Admire the well-preserved Swiss architecture in the quaint towns of Meggen and Küssnacht. Near Küssnacht, catch glimpses of Lake Lucerne, which continues to offer scenic views as you head north. Approaching Zug, the drive skirts the eastern shore of Lake Zug, providing beautiful vistas. Use a private car transfer with Daytrip to fully appreciate all these awe-inspiring views while your professional driver handles the driving.

Nearing Zürich, the scenery shifts to suburban areas with well-kept gardens and modern homes. Finally, Zürich’s skyline emerges, blending historic buildings with modern architecture, marking the end of a scenic car trip. If you want to dive deeper and uncover all the tips, tricks, and best ways to travel from Lucerne to Zürich, check out our travel guide below!

If you want to travel straight to the Zurich Airport (ZRH) from Lucerne, head to our airport transfers page!

Picture strolling through Zurich's Old Town (Alstadt) cobblestone streets with historic buildings narrating tales of the past. Shopping around Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf offers upscale retailers and boutique shops. On warm days, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich is a must.

Zürich's history and present are both intriguing. Because of its strategic position and history as a Roman settlement, it was a thriving trade station during the Middle Ages. This past wealth created the basis for today's lively, contemporary metropolis, which smoothly integrates business, culture, and innovation.

Today, Zürich shines on the global stage for its powerhouse financial district. But don't let the suits fool you—Zürich is the throbbing heart of Swiss culture too. If you are interested in art, be sure to visit the Fraumunster Church, where Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows explode with deep, vibrant colors that practically dance in the light. The green parks, dazzling blue lake, and towering mountains that surround Zürich add to the city’s otherworldly, fairy-tale vibe. When night falls, Zürich comes alive with more than 500 bars and clubs to choose from.

Getting around Zürich is simple, thanks to its excellent public transit system and free bike rentals. It's an ideal spot for your Swiss adventure, whether your goals are to take in the tranquil natural beauty, explore the city's cultural treasures, or simply experience its fairytale charm.

• Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
• Climate: Temperate, with four distinct seasons
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and J

• Peak tourist season: July and August

Try the local food at Zürich’s street markets

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, steer towards Zürich's vibrant street markets. Imagine yourself at Bürkliplatz or Helvetiaplatz, surrounded by stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and decadent Swiss chocolates.

Make use of Zürich’s free water fountains

Zurich flaunts 1,200 public water fountains, each spouting clean, refreshing drinking water. Picture yourself dashing through Zürich’s streets, reusable bottle in hand, pausing to refill at these urban oases.

You’ll not only stay hydrated but do so sustainably and frugally. So, as you walk through this mesmerizing city, let these fountains be your free hydration pit stops, ensuring you’re always refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Bus from Lucerne to Zürich

The cheapest way to travel is to jump on a bus from Lucerne to Zürich. However, the short journey may feel longer when public transport is crowded in the busy summer months.

• Price: tickets start as low as $3
• Duration: approximately 1 hour

Private car transfer from Lucerne to Zürich

Choose Daytrip's private car service for an unmatched travel experience, including seamless airport transfers. Enjoy door-to-door service, comfort, personalized routes, and breathtaking Swiss scenery. Forget rigid schedules; with Daytrip, your journey from Lucerne to Zürich morphs into a tailor-made adventure, transforming a mundane transfer into a memorable part of your trip through Switzerland's scenic landscapes.

• Price: start from $47 per person
• Duration: it takes around 40 minutes to travel the 34 miles (53 km) distance by car

Other features that make our private door-to-door service unique are:

• 24/7 customer service
• Complimentary bottled water
• Clean and sanitized vehicles
• Prepared for pets, children, and those with limited mobility
• Optional site-seeing stops

Taxi from Lucerne to Zürich

Taking a taxi from Lucerne to Zürich may be more comfortable and quicker than public transport, but it is more expensive than a private car service with varying levels of service.

• Price: fares start from around $320

• Duration: around 40 minutes

Hike to the heights of Uetliberg Mountain

Put on your hiking shoes and head to Uetliberg Mountain, where the expansive views over the city unfold like a picture by a master painter. Suitable for all fitness levels, the trail offers a bird's-eye perspective that makes every step worthwhile.

Rent a boat at Lake Zurich

Head over to Lake Zurich. Rent a boat, channel your inner captain, and let the clear waters whisk you away. If you'd like to learn more about the history of Lake Zurich, go on a boat tour. Ducks and swans glide past as if auditioning for a nature documentary. Fancy a swim? Plunge into the cool embrace of the lake and feel your worries dissolve.

Experience elegance at the Zürich Opera House

After drying off, trade your sailor’s hat for a tux and stroll to the Zürich Opera House (formal attire isn't required to visit!). This architectural masterpiece became Richard Wagner’s main place of work during his period of exile from Germany and has seen amazing performers grace its stage since 1891. The air inside is thick with the whispers of performances past, a testament to the timeless allure of the arts. If you've never seen an opera, this is a great place to experience your first!

Immerse yourself in art at Kunsthaus Zürich

Wrap up your journey with a visit to Kunsthaus Zürich, where creativity knows no bounds. This art museum, brimming with masterpieces, will ignite your imagination. With a collection spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times featuring works by renowned artists like Picasso, Giacometti, Munch, and more.

Zürich in Spring (March to May)

• Spring temperatures range from 39°F to 68°F (4°C to 20°C)

Zürich in Summer (June to August)

• Summer temperatures range from 57°F to 75°F (14°C to 24°C)

Zürich in Autumn (September to November)

• Autumn can get a bit chillier than springtime, with temperatures between 36°F to 72°F (2°C to 22°C)
• There can sometimes drop below freezing

Zürich in Winter (December to February)

• Winter temperatures are between 23°F to 46°F (-5°C to 8°C)
• Often dropping below freezing