Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
4.6 / 5 · 804 traveler reviews
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.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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!
Stop 4
Your summer alpine adventure concludes with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.
Stop 5
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)
Not included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Meeting and pickup
The official departure point for all tours departing from Zurich is Sihlquai Bus Station, near Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Please check in at least 15 minutes before departure at the “Best of Switzerland Tours” counter with your QR code on your voucher ready, printed or electronically.
Before you go
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.