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Home/Switzerland/Central Switzerland/Lucerne/Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen)

Experience the World's Steepest Cogwheel Train

Ascend the legendary peaks of the Swiss Alps via Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen), home to the world's steepest cogwheel train! Experience breathtaking panoramic views and unforgettable mountain adventures in Alpnach. Whether you are seeking a scenic sightseeing tour, a thrilling hiking expedition, or a magical Dragon Ride, our curated experiences offer the ultimate Swiss tourism adventure. From majestic cable car rides to immersive nature tours, discover why travelers highly recommend this iconic mountain journey. Book your unforgettable Swiss Alps escape today!

4.7/5 avg ratingFrom $151.98 per person3,465+ verified reviews98% free cancellation

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$373–$708 typical

Median price is $553, with a full range up to $1,020

Rating

Rating

4.7/5 stars

Based on 3,465 pooled reviews with 82% positive sentiment

Tour Length

Tour Length

6–10 hours typical

Median duration is 8 hours

Best Value

Best Value

Sightseeing Tours

Average 4.72★ at $552 per tour

Tour Type

Tour Type

Nature & Sightseeing

78% of options focus on nature, 55% are sightseeing tours

Booking Perks

Booking Perks

98% free cancellation

95% of tours offer instant confirmation

40 Products

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

5.3 hrsFree cancellation
4.54 (1,292 reviews)
81%
19%
beautiful sitesgood tripso beautiful
Viator
$204
Book now
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Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise
Summary

Enjoy a day of Alpine adventure in Switzerland on this half-day, summer trip to Mt Pilatus from Lucerne. Begin your journey toward the skies with a 30-minute panoramic gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg, and then hop aboard the aerial cableway for your ascent to the summit of Mt Pilatus. Relax at your leis...

Inclusions
  • Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (from 19.10. - 29.11.2026)
  • 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne (until 18.10.2026)
  • Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world
  • Fully guided tour in English by a professional guide
  • Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
  • Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
  • Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except 19.10. - 27.11.2026)
Exclusions
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase at Mount Pilatus summit)
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
Itinerary
  • Lucerne
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Alpnachstad
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Lucerne
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, 19.10.-27.11.2026: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included, 28.11.-29.11.2026: Ascent by cable car, descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

10 hrsFree cancellation
4.62 (712 reviews)
81.38%
18.62%
awesome tourbeautiful viewsexceptional
Viator
$217
Book now
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Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
Summary

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.

Inclusions
  • 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
Exclusions
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
Itinerary
  • Zurich
  • Luzern Altstadt
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Zurich
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, 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
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi in just 1 Day!

Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi in just 1 Day!

10 hrsPrivate tourEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
5 (11 reviews)
94.87%
5.13%
amazingenjoyed this tourtook care
Viator
$1,013
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Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi in just 1 Day!
Summary

All tickets are included in the price! If you want to accelerate your Swiss Alps trekking tours and you can’t decide whether you should visit Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus—why not see them both? This Swiss adventure tour allows you to experience the two most famous mountains near Lucerne on the sa...

Itinerary
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Mount Rigi
Good to know
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne

5.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.61 (583 reviews)
76.48%
23.52%
Wonderfulamazing experiencebreathtaking views
Viator
$282
Book now
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Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne
Summary

Towering over the city of Lucerne like a monument to the Swiss wilderness, Mt. Pilatus is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning massif boasts several stunning peaks, set within a playground of soaring rock faces, lush rolling valleys, and a network of meandering emerald lakes. The tallest p...

Inclusions
  • Meet & Greet at Lucerne Train Station (Instructions will be sent after booking)
  • Mt. Pilatus Golden Route Pass (Mid-may to mid-October)
  • Local Guide
  • Lake Lucerne Cruise Pass
Exclusions
  • Lunch (can be purchased by card at Mt. Pilatus)
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Lucerne
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Alpnachstad
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Lucerne
Good to know
  • 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
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel

9 hrsFree cancellation
4.84 (25 reviews)
91.55%
8.45%
fabulousbeautifulthoroughly enjoyable
Viator
$623
Book now
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Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel
Summary

Embark on an exclusive small-group journey, "The Golden Roundtrip," starting in Basel and seamlessly connecting to Luzern by train. From Luzern, cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, setting the stage for an unforgettable ascent on the cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus. Enjoy leisurely free time ...

Inclusions
  • typical "golden round trip" by boat, cogwheel train, gondola
  • Intercity train Basel-Luzern and vv.
  • English speaking Swiss tourguide
  • all necessary tickets (no aditional costs)
  • seat reservation for guaranteed departure on cogwheel train
Exclusions
  • Food or drinks (lunch break at one of various restaurants)
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Basel SBB Station
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Alpnachstad
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Kriens
  • Basel SBB Station
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mount Pilatus Small Group off-season Day Trip from Luzern

Mount Pilatus Small Group off-season Day Trip from Luzern

6 hrsFree cancellation
4.8 (15 reviews)
91.56%
8.44%
greatextremely knowledgeablefun
Viator
$383
Book now
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Mount Pilatus Small Group off-season Day Trip from Luzern
Summary

Join a small group tour from Luzern to Mount Pilatus by train and experience the magic of a Swiss winter wonderland. This journey combines scenic train rides and breathtaking alpine views in central Switzerland • travel typically Swiss by public transport with your tour guide • ascend Mount Pilatu...

