
Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 798 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise worth booking?
Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $209 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 798 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (798)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $209 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
What you'll see and do
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.
Pass by without stopping
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.
60 minutes here
Pilatus Luzern
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!
110 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Lucerne
Your summer alpine adventure concludes with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Zurich
After an enjoyable day, the guide will bring you back to Zürich.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
English
Spanish
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Best of Switzerland Tours
Know 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 784 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
784 verified traveler reviews for Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mt. Pilatus day trip
Excellent tour !!! Right from the bus ride to the city of Lucerne where you get to explore it then on to kern where you get in the cable cars going up to Mt.Pilatus then changing to the bigger car that takes you right to the top!! Amazing views up there then the fantastic ride down the mountain on the cogwheel train!!! The last leg is a beautiful boat ride in Lake Lucerne back to the city of Lucerne onto the bus and back to Zurich!! Our guide Jorge and the bus driver Carlos were amazing and took great care of the group! Jorge gave us great info all the way on the tour!! We loved it!! Highly recommended by us!!!!
via Viator
Highlight of Zurich
A great trip has a great tour guide and Olga was fantastic. From bus to cable cars to cog wheel train to boat tour she kept us engaged with fantastic information, stories and recommendations at each location. The views were amazing: Lucerne, Mt Pilatus and the lake Lucerne boat tour were everything we had expected. Worth the full day!
via Viator
Amazing experience with breathtaking views
This tour was amazing, absolutely incredible experience, worth every penny and more. It’s not possible to describe, has to be seen and experienced in person. The arrangements were good, with drop off and pick up on a comfortable tour bus with a dedicated driver and a guide. The only thing I wish was different, it would have been great to have more time to spend in Lucerne. We barely had enough time to see main attractions due to long walks from and to the bus, as drop/pickup was a long distance away. We didn’t get the full experience of this beautiful city.
via Viator
Great tour content....but logistics need some work
Actual tour location was good, but there were some disappointing aspects. Much of the touring was on you own...the guide did a great job of getting us from place to place, but once we got to a location, we were on our own. The voucher indicated a 20 EUR credit for lunch...we did not receive it. In fact, we were told to work lunch into our stop at the top of Mt Pilatus. The bus parking in Lucerne was quite far from any of the attractions (15 min walk). Multiple other tours were incorporated with this one. We had to go out of our way to drop off several individuals at a location that was not on this tour. Suggest future tours start and end with rail to/from Lucerne instead of a bus. It would be quicker and the train station locations very close to the pick up and drop off spots.
via Tripadvisor
Lucerne/ Mt Pilatus
What a memorable day we had in Lucerne and at Mt Pilatus! Our guide was very knowledgable and did the tour in both English and Spanish. She pointed out and / or informed us of the most important sights and history and there was ample time to explore on our own as well! Terrific experience!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 279
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Best of Switzerland Tours, who run 25 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.0.
See everything Best of Switzerland Tours runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $209 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.
Is Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 798 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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Around 279 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zurich?
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On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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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 Novembe; Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (valid only from 19 October to 29 November 2026); Ride on the steepest cogwheel train in the world; and Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned coach. Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit); Gratuities; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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The official departure point for all tours departing from Zurich is Sihlquai Bus Station, near Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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Across 798 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including English, Spanish. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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