Pilatus and Rigi mountains. As you travel the 33-mile distance, you’ll zip past picture-perfect towns that look like they’ve leaped off a postcard, wildflower meadows bursting with color, and farms that dot the landscape.
Admire the well-preserved Swiss architecture in the quaint towns of Meggen and Küssnacht. Near Küssnacht, catch glimpses of Lake Lucerne, which continues to offer scenic views as you head north. Approaching Zug, the drive skirts the eastern shore of Lake Zug, providing beautiful vistas. Use a private car transfer with Daytrip to fully appreciate all these awe-inspiring views while your professional driver handles the driving.
Nearing Zürich, the scenery shifts to suburban areas with well-kept gardens and modern homes. Finally, Zürich’s skyline emerges, blending historic buildings with modern architecture, marking the end of a scenic car trip. If you want to dive deeper and uncover all the tips, tricks, and best ways to travel from Lucerne to Zürich, check out our travel guide below!
If you want to travel straight to the Zurich Airport (ZRH) from Lucerne, head to our airport transfers page!
The biggest city in Switzerland (but not the capital), Zürich offers a wonderful combination of contemporary flair and old-world charm. This energetic capital sits between the glittering Lake Zurich and the stunning Alps, and the city center is only a short 6 miles (10km) from Zurich Airport (ZRH).
Picture strolling through Zurich's Old Town (Alstadt) cobblestone streets with historic buildings narrating tales of the past. Shopping around Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf offers upscale retailers and boutique shops. On warm days, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich is a must.
Zürich's history and present are both intriguing. Because of its strategic position and history as a Roman settlement, it was a thriving trade station during the Middle Ages. This past wealth created the basis for today's lively, contemporary metropolis, which smoothly integrates business, culture, and innovation.
Today, Zürich shines on the global stage for its powerhouse financial district. But don't let the suits fool you—Zürich is the throbbing heart of Swiss culture too. If you are interested in art, be sure to visit the Fraumunster Church, where Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows explode with deep, vibrant colors that practically dance in the light. The green parks, dazzling blue lake, and towering mountains that surround Zürich add to the city’s otherworldly, fairy-tale vibe. When night falls, Zürich comes alive with more than 500 bars and clubs to choose from.
Getting around Zürich is simple, thanks to its excellent public transit system and free bike rentals. It's an ideal spot for your Swiss adventure, whether your goals are to take in the tranquil natural beauty, explore the city's cultural treasures, or simply experience its fairytale charm.
Peak tourist season: July and August
The trip from Lucerne to Zürich might be short, so we have a few quick travel tips to make your time in Switzerland’s largest city as sweet as Swiss chocolate.
Zoom into Zürich, rent a bike, and let the adventure unfold. You’ll find Zürich’s bike-friendly streets are practically begging you to hop on a cycle and uncover every nook and cranny, every picturesque alleyway, every secret corner that buses and trams simply gloss over. Bike rental spots are in various cities throughout Switzerland, including “Züri rollt”, which lets you rent bikes for free!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, steer towards Zürich's vibrant street markets. Imagine yourself at Bürkliplatz or Helvetiaplatz, surrounded by stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and decadent Swiss chocolates.
Zurich flaunts 1,200 public water fountains, each spouting clean, refreshing drinking water. Picture yourself dashing through Zürich’s streets, reusable bottle in hand, pausing to refill at these urban oases.
You’ll not only stay hydrated but do so sustainably and frugally. So, as you walk through this mesmerizing city, let these fountains be your free hydration pit stops, ensuring you’re always refreshed and ready for the next adventure.
The distance from Lucerne to Zürich is only 34 miles (53 km), so expect a quick trip regardless of how you choose to travel. If you’re still trying to make a decision, you just have to decide on your budget and how fast, convenient, or enriching a trip you want!
Jump on a train from Lucerne to Zürich, and enjoy one of the most convenient, picturesque journeys you can imagine. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) runs a slew of direct trains, zipping you between these two cities in 44 minutes. You'll sink into plush seats as the stunning Swiss countryside unfurls outside your window.
