Fodorites: If we take the train to Lucerne from Zurich for the day, will this give us enough time to see a good portion of Lucerne? (Is it a very big place?)Also, do trains run on a pretty regular basis between Lucerne and Zurich, and up until what time at night? Thank you!

You can visit the major sites near the train station in one day, but there are lots more to see and do in Lucerne. Why not stay overnite?

Trains run every half-hour and take about 50 minutes. The last reasonable one back to Zürich departs Luzern at 23:35. You can look at the schedules at www.sbb.ch (available in English).

Hi travel_chef1,

Just to get an idea of what's to see and do in Luzern, go to www.luzern.org. Click around the sightseeing areas --

Good luck!

s

Luzern has quite a bit to see near the rail station, but my favorite place is the transportation museum.

The first time we went there was 9 years ago and we took a bus from the station. I do not recall which bus it was. On subsequent visits, we drove our rental car.

There is a tourist office very near the train station and the ladies there will be happy to give you directions and assistance with your visit.

You asked about trains from Zürich, they are frequent as stated above.

I most definitely would check the schedule because not all of the connections are direct. For example, the departure at 8:09 requires a change in Zug and you finish your trip on the s-Bahn, which is a commuter type of light rail line.

I would look for the connections that require no change of trains between Zürich and Luzern.

The departures at 8:04 and 9:04 take only 45 minutes.

During the day, you can count on 3 departures per hour that require no changes of trains.

Check the schedule and you can easily decide which train you want. Go to the station, buy your ticket, and jump on!
I rarely bother with a seat reservation inside Switzerland unless it is one of the Cisalpino trains bound for Italy that require a reservation once you get to Italy!

I usually don't like to take those for local travel, but at times they are the best option.

thanks for your help, everyone. Brazilnut, we have decided to keep Zurich as our home base and just do day trips because we don't want to deal with switching hotels, etc. We are really looking to relax on this trip.
Anymore suggested day trips from Zurich, anyone? Thanks.

Day trip to: Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein, Basel, Vaduz..

You can take from the hotel or from Visitors info Center (one is in Hauptbahnhoff) the list of day trips that they offer. You can use the suggestions from this list and do the trip by your own. It is very easy to travel by train.

Hi again,

I love going to the town of Rapperswil about half way down on Lake Zurich. Rapperswil has a sweet old town and a lovely castle on a hill with great views over the city & the lake, but I also like the cozy harbor lined with cafes and shops. If you're there in summer, you'll enjoy the rose gardens, and you'll be able to take the ferry back to Zurich.

Have fun!

s

It would be a pity to go to Lucerne and not get out on the lake on one of the ferry boats. The scenery is unbelievable, and it certainly would be relaxing.

HI travelchef. There is plenty to do in Luzern in a day. What time of the year are you coming? Right now it's pretty chilly during the day here, but during the day it's very nice. There is Mt Pilatus, the Lion Monument, and of course, you can go out on the lake. There are ferries along the lake where you can visit the smaller towns on the lake, or rent a paddle boat. There is the transportation museum (I have not managed to get there yet myself). There are many good restaurants as well. During the summer there are many festivals as well.