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Trip Summary
You can pick from 92 daily train trips between Kiel and Lucerne. The average train journey from Kiel to Lucerne takes 12 hours and 24 minutes, but some Deutsche Bahn train trips are as short as 10 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 509 mi (819 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 5m |
| Lowest price | $144.60 |
| Most frequent service | Deutsche Bahn |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Kiel to Lucerne?
2 train services operate from Kiel to Lucerne. Deutsche Bahn usually has more trains scheduled, with 91 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB Intercity | 1 | 14h 30m | $144.60 |
| Deutsche Bahn | 91 | 12h 23m | $195.47 |
Deutsche Bahn IC is the German railway's long-distance train service provider with service across Germany and neighboring countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and Poland. Onboard amenities include restrooms, power outlets, and a restaurant car where passengers can purchase drinks, snacks, and meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Kiel and Lucerne is approximately 509 miles, or 819 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 5 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Kiel to Lucerne are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Kiel at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 92 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Lucerne to Kiel.
City Information
Kiel
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Kiel is a port city on the coast of the Baltic Sea, known for its role in WWII as the base of Germany's submarine fleet. Large ferries transport visitors from Scandinavia into the city. So, if you're ready to discover Kiel, start at its harbor. Right on the waterfront, the Kiellinie is a promenade that begins at Schlossgarten and ends at Hindenburgufer. It is filled with sailing clubs, cafes, restaurants, and even a small aquarium.
For more water-based attractions, check out the Kiel Canal, a manufactured canal that runs from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea. In nearby Holtenau, you can watch ships pass through the locks and learn more in a small museum devoted to the canal.
If you want to experience Kiel's history, then the Schiffahrtsmuseum is a must-see. This maritime museum is appropriately located where Kiel's fish market used to be. Paintings, installations, and even ships showcase the city's legacy in the maritime industry.
There is definitely a lot to see, do, and experience in Kiel. To get to the city, you can ride Deutsche Bahn, DB Intercity, or FlixTrain. There are also a few buses serving the area, such as FlixBus and Sindbad. The nearest airport is about an hour south in Hamburg.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Kiel?
Main departure station: Kiel-Russee
Kiel has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Lucerne.
All train stations in Kiel:
Kiel-Russee
Suchsdorf
Kiel-Elmschenhagen
Where is the train station in Lucerne?
Main arrival station: Luzern
Lucerne has one train station.
Train stations in Lucerne:
Luzern
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Need a return trip from Lucerne to Kiel?
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