Lucerne is easiest to reach from Zurich International Airport (ZRH), which has by far the most international connections compared to the two alternatives: EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse (BSL) and Airport Bern-Belp (BRN).

Zurich airport handles around 700 flights a day going to over 170 destinations worldwide. You can find ATMs and switzerlandinfo desks at arrivals 1 and arrivals 2 just after you pass customs. There is a big public shopping area with most shops open from 08:00 - 21:00 and free Wi-fi for the first 2 hours, just connect your device to ’ZurichAirport’ and follow the instructions in your browser.

Direct trains to Lucerne leave Zurich airport every hour and take 70 minutes. Connections that take a couple of minutes less leave in between (change train at Zurich HB). The train station is actually within the airport, on level -2 of the airport centre, where the main shopping area and check-in 3 are located. Train tickets can be bought at the counters or at the ticket machines (switch them to English on the first screen) next to the stairs leading down to the platforms.