Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel
Overview
Mobile ticket
Visit Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by boat, steepest cogwheel railway in the world, aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" and panorama gondola.
Enjoy a mountain experience at 2132 meters above sea level
Incredible view from Mount Pilatus over the Lake Lucerne and Swiss Alps
Scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne
World's steepest cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm
See the mountains and valleys from the panorama gondola and aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" between Kriens and Pilatus Kulm
This is not a guided tour and there is no meeting point. Please check the timetable carefully, escpecially for the boat connections (2 - 5 boat depatrues per day). The Round Trip can be taken in both directions
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check the timetable carefully, especially for the boat cruise (2-5 departures per day)
This is an unguided individual tour
Operates in almost all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cableways are not in operation in case of storm
Starting direction 1: Take the cruise ship at the railway station in Lucerne (Quai 2 in front of the train station)
Starting direction 2: Take bus number 1 at the railway station in Lucerne to Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus
Round trip can be taken in both directions
Prior reservation mandatory for wheelchairs
Strollers must be folded during transport
To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we highly recommend to make a reservation under www.pilatus.ch/reservation
What To Expect
Pilatus Luzern
Take bus no. 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) from Lucerne’s train station. After an 11-min. bus ride to the station "Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus" and a short walk, you reach the valley station in Kriens. The Panorama Gondolas take you to the middle station Fräkmüntegg in 30 min. where you can try the rope park or the Dragon Glider (own expenses). Change to the aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" to the top (5 min.). From Pilatus Kulm, enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps and either stay inside the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, climb one of the peaks or enjoy a local specialty in our restaurants (own expenses). The world's steepest cogwheel railway brings you back down to Alpnachstad in 35 min. Next to the valley station you board the boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. After 1-1.5 hours you arrive in Lucerne, near the train station. The trip can also be done in the opposite direction, starting by boat from Lucerne. In any case check the timetable before your visit.
If you opt for the departure from Kriens valley station, take the Panorama Gondolas and the aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" to the top.
Options
Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel
What‘s Included
Panorama gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg (or vice versa)
Aerial cableway "Dragon Ride" between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa)
Public bus between Lucerne main station and Kriens (or vice versa)
Lake cruise (2nd class) between Alpnachstad and Lucerne (or vice versa) on Lake Lucerne
Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Pilatus Kulm and Alpnachstad (or vice versa)
Food and drinks
Tour guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional activities (rope park, Dragon Glider, toboggan run, etc.)
Other personal expenses
Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
Meeting points
Pilatus Luzern
Schlossweg 1 Kriens Switzerland
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
250 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stunning 360 degree views on the summit- breathtaking viewpoints
susankR8955XH,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took the world's steepest cogwheel railroad 7,000 feet up to the summit. When we were half way up to the summit, our train stopped and only the people in the first train had a moment to take a pic. The windows in all cars can be lowered to take pictures so bring your phones and cameras. It took 17 minutes to get to the top. We had 2.5 hours to explore and it wasn't enough. The viewpoints and outdoor trials were all worth doing. The light changes quickly so you have to seize the moment as it is all stunning. We returned down the mountain by cablecar.
Convenient option
MJDM72,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Overall value add is a single ticket avoids buying tickets at multiple places. However, being self guided, more detailed instructions would have been helpful.
Lovely day, but poor information from Viatour.
Jonathan E,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00You'll need a reservation on the railway during the busy season; we had a two-hour wait in Alpenstadt for the next available train. There is about a 15-minute walk from the base of the gondola to the #1 bus to take you back to Lucerne bahnhoff. Thr bus fare is not included in the ticket. To get down the mountain you will need to change from the cable car (upper mountain) to the gondola (lower mountain). The boat leaves from pier 2, across from the bahnhoff, and leaves most hours on the 38.
Perfect for solo travelers!
Nina H,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible day trip! Transfers to the respective activities are just a few minutes apart. Tickets work flawlessly. I would do it again anytime
Best trip ever…. What an...
Urmi D,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best trip ever…. What an amazing experience!!! Loved it. The cold weather was a great relief from the heat in the valley.
The experience was...
Wendy S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The experience was terrific but the directions were poor and very difficult to find the location to the gondola. No real directions. Long walk up a hill with few signs to the ride.
Overall great experience....
Holly B,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Overall great experience. There’s some uphill walking to the gondola. And the signage is not the best. But the views are wonderful. Best to get started early in the day. I bit tricky getting to first leg
Amazing self guided tour of Mt. Pilatus
Shawna R,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Once we figured out the bus transportation, this was a wonderful way to spend the day and see the beautiful views from Mt. Pilatus.
My Pilatus
Robert M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful scenery! Weather can change quickly! Bring light jacket and/or umbrella to be on the safe side.
Wonderful experience!
AntjeC 13,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A wonderful experience! We were lucky with the weather because the rain held off until the evening hours for the most part. Views up on the mountain were incredible! The only frustration was not knowing the times/location for the boat and the added reservation fee for the cogwheel.
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Operated by Pilatus-Bahnen AG