Basel Airport to Lucerne: All Transport Options

Q: How long is the train from Basel to Lucerne?

From Basel Airport to Lucerne, the distance is 95 km. Using public transport (a bus followed by the train) will take 1 hour and 20 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times. The train component of this trip will take 1 hour.

Q: How much is a taxi from Basel to Lucerne?

The average cost of a taxi from Basel Airport to Lucerne is €521.90 (CHF 490). However, there’s no official set-rate fare, so if you’d prefer the peace of mind of knowing your taxi fare in advance, we recommend pre-booking a Basel Airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Lucerne (or Luzern) is a lake city in central Switzerland, located 95 kilometers from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL). To travel from Basel Airport to Lucerne, you can take a taxi, a private transfer, or public transport.

Basel Airport taxis offer door-to-door services, making it the most convenient option (albeit more expensive). You can expect the journey to take around 1 hour and 30 minutes in normal traffic. Another direct option is a private Basel Airport Transfer. This service has the benefit of a local English-speaking driver and a set rate fee that is cheaper than a taxi.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can take a bus from the Basel Airport to Basel train station, then catch the train to Lucerne. This option can take upwards of 1 hour and 20 minutes, not including wait time.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Basel at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€521.90	90min	24/7
Bus + Train	€52.40	80min	04:32–00:05
Welcome Airport Transfer	€195	90min	24/7

How to get from Basel Airport to Lucerne by taxi

If comfort and convenience are your top priorities, then taking a taxi from Basel Airport to Lucerne is a great transportation option. Available 24/7, Basel Airport taxis can accommodate up to four passengers, or three if you’re traveling with extra luggage.

The trip takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions, and unless you’re able to negotiate a fare with your driver, the price will be determined by a taximeter.

How much is a taxi from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

From Basel Airport to Lucerne, a taxi should cost around €521.90 (CHF 490). However, this is an estimate. Your final fare depends on the time of day, the exact distance to your destination, and which pricing method your driver chooses.

Basel taxis all have taximeters, but it’s at your driver’s discretion whether to use them for long journeys or not. Typically, it’s more cost-effective to negotiate a set rate before your ride begins, but it depends on the driver.

For a guaranteed set rate fare with no hidden charges that you can pay for in advance, we suggest booking a private transfer to Lucerne with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€521.90 (CHF 490)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

*The journey can take up 2 hours in heavy traffic.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Taxis are easily accessible from outside the main terminal building at Basel Airport. Follow the signs from the Arrivals Hall on the Swiss side.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Basel Airport to your hotel or accommodation in Lucerne is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their plans flexible, and if you’re under any time constraints.

That being said, airport taxis can be very expensive and may not be a feasible option for everyone, in which case a private transfer or public transport provides convenient alternatives at a more economical price.

Editor’s Note

A taxi ride on arrival should be a last resort due to the cost. Using public transport is much more affordable and fairly straightforward, or you can pre-book a private transfer for less than half the price.

Useful Tips

Transporting luggage is free so long as it fits in the trunk.

Most Basel Airport taxis carry four passengers as standard. If you require a larger vehicle, consider booking a private transfer.

You can pay for your taxi via card or cash from Basel Airport.

You'll be crossing a land border into Switzerland; we recommend having your travel documents ready for inspection.

Getting from Basel Airport to Lucerne by bus and train

Because there isn’t a direct bus or train from Basel Airport to Lucerne, if you wish to save money by using public transport, you’ll need to take a combination of both.

Firstly, you’ll need to catch the No. 50 bus from Basel Airport to Basel SBB, which takes around 20 minutes. When you arrive at the train station, board a train to “Luzern” and disembark at the main train station. The second half of the journey takes 1 hour, bringing the total travel time to 1 hour and 20 minutes, without factoring in any wait or transfer times.

How much does it cost to travel by bus and train from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

Traveling from Basel Airport to Lucerne by train and bus costs about €26.20 (CHF 24.60) per person, but you’ll need to pay for your trip in two parts.

The bus costs €7 (CHF 6.60) for a one-way ticket across 3 Zones, and tickets can be purchased at the station from the counter or self-service machines.

For a one-way ticket on the train, which can also be applied to a return train from Lucerne to Basel Airport, the cost starts at €19.20 (CHF 18) for a second-class seat purchased on the day of travel. If you plan in advance, it’s easy to find train tickets for half this price.

Cost

€26.20 (CHF 24.60)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 20 Min.

There's an approximate waiting time of 10 minutes for the bus and 30 minutes for the train.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The number 50 bus is available daily from 04:32 to 00:38 and trains run from 05:01 to 00:05.

Where do I get the bus and train from?

Airport buses depart from outside the terminal building on the Swiss side. Trains are available from Basel SBB. Several train services go towards Lucerne, but the direct train is the fastest. You can purchase a train ticket online or at the counter at Basel train station.

Convenience

Using public transportation is the least convenient way of getting from Basel Airport to Lucerne. You’ll need to transfer your luggage from the bus, through the train station, and onto the train, and then make your way to your hotel on arrival at Lucerne.

That being said, if you’re only traveling with hand luggage and don’t want to break the bank, the bus and train offer a solid budget option, and the journey can be quite scenic.

Timetables

Number 50 Bus Schedule

Basel Airport –> Basel Train Station

SBB Train Timetables and Journey Planner

Basel Train Station –> Luzern

Editor’s Note

You can make your journey a little smoother by taking a taxi from the airport to Basel train station. This should cost around €45 (CHHF 45).