The cheapest way to travel is to jump on a bus from Lucerne to Zürich. However, the short journey may feel longer when public transport is crowded in the busy summer months.
Choose Daytrip's private car service for an unmatched travel experience, including seamless airport transfers. Enjoy door-to-door service, comfort, personalized routes, and breathtaking Swiss scenery. Forget rigid schedules; with Daytrip, your journey from Lucerne to Zürich morphs into a tailor-made adventure, transforming a mundane transfer into a memorable part of your trip through Switzerland's scenic landscapes.
Other features that make our private door-to-door service unique are:
Taking a taxi from Lucerne to Zürich may be more comfortable and quicker than public transport, but it is more expensive than a private car service with varying levels of service.
Duration: around 40 minutes
When you arrive in Zürich, the city will draw you in, inviting you to explore its charming streets. Here are just a few recommended things to do, no matter your interests:
Begin your trip in Zürich’s old town, at the monumental church known as the Grossmünster, which is a watchtower of architectural mastery and history. Its two towers pierce the sky with a Gothic charm that mutters stories of medieval grandeur. According to legend, Charlemagne found the graves of Zürich's patron saints here.
Take a guided tour to learn about Grossmunster Church's history, or climb up the 187 steps leading to the viewing platform, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Old Town and Lake Zurich.
Put on your hiking shoes and head to Uetliberg Mountain, where the expansive views over the city unfold like a picture by a master painter. Suitable for all fitness levels, the trail offers a bird's-eye perspective that makes every step worthwhile.
Head over to Lake Zurich. Rent a boat, channel your inner captain, and let the clear waters whisk you away. If you'd like to learn more about the history of Lake Zurich, go on a boat tour. Ducks and swans glide past as if auditioning for a nature documentary. Fancy a swim? Plunge into the cool embrace of the lake and feel your worries dissolve.
After drying off, trade your sailor’s hat for a tux and stroll to the Zürich Opera House (formal attire isn't required to visit!). This architectural masterpiece became Richard Wagner’s main place of work during his period of exile from Germany and has seen amazing performers grace its stage since 1891. The air inside is thick with the whispers of performances past, a testament to the timeless allure of the arts. If you've never seen an opera, this is a great place to experience your first!
Wrap up your journey with a visit to Kunsthaus Zürich, where creativity knows no bounds. This art museum, brimming with masterpieces, will ignite your imagination. With a collection spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times featuring works by renowned artists like Picasso, Giacometti, Munch, and more.
Zürich dazzles year-round, but let's get in on how each season truly sparkles. Visit Zurich in summer (June to August) when Lake Zurich gleams under the sun, and festivals like Street Parade transform the city into an electrifying show.
Zürich in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) is when the city bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors when the weather is not too hot, not too cold. Spring brings brighter and longer days after winter. Lose yourself as you wander down streets like Bertastrasse, blossoms swirling in the breeze like confetti, or experience the traditional spring festival Sächsilüüte.
In autumn, picture yourself sipping espresso by the Limmat River, surrounded by autumn golden foliage, crisp air, and cozy cafés, like a painting sprung to life.
Winter morphs Zürich into a snow-globe wonderland; the Christmas markets brim with mulled wine and festive cheer.
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
Hugging the shores of Lake Zug, this medieval market town has become a tax haven maintaining its historic landmarks. Historic Haven
Learn about, and see, Switzerland’s indigenous animals as they roam large enclosures that mirror their natural habitat. Free to Roam
Well-preserved and completely surrounded by water, this is one of the finest moated castles in all of Switzerland. Floating through Time
“I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024“We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!”
pgh1125
Dec 3, 2024“Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.”
James B
Nov 9, 2024“We as a family are very satisfied and enjoyed the trip from Lucerne to Zurich with Luciene. For our next trip we will definitely come back using Daytrip. Thank you for making our traveling run smoothly and enjoyable.”
EdwinTobing
Jan 14, 2023All 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.
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.
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 are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
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).
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.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
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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