Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
For a full day of alpine summer splendor, make for the mountains on this guided roundtrip from Zurich to central Switzerland's Mount Pilatus. Your full-day guided tour includes a gondola and aerial cable car ride, the world's steepest cogwheel railway and a cruise on Lake Lucerne.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
19.10.-27.11.2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
28.-29.11.2026: Ascent by cable car, descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
What To Expect
Zurich
Start your tour at the Sihlquai Bus Station in Zurich. Set off for an exciting day traveling through picturesque landscapes and along the shores of Lake Lucerne to the enchanting city of Lucerne.
Luzern Altstadt
Once arriving in Lucerne, enjoy a brief orientation drive, where your guide points out the main attractions of this charming town like the Chapel Bridge, the Town Hall, the Jesuit Church and the Culture and Convention Centre (KKL). Enjoy the following time at leisure to stroll through Lucerne's beautiful Old Town.
Options
English
Spanish
What‘s Included
Fully guided tour by a professional multilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (from 19.10. - 29.11.2026)
1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18.10.2026)
Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" ( except 19.10. - 27.11.2026)
Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
712 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Day Trip to Pilatus
Steve V,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent tour. Thomas was our tour guide. He did a great job keeping our group together and explaining what we were supposed to do. The cogwheel train was very cool and not nearly as intimidating as I thought it might be. I would highly recommend this tour if you’re in the Lucerne area.
People travelling with Family *Fair Warning*
Devjyoti R,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00We were 5 mins late and the bus went off leaving the entire family with small toddlers stranded. Zero assistance, and don't expect any help from Viator as well. What was expected to be a amazing day with so many memories turn out to be a disappointing day. Additionally, zero refund as well and in short family folks you are own your own.
Mt. Pilatus - what a vuew
Carol M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was wonderful as it allowed us to see beautiful Lucerne then enjoy the trip up to Mt. Pilatus. The cogwheel train trip was an experience you shouldn’t miss with beautiful views.
Discriminatory Behavior
PRAKASH R,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I would have rated this experience 5 stars based on the multiple tour guide services and overall logistics. I would appreciate tour guide Bernie who was extremely kind but unfortunately , my experience was significantly affected by interactions first with the driver, Ameen, who was totally unwelcoming and unapproachable. The experiences only compounded later by the behavior of a bartender on Cruise No. 66 arriving in Lucerne at approximately 5:30 PM. On cruise 66, there were two service staff members at the bar, and one gentleman’s behavior stood out in a very negative way. His tone and manner were intimidating and dismissive, and I felt that he treated people differently based on their appearance and skin color. The interaction left me feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. This was especially disappointing because Switzerland is generally known for being welcoming and respectful to visitors. I strongly encourage the tour operator and partners involved to review this incident seriously and evaluate whether the person is the right person facing the customer and avoid legal issues from any future customers. Also the personal manager need to understand if any further staff training or action is needed to prevent similar experiences in the future. One again I repeat his behavior was totally unacceptable by any standards in the world. So, to conclude, I am extremely disappointed by this experience and believe concerns around discriminatory treatment should be addressed promptly and appropriately by the Management of this crisis company and Switz tours should ensure their branding is maintained and they are not indirectly involved for wrong reasons on public media. With plenty of regrets.
Double check the check in...
Hugo M,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Double check the check in time. The Viator APP showed 9; 30 and it was 9 am. We missed the bus and the tour operator booked us for the next day.
Long day tour but worth the effort
Jennifer S,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was mostly well organized. The group grew mid-tour so the ticket gathering was a bit clunky. However, when it came down to it, the views were breathtaking, the varied transportation was a great way to break up the trip and the time spent at each destination was well worth it. Wish we could have had more time in old town as the bus stop is pretty far, but overall I thought the tour was fabulous!
Perfect for full day trip and I really appreciate the informative and energetic tour guide Benie 🤙🏽 👏Love and Peace 🙏🏽🙏🏽?
Ermias Abebe T,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect for full day trip and I really appreciate the informative and energetic tour guide Benie 🤙🏽 👏Love and Peace 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.
Spectacular & Picturesque
svetlanap714,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very memorable and beautiful day exploring Lucerne, venturing up to Mt Pilatus in the cable cars, then back down on the cog wheel train!!! So picturesque and stunning views. The boat trip back to Lucerne ended the perfect day. Thank you
Loved it
Lori H,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience Highly recommend and Bernie was great. Lots of information and gorgeous scenery.
Excellent!
Paul S,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, great tour guide, great value for money. All positives, no negatives.
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours