Mt. Pilatus Summer Day Tour: Gondola, Cable Car, Train, Boat
After pickup at a centrally located spot in Zurich, admire the picturesque scenery as you travel to Lucerne in a comfortable, climate-controlled coach. An orientation drive grounds you in the historical highlights of the city, including Lucerne Jesuit Church, Chapel Bridge, and the Town Hall. Spend some relaxed free time exploring the city at your leisure, then return to the coach to travel to your next destination. Continue to Kriens and climb aboard a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to travel to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, almost 7,000 feet (2,128 meters) above sea level. Appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-smothered spires and enjoy free time to absorb the views. Follow the Dragon Path to Mt. Pilatus’ summit and then descend the mountain on the cogwheel railway: With its 48% gradient, it’s the steepest rack railway in the world. Back at sea level, climb aboard an awaiting boat for a tranquil cruise across Lake Lucerne. Return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to Zurich, where the tour concludes. Please note that at the start and end of the season transportation methods will vary. If you’re traveling in early May, late October, or November, check the Additional Info section to see how your tour will be adjusted.
Highlights
- ✓Perfect for travelers looking for a convenient way to visit Mt. Pilatus
- ✓Ride an aerial cable car gondola to the top of Mt. Pilatus
- ✓Hike to the summit and descend on the world's steepest cogwheel railway
- ✓Soak up reflected vistas during a boat ride across Lake Lucerne
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
- ✓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.
- ✓Continuation to Kriens, where you take the panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to the top of Mount Pilatus at 7000 feet (2132 meters). Enjoy some time at leisure admiring breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. Venture down the Dragon's Path and make the short hike to the summit before descending Mount Pilatus to Alpnachstad by cogwheel railway. At a gradient of 48% it is the world's steepest!
- ✓Your summer alpine adventure concludes with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.
- ✓After an enjoyable day, the guide will bring you back to Zürich.
What's included
- ✓Fully guided tour by a professional multilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- ✓Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except from 19 October to 27 November 2026)
- ✓Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (valid only from 19 October to 29 November 2026)
- ✓Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
- ✓Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
- ✓Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
- ✓1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18 October 2026)
What's not included
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Personal expenses
Good to know
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
From 19 October to 27 November 2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
From 28 to 29 November 2026: Ascent by cable car and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Mt. Pilatus Summer Day Tour: Gondola, Cable Car, Train, Boat
After pickup at a centrally located spot in Zurich, admire the picturesque scenery as you travel to Lucerne in a comfortable, climate-controlled coach. An orientation drive grounds you in the historical highlights of the city, including Lucerne Jesuit Church, Chapel Bridge, and the Town Hall. Spend some relaxed free time exploring the city at your leisure, then return to the coach to travel to your next destination. Continue to Kriens and climb aboard a panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to travel to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, almost 7,000 feet (2,128 meters) above sea level. Appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-smothered spires and enjoy free time to absorb the views. Follow the Dragon Path to Mt. Pilatus’ summit and then descend the mountain on the cogwheel railway: With its 48% gradient, it’s the steepest rack railway in the world. Back at sea level, climb aboard an awaiting boat for a tranquil cruise across Lake Lucerne. Return to your vehicle and relax during the journey back to Zurich, where the tour concludes. Please note that at the start and end of the season transportation methods will vary. If you’re traveling in early May, late October, or November, check the Additional Info section to see how your tour will be adjusted.
Highlights
- ✓Perfect for travelers looking for a convenient way to visit Mt. Pilatus
- ✓Ride an aerial cable car gondola to the top of Mt. Pilatus
- ✓Hike to the summit and descend on the world's steepest cogwheel railway
- ✓Soak up reflected vistas during a boat ride across Lake Lucerne
What you'll see & do
- ✓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.
- ✓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.
- ✓Continuation to Kriens, where you take the panoramic gondola and aerial cable car to the top of Mount Pilatus at 7000 feet (2132 meters). Enjoy some time at leisure admiring breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. Venture down the Dragon's Path and make the short hike to the summit before descending Mount Pilatus to Alpnachstad by cogwheel railway. At a gradient of 48% it is the world's steepest!
- ✓Your summer alpine adventure concludes with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.
- ✓After an enjoyable day, the guide will bring you back to Zürich.
What's included
- ✓Fully guided tour by a professional multilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- ✓Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except from 19 October to 27 November 2026)
- ✓Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (valid only from 19 October to 29 November 2026)
- ✓Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
- ✓Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
- ✓Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
- ✓1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18 October 2026)
What's not included
- ✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- ✓Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Personal expenses
Good to know
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
From 19 October to 27 November 2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
From 28 to 29 November 2026: Ascent by cable car and descent by cogwheel train. The boat cruise is not available, but a lunch voucher is included.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.