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
243 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
What a Day!
Karen J,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did this tour on our own with no problems. We had to book our own train to get there and back. Getting off the train to begin catch Bus 1 going to Kierns across the street from Lucerne Railroad Station. When off that bus you see signs directing you to Pilatus Gondolas, a nice 1/4 mile walk. It’s worth what you will see. Everything else you will do is just a few steps away. Had a wonderful time.
Worth the money -a good day out
jimvo911,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I agree with other reviewers that a little more detail on where to pick up the boat and the cable car to bus route etc would make life easier.A warning about the relatively early last car down would not go amiss. I thought the price I paid was a bit high but having experienced other higher prices in Switzerland it is actually good value. As it was the boat trip/cog railway/cable cars were a good day out. We stopped on the way down to go on the Trolley/Toboggan run.Great fun but silly wait time > than one hour. The top of Pilatus was interesting for the views but was mainly concreted over or rocks-a bit of a Tourist trap.Go to the 1st Cable car in Grindlewald to be able to roam at will on the alp +a easily walk down to intermediate stations -+ the outstanding views.
Breathtaking Views!
Michelle C,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did this trip with my 86 year old mother is a wheelchair! All modes of transportation provided amazing views and is was fun to do a complete loop so it was a different experience throughout the day. I highly recommend this trip. We had a nice lunch up at the top of the mountain. We were up there long enough for the clouds to clear so we could gets the views but even if the clouds hadn’t cleared it still would have been worth the trip. There are clear signs directing you to the no. 1 bus from the bottom of the gondola.
An Unforgettable Experience
Maguy S,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This journey offers a mix of excitement, discovery, and unforgettable moments. It’s not just about visiting a place—it’s about feeling the atmosphere… I highly recommend experiencing this amazing journey.
Fun day in a beautiful place
Kenneth C,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It sounded like a pretty complicated day but everything went smoothly. We had a very enjoyable day in this beautiful place. The only negative was that the visibility at the top was poor.
Took my breath away. Second time going there.
bzeltravel 11,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular. Took cig train up and gondola down. Get your tickets before you arrive. We used uber from hotel to train and gondola back to hotel. Very reasonable. Reasonably priced snack bar at the top for lunch.
Be prepared!
Edna A,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Hard time getting my ticket. It wouldn’t let me pull up on my phone. Probably no WiFi. Other than that ok. Directions weren’t clear either. I’m 74. Quite a Tokyo that hill.
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Operated by Pilatus-Bahnen AG