A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Linkoping for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lucerne or Linkoping?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Linkoping. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lucerne or Linkoping?

Lucerne

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.

Linkoping

Linkoping is in the northern portion of the Gotaland region and is the capital of Ostergotland county. The city has all of the amenities of a larger city, but manages to maintain the feel and atmosphere of a quaint small town. This is mainly due to the lack of tall buildings within the city limits. Building height is restricted by the nearby military airfield, so Linkoping has a cosy ambiance that leads you to believe that you're somewhere hidden away. The university that is located here also helps create the feel of a college town. The students are well integrated into city life and help bring energy and entertainment to town, both in the form of cultural events during the day as well and an active night life in the evening.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Stockholm, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Stockholm.


Which place is cheaper, Linkoping or Lucerne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Linkoping is $109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lucerne and Linkoping in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $137
    Linkoping $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $274
    Linkoping $108
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Linkoping

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Linkoping? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lucerne


Hotels in Linkoping


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $13
    Linkoping $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne

Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
  • INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
  • LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
  • Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
  • Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
  • Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Linkoping?

Prices for flights to both Linkoping and Lucerne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lucerne $62
    Linkoping $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
  • Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
  • From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucerne $34
    Linkoping $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    $34
  • The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee
    $35

Tours and Activities in Lucerne

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $5.47
  • Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $5.60
  • The Lives and Legends of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Lucerne Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $20
  • Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $22
    Linkoping $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:

  • 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
  • Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Linkoping, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Linkoping much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Linkoping would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Linkoping and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Linkoping.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Linkoping Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Linkoping?

Linkoping has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Linkoping, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Linkoping?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lucerne or Linkoping in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Linkoping. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Linkoping. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Linkoping averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Linkoping. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linkoping receives 214 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Linkoping 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Linkoping in the Autumn?

Both Linkoping and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Linkoping. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Linkoping fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Linkoping during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Linkoping receives 80 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F) 
    Linkoping 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Linkoping in the Winter?

Both Linkoping and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Linkoping can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Lucerne is much warmer than Linkoping in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Linkoping fluctuates around -3°C (28°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linkoping receives 32 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Linkoping -3°C (28°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Linkoping in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Linkoping. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lucerne is much warmer than Linkoping. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Linkoping averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Linkoping during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Linkoping receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Linkoping. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Linkoping receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Linkoping 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Linkoping and Lucerne

Lucerne Linkoping
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -3°C (28°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 1°C (33°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -1°C (30°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)