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
723 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Get better on organizing and descripción on website
Raul A,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00No one knows anything . Some of us including me were disappointed because of the descripción in the website . Our tour guide gave us descripción during the bus time but in Lucerne it was totally a free time to know places on our own and I think it should be with guidance also for free time should be at the end of the tour . We wanted to stay longer after the tour because in the morning it was pouring and difficult to go to places .
A wonderful Swiss experience.
Albert T,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best of Switzerland Tours means it. The tour was well organized and the guide Gonzalo was friendly and detailed with all the little things that otherwise would overwhelm the average tourists. Weather was great atop Mt Pilatus despite the 35°C at lower elevations. The tour ended with a cool boat cruise back to Zurich from Lucern. Many good memories and will definitely do it again with the Best of Switzerland Tours.
Highly recommend!
Cheyenne H,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved this tour! It was so fun riding all the different forms of transportation..... bus, gondola, cogwheel train, boat! The views from Mt. Pilatus were breathtaking. We also did the mountain coaster and that was such a blast! Lucerne is such a beautiful city and the lake is so beautiful.
Happy trip.
S6651DIpeterw,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As an older Swiss gentleman (80), I wanted to visit Pilatus one more time. I was positively surprised: All staff members were friendly and helpful. There were so many positive impressions that I cannot list everything due to space constraints. But I have one more: the Chrisikuchen at the valley station in Alpnachstad deserves top points. It was an unforgettable excursion with fair prices.
Absolutely perfect and...
Jon R,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely perfect and fantastic tour! Loved the transportation and Rolf was a great guide. His knowledge of the area was amazing.
Outstanding! Angela, our guide was the best.
hootar52405,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a beautiful day. Weather was perfect. The day’s agenda was a great mix. Scenic bus ride, cable car to the top, rail car to the bottom and boat trip at the end. A little bit of everything.
It’s worth it!
Melon C,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This excursion sounds expensive but it’s worth it. Besides a stop I. the idyllic town of Lucerne, Mt Pilatus is the main attraction. You ride up on 2 types of gondolas, come down on a cogwheel train and then take a boat cruise around the area. The scenery the entire day was spectacular, even the bus ride! I also had a fab tour guide, Adela. Tip: bring some warm clothing (and wear closed-toe shoes with socks) as it was cold at the top of Pilatus.
Awesome experience
976desf,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bjorn was just the BEST TOUR GUIDE. As we are elderly Bjorn was attentive, caring, & did everything to make our experience memorable. What an awesome tour that we experienced . The content of the tour was exceptional.
Best way to see the Alps
Najat A,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do. Every part of this tour is amazing and beautiful. Any age can do this. Don’t miss it!
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.
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Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours