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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Lucerne?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Lucerne?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $214. 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 Pamukkale and Lucerne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Lucerne $137
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Lucerne

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Lucerne? 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 Pamukkale


Hotels in Lucerne


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Lucerne $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

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

  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne

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

  • 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
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
  • Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
  • Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Lucerne?

Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    Lucerne $62

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.
    Pamukkale $54
    Lucerne $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

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


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

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

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $120
  • All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
  • Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $277
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $92
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $103

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.

  • A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
  • A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
  • Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
  • Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
  • Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
  • Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
  • City tour plus Lucerne: $95
  • Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
  • Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
  • Early morning tour: $213
  • Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Lucerne $22

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 Pamukkale and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Pamukkale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamukkale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale and Lucerne, 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 Pamukkale or Lucerne?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamukkale or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamukkale in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Lucerne. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In January, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 9°C (48°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Lucerne. Additionally, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Lucerne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)