Inclusions
  • English speaking Swiss tourguide
  • all necessary train tickets for the tour (no additional costs)
Exclusions
  • Food or drinks (lunch break at restaurant with various menus)
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Kriens
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Kriens
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Basel

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Basel

8 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.76 (21 reviews)
95.45%
4.55%
extremely nicegreat guideknowledgeable
Viator
$782
Book now
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Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Basel
Summary

Towering over the city of Lucerne like a monument to the Swiss wilderness, Mt. Pilatus is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning massif boasts several stunning peaks, set within a playground of soaring rock faces, lush rolling valleys, and a network of meandering emerald lakes. The tallest pe...

Inclusions
  • Golden Route (mid-May to mid-October)
  • 1st Class Rail Pass
  • Meet & Greet at your Hotel or Residence
  • Lake of Lucerne Cruise 1st Class Pass
  • Mt. Pilatus Priority Pass (Cogwheel from mid-May to mid-October)
  • Local Guide
Exclusions
  • Optional Lucerne visit - Provided upon request
  • Lunch (can be purchased by card at Mt. Pilatus)
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Basel
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Basel
Good to know
  • Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Lucerne

6 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.71 (45 reviews)
88.44%
11.56%
excellentpure pleasurefriendly
Viator
$721
Book now
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Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Lucerne
Summary

Towering over the city of Lucerne like a monument to the Swiss wilderness, Mt. Pilatus is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning massif boasts several stunning peaks, set within a playground of soaring rock faces, lush rolling valleys, and a network of meandering emerald lakes. The tallest pe...

Inclusions
  • Lake of Lucerne Cruise 1st Class Pass
  • Mt. Pilatus Priority Pass (Cogwheel from mid-May to mid-October)
  • Meet and Greet at your Hotel or Residence
  • Private local guide
  • Golden Route - mid-May to mid-October
Exclusions
  • Optional Lucerne visit - Provided upon request
  • Lunch
Itinerary
  • Lucerne
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Pilatus Luzern
  • Lake Lucerne
  • Lucerne
Good to know
  • 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, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt Pilatus Roundtrip Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens

Mt Pilatus Roundtrip Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens

6 hrsEco-FriendlyFree cancellation
4.55 (210 reviews)
Viator
$108
Book now
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Mt Pilatus Roundtrip Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens
Summary

Visiting Lucerne’s landmark mountain, Mt. Pilatus, is a must-do when you're in the Lake Lucerne region. Start your trip at Alpnachstad or Kriens valley station and enjoy the 30 minutes ride with the world's steepest cogwheel railway (from Alpnachstad) or with the panorama-gondola and aerial Cablewa...

Inclusions
  • Panorama gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg
  • Aerail cableway "Dragon Ride" between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm
  • Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm
Exclusions
  • Tour Guide
  • Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Meals and snacks in restaurants
  • Additional activities (rope park, toboggan run)
  • Parking fee at the valley station Alpnachstad and Kriens
Itinerary
  • Pilatus Luzern
Good to know
  • 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, Don't miss the last transportation down to the valley, This is an unguided individual tour, Operates in almost all weather conditions; please dress appropriately, Cableways are not in operation in case of storm, 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 for the cogwheel railway
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel

Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel

6 hrsFree cancellation
4.52 (243 reviews)
Viator
$154
Book now
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Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel
Summary

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 ...

Inclusions
  • 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)
Exclusions
  • 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
Itinerary
  • Pilatus Luzern
Good to know
  • 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
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen).

Mt. Pilatus
Learn more

Mt. Pilatus

3.0 km away • from $34

Mt. Stanserhorn CabriO Cable Car
Learn more

Mt. Stanserhorn CabriO Cable Car

6.5 km away • from $106

Richard Wagner Museum
Learn more

Richard Wagner Museum

10 km away • from $32

Lucerne Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Luzern)
Learn more

Lucerne Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Luzern)

11 km away • from $5.87

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Private options are a very popular choice for this landmark. Among the 19 tours we compare across booking platforms, 42% are private tours, which may suit those looking for a more personalized experience.

Prices vary depending on the level of service and duration. Most options cost between $220–$612, though the typical spread across all listed tours ranges from about $106–$937.

Most tours are quite substantial, typically lasting between 5.2–7.2 hours. The median duration for the options we compare is 6 hours.

The feedback from travellers is overwhelmingly positive. Across 2,594 pooled reviews, the experiences hold an average rating of 4.33★. Reviewers frequently describe the trips as wonderful and amazing, specifically highlighting the breathtaking views and beautiful sites.

Flexibility is widely available for these excursions. 100% of the options we compare offer free cancellation, providing peace of mind for your travel planning.

To accommodate international visitors, tours are offered in 6 languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Portuguese.

If you are looking to travel more sustainably, about 26% of the tours listed are tagged as eco-friendly.

Take a regional train from Lucerne station. The journey is quick and connects directly to Alpnach Dorf or Alpnach Luzern.

Use the local cable cars and cogwheel trains. This is the most scenic way to reach the mountain summits from the valley.

Yes, many paths around Lake Sarnen are flat and easy. These routes offer beautiful views without intense climbing.

Mt. Pilatus3kmMt. Stanserhorn CabriO Cable Car6.5kmLucerne Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche Luzern)10.6kmCulture and Congress Centre (KKL)10.7kmChapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke)10.7kmLucerne Old Town10.8kmHofkirche11.2kmLucerne (Luzern)11.3kmLion Monument (Löwendenkmal)11.5kmSwiss Museum of Transport (Verkehrshaus der Schweiz)11.5kmLake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)14.4kmEngelberg17.5km
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