I have to take the train from Lucerne into Zurich's airport. Can anyone give me info about the train station and the kinds of trains they use. How many steps? Any porters available? Are the trains like subways where you just walk on or will I have steps. Can I keep my luggage w/ me or do I put it somewhere I cant see it? I know its a short trip but just wonder what I"m up against. Thanks in advace.

In terms of the station in Lucerne, you can walk directly from the street level onto the train platforms. There are no steps to content with.

As I recall the station at the Zurich airport has luggage carts which can actally be used on the escalators, so again, no steps to contend with.

There will be luggage racks above your seat on the trains. There may also be room under your seat. Many of the SwissRail coaches are "open" in terms of a center aisle and rows of seats on either side as opposed to the "compartment" arrangement so your luggae won't have to be out of your sight (as if that would be much of a "problem" in Switzerland if you are vaguely afraid of a theft).

If the train is not crowded some folks will actually leave their luggage across the aisle from them between unoccupied seats.

I think Leanna is referring to a couple of steps to actually get onto the train, and yes, there usually are. If you are unable to lift your luggage onto the train, it will be simple to play like Blanche Dubois and rely on the kindness of strangers. I have often seen people struggling a bit, and I often help them or witness many other people delighted to help as well. It will not be a problem.

Piece of cake---those Swiss are good.

Oh thank you thank you every one for your answers!!!! Im greatly relieved!!!

I am touring for a month and will have a couple of bags, and although they are not THAT heavy it would help not to have to do tons of stairs. Im safe on tours and cruises except for that ONE short train ride so was really worried.

I find the Kindness of Strangers is something that really does exist all over the world....and I have always only met kind people!! I hope I am as nice when I meet tourist here at home!!!

Again thanks for the good news to you all!!!

Patrick, the Lucern platforms are such that trains comes in and depart with doors at platform level as a rule.

Ah...but there two or three nasty steps till we get to that door...and then maybe a step down too. But there are always kind passengers to help you with your suitcases...Lord knows, I've relied on these people quite often.

Now, travelling with the S-Bahn from Zürich is different. There aren't any steps on the ground floor to the platform. However, I don't think it goes to Lucerne.

Intrepid, thanks for clarifying. As many times as I've taken trains in and out of Lucerne, I couldn't remember that fact. I do seem to recall that the trains are level at the Zurich airport station, but had no memory of them at Lucerne.