Lucerne is an active city known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Lucerne and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Lucerne?
A typical traveler spends $302 (Sfr237) per day on a trip to Lucerne. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Lucerne based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $125 (Sfr98) on meals
- $15 (Sfr11) on local transportation
- $318 (Sfr250) on hotels
A one-week trip to Lucerne for two people costs, on average, $4,222 (Sfr3,318). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,111
Sfr1,659
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,222
Sfr3,318
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One Month
Per person
$9,046
Sfr7,110
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,222
Sfr3,318
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$8,443
Sfr6,636
-
One Month
For a couple
$18,093
Sfr14,220
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lucerne cost?
A one week trip to Lucerne usually costs around $2,111 (Sfr1,659) for one person and $4,222 (Sfr3,318) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lucerne on average costs around $4,222 (Sfr3,318) for one person and $8,443 (Sfr6,636) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lucerne will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lucerne on average costs around $9,046 (Sfr7,110) for one person and $18,093 (Sfr14,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lucerne expensive to visit?
In Lucerne, budget travelers spend $121 (Sfr99) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $291 (Sfr237) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $648 (Sfr527) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Lucerne.
Lucerne is a terrific city that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Lucerne can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lucerne is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Amalfi or Santorini.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lucerne Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lucerne?
The average Lucerne trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lucerne travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lucerne cost?
Lucerne on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$64
(Sfr50)
|
$159
(Sfr125)
|
$391
(Sfr307)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(Sfr5.00)
|
$15
(Sfr11)
|
$28
(Sfr22)
|
|
Food2
|
$54
(Sfr43)
|
$125
(Sfr98)
|
$247
(Sfr194)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$17
(Sfr14)
|
$39
(Sfr31)
|
$74
(Sfr59)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-17
(Sfr4-13)
|
$13-38
(Sfr10-30)
|
$24-73
(Sfr19-57)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Lucerne is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $121 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Thankfully, Lucerne is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Backpackers Lucerne, Young Backpackers Homestay, and Barabas Luzern. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A trip to Lucerne wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $291 per person, per day.
In Lucerne, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel des Balances is a fantastic option for families, and The Bed + Breakfast is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Lucerne here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $648. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Mount Rigi Day Trip from Lucerne - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lucerne
In Lucerne, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $173 and peak summer season rising to an average of $323. Prices typically range from $113 to $552, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lucerne for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $318 (Sfr250). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $159 (Sfr125) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lucerne include:
- Hotel des Balances starting at $248
- Art Deco Hotel Montana starting at $238
- Hotel Hofgarten Luzern starting at $188
- Hotel Rebstock Lucerne starting at $179
- Cascada Boutique Hotel starting at $180
Lucerne has a good public transit system, which means you could stay outside the city and commute in, but you'll have to balance cheaper accommodation with higher transport costs.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
The city's historic old town draws many tourists. While accommodations in this area might be expensive, they often come with a lot of charm and are well-placed for easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Lucerne
Lucerne has a solid public transit system that covers many major attractions. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is a great choice as long as it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are also available throughout town.
Some regions of Lucerne are walkable, which can enhance your sightseeing experience. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (Sfr11) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lucerne. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lucerne is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
Sfr11
It's easy to walk around and reach most places on foot, so a car is definitely not necessary. The Old Town area is quite small, and all of the other, more distant attractions are still within a half hour's walk. Not only is it easy to walk around Lucerne, but it's also very enjoyable and highly recommended.
If you decide to take public transit, then there is an extensive city bus system. Further out attractions such as the Lido Beach and the Swiss Transport Museum can be reached by bus. There are also several boats an hour that can be caught in front of the central railway station. Also near the central railway station are bicycle rental facilities. There are bike lanes on most secondary streets and most drivers around town are comfortable with bicyclists.
If you're using Lucerne as a base to explore Central Switzerland, then you will make good use of the Swiss Federal Railway, the Schifffahrt Vierwaldstattersee, or the private transit companies that travel around the country. There are frequent connections and it is relatively easy to get around the area.
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver for $246 details
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer for $126 details
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport for $327 details
How much does it cost to go to Lucerne? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lucerne will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lucerne
While the food in Lucerne is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the city. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lucerne can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lucerne is $125 (Sfr98) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$125
Sfr98
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lucerne is around $121 (Sfr98) per person, with previous travelers spending from $52 to $239. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lucerne are as follows:
- Breakfast: $12 to $36
- Lunch: $18 to $48
- Dinner: $36 to $85
- Coffee: $10
- Fast Food or Street Food: $18
Food can be expensive in Lucerne, like it is elsewhere in Switzerland. There are a couple of budget options near the train station. Alternatively, you can pick up some food at the market and make a meal out of bread, cheese, meats, and some fruit. Migros and Coop are both huge supermarket chains that are generally affordable. You'll find small Migros and a larger Coop at the train station where you can grab something to eat as you arrive or leave the city. The chains are also present elsewhere around town and make a convenient place to grab some cheap food. If you don't want to prepare your own meal, then there are some delicious, although expensive restaurants around town.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lucerne
Visitors find Lucerne irresistible, especially for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lucerne typically cost an average of $39 (Sfr31) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
Sfr31
Although many people use Lucerne as a base to explore Central Switzerland, the city itself has a lot to offer travelers. The Chapel Bridge is the landmark of the city. It's the oldest woodbridge in all of Europe and dates back to the 14th century. Unfortunately the original bridge burned in 1993 but was very quickly rebuilt. The old city wall is also interesting to see. It has several towers including the clock tower that chimes one minute before the hour so that it has the first strike in town.
Other interesting sights around town include Alpineum, the Glacier Garden, Bourbaki Panormama, the KKL, and the Lion Monument. Interesting museums include the Swiss Transport Museum, the Lucerne Art Museum, the Rosengart Collection, and the Richard Wagner Museum.
Popular activities in the area include climbing Mount Pilatus, the top of which can be reached by either hiking or taking the cable car. If you choose to hike you can expect the ascent to take about four hours. Some people also decide to take a boat tour that will give you a ride between Lucerne and Alpnachstad.
There are a handful of other mountains you can visit that are near Lucerne. Many can be visited as day trips and will offer you a great overview of the beautiful surrounding countryside. Some of the popular mountains include Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis.
Lucerne also has a popular Carnival festival that is quite impressive if you're in the area.
Museums and Attractions:
Lucerne is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.
Shopping:
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lucerne is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Attraction Ticket: Mt. Titlis by Train and Cableway from Lucerne for $288 details
- Chocolate Tasting and Walking Tour with a Local for $191 details
- Lucerne Farms and Cheese Tasting Tour for $154 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Lucerne. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Lucerne
In Lucerne, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $25 (Sfr20) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lucerne per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$25
Sfr20
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Lucerne. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting for $314 details
- Walking and Boat Tour with Cheese & Wine Tasting for $112 details
- Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting for $326 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Traveling in Lucerne
Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
The city itself is quite charming and a pleasure to explore on its own. It has a population of just over 80,000, making it the most populous city in Central Switzerland. It is also a hub for transportation and government in the region.
During the coldest winter months, the average lows in the city fall just below freezing and daytime highs are around about 4 degrees Celsius. During the warmer summer months, averages highs are around 24 degrees Celsius. Snow generally falls between the months of November and March, with occasional dustings during April and October.
Neighborhoods & Around
Lucerne is a small city and most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Town. The city is located on the shore of Lake Lucerne and has views of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps. Because of it's proximity to many outdoor destinations, the city makes a popular base for exploring the area.
Related:
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Honestly, the food in all of Switzerland is insanely expensive, so we try to avoid eating out as much as possible when we're visiting.