When you ride with Daytrip's private car service, you can experience the best the Alps have to offer along the way. Stroll the streets of Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, or get your passport stamped in Vaduz, Liechtenstein to make your other globe-trotting friends jealous. We created this in-depth Hallstatt-to-Lucerne guide to ensure you have an unforgettable experience on this bucket-list road trip!

Fishermen inhabited the region for centuries, but Lucerne wasn't found until the 8th century. Although people recognize Lucerne for peace and tranquility, it suffered through a turbulent past. Its most notable event was in the 14th century when the Swiss army defended the town from the rapidly growing Habsburg Dynasty during the Battle of Sempach.

Since Switzerland was neutral in World War II, Lucence didn't undergo air raids like much of Europe. You can admire the original century-old buildings and brick-paved roads today, especially in its old town. Here, you'll uncover everything great associated with Switzerland, including colorful frescoes, quaint squares, and endless establishments selling Swiss watches, chocolates, and unique cheese!

• Official languages: Romansh, German, French, and Italian
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Climate: moderately continental
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and J
• Peak tourist season: end of June to mid-September

Pack the essentials

Due to the zig-zag road through mountainous terrain, you'll likely spend most of the day traveling. Thus, a light bag separate from your main luggage with easy access to the essentials will make your life much easier.

Check the weather forecast before you leave to see if you require sun protection or rain gear. No matter when you travel, you'll always need snacks, water, entertainment outlets, and a fully charged camera (or phone).

Break up the drive from Hallstatt to Lucerne

Medieval villages and sprawling nature fill the 100+ miles between Hallstatt and Lucerne. No matter how visually appealing the route is, nothing beats stopping at cities and sights the average tourists miss. Schattenburg will whet the appetite of every history buff, and the Liechtenstein capital city of Vaduz will allow you to tick the tiny nation off your travel list!

Train from Hallstatt to Lucerne

Although traveling by train requires multiple transfers and takes at least 9 hours, it's the most popular way people travel from Hallstatt to Lucerne. Several daily connections are available with OBB, Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, and Deutsche Bahn, offering punctual and reliable services.

While you can book a ticket from Obertraun Dachsteinhöhlen Bahnhof to Luzern Station, you'll most likely switch carriages at Munich, Salzburg, Zurich, and Attnang-Puchheim. Make sure you have enough time between departures in case of unexpected short delays.

• Cost of tickets: €108–€178
• Train duration: 8 hours, 57 minutes to 13 hours, 36 minutes
• First/last departure: 5:11 AM to 9:03 PM

Bus from Hallstatt to Lucerne

A bus is the cheapest way to travel from Hallstatt to Lucerne, but also the slowest. Several budget-friendly companies operate on this route, but unfortunately, no direct services run between the cities. In fact, you must first take a train to Salzburg first.

You can opt for multiple providers for the best rates, but the most convenient firm is Flixbus. Although you must transfer 2-3 times, you can purchase just one ticket and use it for the departures included in the price.

• Cost of tickets from Salzburg: €56–€71
• Bus duration from Salzburg: 14 hours, 40 minutes
• First/last departure from Salzburg: 1:40 PM

Daytrip private car from Hallstatt to Lucerne

A private door-to-door transfer is the only direct mode of transport between Hallstatt and Lucerne, making Daytrip the fastest and most convenient way to travel.

Your professional driver will greet you with a smile and handle your luggage when you're picked up at your accommodation in Hallstatt. From here, you can relax as new, awe-inspiring views unfold while you speed along each twist and bend in your private car.

You can also stop to explore the bright lights of Salzburg and venture through the dark heart of Germany’s past at Dachau Memorial before being dropped directly at your new accommodation!

• Seats from: €181
• Duration: 6 hours, 10 minutes
• English-speaking driver
• Flexible schedule
• Equipped for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Walk across the Chapel Bridge

Chapel Bridge is one of Lucerne's most famous landmarks. Dating back to the 14th century, this wooden bridge decorated with vibrant paintings gives an insight into the city's rich history.

Take in panoramic views of the Reuss River and the surrounding medieval architecture as you cross the bridge. And don't miss the octagonal Water Tower, which once served as a prison and today stands as a symbol of Lucerne's resilience.

Climb Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus is the tallest peak in the area, towering over Lucerne. So, when you see it in real life, you'll probably be skeptical about climbing to the top.

But there's no need to worry! Take the cable car, known as the dragon ride, and you'll get to the top in four minutes. If you're afraid of heights, the incredible views will take your mind off the sheer drop beneath your feet.

When you arrive at the summit, you can take in the scenery before heading to a restaurant for a well-deserved snack!

Visit the Glacier Garden

It's hard to imagine that the Glacier Garden lets you travel over 1 billion years back in time! From prehistoric sea floor, a thick bed of ice covered Lucerne over 20,000 years ago, and once it melted, it helped form the distinct glacier pots of this space today.

You can expect a fun-filled day at learning about how the landscape has changed over millennia. But you can also entertain your inner child (or your actual kids) by getting lost in the labyrinth of the 50 mirrored mazes!

Lucerne in the spring

Many people consider spring to be the best time to travel. The average daily high temperature in Lucerne is 68°F but rises above 70°F towards the end of April and May.

The climate is ideal for hiking in the nearby hills or riding bikes along its glimmering lake. Since it's the first time locals can sit outside for months, there's a bubbling atmosphere around town.

Lucerne in the winter

Most people don't prioritize traveling in the winter due to the cold elements. However, Lucerne turns into a winter wonderland, especially in December, when the colorful decorations and smell of mulled wine in its Christmas markets ignite your festive spirit. And, of course, you have the many nearby resorts if you're coming for skiing or snowboarding.