Useful Tips

We recommend booking your train tickets online to save time and money.

Seating is not guaranteed on the bus or the train, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

If your plane is arriving between 00:00 and 04:00, taking a taxi or private transfer is your sole option.

Getting from Basel Airport to Lucerne by private transfer

The most convenient way to get from Basel Airport to Lucerne is to arrange a private transfer directly to the door of your accommodation. Private transfer services – like those provided by Welcome Pickups – offer a fast and hassle-free experience, with modern, air-conditioned vehicles to maximize your comfort, all for an affordable price.

Some of the benefits of booking a Basel Airport transfer include:

A 24/7 customer support team
Guaranteed fixed fare pricing
Flight monitoring
Meet-and-greet on arrival
A local English-speaking driver

On top of that, your driver will give you a memorable introduction to Lucerne by pointing out some of the sights on the way to your hotel. Moreover, they’ll offer up some of their tips and tricks as a local on how to best enjoy your time here.

What's the cost of a private transfer from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

Booking a Basel Airport transfer allows you to lock in a competitive fixed-rate fare that you can pay for in advance. The bespoke quote you’ll be provided includes all charges, so you won’t be caught off guard by additional costs such as road tolls or nighttime surcharges. Furthermore, since the payment will have been taken care of ahead of time, you won’t have the headache of withdrawing or exchanging cash on arrival.

From Basel Airport to Lucerne, the cost of a private sedan taxi that seats 3 people is €195 (CHF 183), or €300 (CHF 281.50) for a more spacious 9-seater minivan. Lastly, you have the option of a minibus that can accommodate up to 12 people for €495 (CHF 464.50).

Your trip can be booked and paid for online or via the Welcome Pickups app. Booking is fast and easy; all you have to do is enter a few personal details and your flight information, and then select the time you’d like to be picked up.

Cost

€195 (CHF 183)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

*A driver and vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Your friendly Welcome driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall of Basel Airport, on the Swiss side. To help you spot them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name, plus you’ll have been sent their details – including a recent photo – a few days before. After exchanging introductions, your driver will lend a hand with any luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle so that your transfer to Lucerne can begin.

Convenience

A private transfer service takes the hassle out of transport arrangements, letting you relax and enjoy your holiday. You won’t need to wait in line, buy tickets, or worry about train and bus timetables. Instead, you’ll be on your way as soon as you land, which is ideal for those short on time or visiting Lucerne for business.

Editor’s Note

At less than half the price of a standard taxi, a private transfer is by far the best choice for a direct trip, which is ideal for business travelers and those who don't want to have to transfer through the bustling city center with all of their luggage.

Useful Tips

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

It's not customary to tip your taxi driver in Switzerland but if you'd like to, you can do so using the Welcome app.

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Basel. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€195.0

NIGHTTIME

€234.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lucerne from the airport?

When considering your Basel Airport to Lucerne transfer options, you have three main choices: a local taxi or private transfer, or a combined bus and train trip.

The easiest way to get from Basel Airport to Lucerne is to take a taxi or a private transfer, both of which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes in light traffic. Keep in mind that taxi prices can be quite hefty, so it may be worthwhile to book a transfer in advance to lock in a set rate fee.

Taking public transport is more complex. You first need to take a bus from Basel Airport to Basel train station. From there, you can catch the train to Lucerne. The combined journey time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times, but the cost is much lower, at around €26.20 (CHF 24.60) per person.

How long is the train from Basel to Lucerne?

From Basel Airport to Lucerne, the distance is 95 km. Using public transport (a bus followed by the train) will take 1 hour and 20 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times.

The train component of this trip will take 1 hour.

How much is the train fare from Basel to Lucerne?

It’s not possible to catch a train at Basel Airport to Lucerne, but you can connect with one in the city center at Basel SBB Station. Tickets bought on the day start at €19.20 (CHF 18) for a second-class seat per person. When you combine this with a one-way bus ticket to the station for €7 (CHF 6.60), the total price per traveler will be €26.20 (CHF 24.60).

How much is a taxi from Basel to Lucerne?

The average cost of a taxi from Basel Airport to Lucerne is €521.90 (CHF 490). However, there’s no official set-rate fare, so if you’d prefer the peace of mind of knowing your taxi fare in advance, we recommend pre-booking a Basel Airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.

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How to get from Basel Airport to Lucerne by taxi

How much is a taxi from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

€521.90 (CHF 490)

1 Hr. 30 Min.

Taxis are available 24/7 from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Basel Airport to Lucerne by bus and train

How much does it cost to travel by bus and train from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

€26.20 (CHF 24.60)

1 Hr. 20 Min.

The number 50 bus is available daily from 04:32 to 00:38 and trains run from 05:01 to 00:05.

Where do I get the bus and train from?

Convenience

Timetables

Number 50 Bus Schedule

Basel Airport –> Basel Train Station

SBB Train Timetables and Journey Planner

Basel Train Station –> Luzern

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Basel Airport to Lucerne by private transfer

What's the cost of a private transfer from Basel Airport to Lucerne?

€195 (CHF 183)

1 Hr. 30 Min.

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Lucerne from the airport?

How long is the train from Basel to Lucerne?

How much is the train fare from Basel to Lucerne?

How much is a taxi from Basel to Lucerne?

The best way to arrive in Basel

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