Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

Top rated
4.7029705 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7029705 out of 5 stars
1818 reviews
Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Cable Car, Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7029705 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7029705 out of 5 stars
1818 reviews

Ride to the top of Mt. Pilatus by cable car and go on an easy hike through the Alpine scenery with this tour from Lucerne. Descend on the world's steepest cogwheel railway and cruise back by boat.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 5.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

W
William – United States

Fabulous rides and scenery. Be sure to sit facing uphill on gondola and downhill on cog rail or you will miss a lot. Was able to rebook on same day when our city tour guide cancelled an hour before our meeting time.

A
Anjesh – Australia

Itinerary was very well timed. Ruby passed on all the information succinctly and also provided interesting background on the sites visited. We were blessed with great weather resulting in exceptional views. Highly recommended!

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Best of Switzerland Tours AG, Luzern

  • Timeline stop icon

    Central Switzerland

    Guided tour, Bus tour

  • Timeline stop icon

    Kriens

    Cable car ride

  • Cable car

  • Timeline stop icon

    Pilatus - Kulm

    Hiking

  • Train

  • Timeline stop icon

    Lake Lucerne

    Boat cruise

  • Finish at:

    Cruise Pier 2

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Get jaw-dropping views on the cable car ride up Mt. Pilatus
  • Brave the world's steepest cogwheel railway
  • Cruise back to Lucerne by boat (during summer)
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps

Full description

Embark on a day trip from Lucerne and ascend Mount Pilatus by cable car. Go on a hike and kick pack on the panorama terrace, descended the mountain by cogwheel railway, and complete your experience with a return journey by boat.
Depart Lucerne and relax aboard a comfortable coach on the drive to Kriens. Then, climb aboard the panoramic gondolas and journey to Fräkmüntegg to board the aerial Dragon Ride cable car up the mountain. Get magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks from the panoramic windows.
Arrive at the top of Mt. Pilatus, 2,132 meters above sea level and feel like a bird as you survey your surroundings. Hike to the summit or venture down the Dragon Trail where dragons with healing powers were thought to live in the Middle Ages.
Relax on the panoramic terrace and take in the magnificent vistas of the mountains and lakes. Eat at one of the restaurants to enjoy lunch on top of the world.
Get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you descend the mountain on the world's steepest cogwheel railway. Arrive in Alpnachstad to embark on a one-hour cruise back to Lucerne on the beautiful "Lake of the 4 Cantons" (only during summer).

Includes

  • Guided tour by a professional guide
  • Transportation in a comfortable bus
  • Panoramic gondolas and aerial cable cars (from October 20 to November 07, 2025: ascent and descent by cogwheel train)
  • Cogwheel train
  • 1-hour boat cruise (until October 19, 2025)
  • Lunch voucher (from October 20 to November 14, 2025, if autumn option is selected)
  • Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
  • Additional food or drink
  • Personal expenses

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

The meeting point for tours from Lucerne is at the Bus Parking Landenberg (Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern), located near the Lucerne Train Station. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure and wait on the sidewalk with your confirmation details and valid ID ready.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Food and drinks in the vehicle

Know before you go

  • From October 20th to November 7th, 2025: the ascent and descent will be made by cogwheel train due to the revision of the cable car
  • From November 8th - 14th, 2025: the ascent will be made by cable car, and the descent will be by cogwheel train
  • From October 20th - November 14th, 2025, there will not be a boat ride so a lunch voucher will be included instead

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 1818 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

+176
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W
William – United StatesJune 17, 2025 – Verified booking
Fabulous rides and scenery. Be sure to sit facing uphill on gondola and downhill on cog rail or you will miss a lot. Was able to rebook on same day when our city tour guide cancelled an hour before our meeting time.
A
Anjesh – AustraliaJune 15, 2025 – Verified booking
Itinerary was very well timed. Ruby passed on all the information succinctly and also provided interesting background on the sites visited. We were blessed with great weather resulting in exceptional views. Highly recommended!
E
Erin – AustraliaJune 14, 2025 – Verified booking
The bus was clean and modern. Our tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable and made everything seamless. I thoroughly recommend this tour, it is great value for money. We absolutely loved it!

Product ID: 123611

Activity provider:Best of Switzerland Tours

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