
Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 311 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride worth booking?
Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $167 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 311 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (311)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $167 per person
On this full-day alpine excursion, escape Zurich and spend a glorious day in the Lake Lucerne area, exploring Mount Rigi, known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains,’ and the picturesque lakeside town of Lucerne. This tour is mostly made up of free time and self-guided activities – your guide will be with you from Zurich to Weggis, at the foot of the mountain, and then you’re free to explore the mountain and Lucerne at your leisure. Ride an aerial cable car and a cogwheel train, take in stunning views over the Swiss Alps and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Lucerne – it’s a full day of gorgeous scenery and mountain delights.
What you get
About this experience
On this full-day alpine excursion, escape Zurich and spend a glorious day in the Lake Lucerne area, exploring Mount Rigi, known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains,’ and the picturesque lakeside town of Lucerne. This tour is mostly made up of free time and self-guided activities – your guide will be with you from Zurich to Weggis, at the foot of the mountain, and then you’re free to explore the mountain and Lucerne at your leisure. Ride an aerial cable car and a cogwheel train, take in stunning views over the Swiss Alps and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Lucerne – it’s a full day of gorgeous scenery and mountain delights.
What's included
Included
- Boat ride from Vitznau to Lucerne
- Partly guided tour by professional multilingual guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich
- Aerial cable car and cogwheel train rides
- Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Zurich
Departure place is at the Sihlquai Bus Station. Your full-day tour from Zurich to Mount Rigi and Lake Lucerne starts with a panoramic drive and then takes you to Weggis, a charming summer resort town on the shore of Lake Lucerne.
Pass by without stopping
Weggis
Your tour guide will drop you off in Weggis, where the self-guided part of your day trip begins. Board the aerial cable car to Rigi Kaltbad where you change to Europe's first ever mountain railway up to the summit Rigi-Kulm (1800m).
15 minutes here
Mount Rigi
Your itinerary on Mount Rigi is flexible – you can spend 1 to 2.5 hours exploring at your own pace, using the itinerary sheets and timetables your guide will give you. The unsurpassed views from the top of this majestic mountain to the midland with its deep blue lakes and the snowcapped mountain range will overwhelm you! A variety of well-prepared hiking trails invite for a walk and cozy alpine restaurants offer a decent selection of typical, hearty meals all accompanied by the amazing alpine panorama.
150 minutes here
Vitznau
In the afternoon, descent by cogwheel train to Vitznau and board the public boat for a lovely one-hour cruise on the picturesque Lake of the Four Cantons towards Lucerne.
60 minutes here
Lucerne
Enjoy the remaining free time exploring the medieval streets of the Old Town before meeting your tour guide for the coach journey back to Zurich. See the famous Chapel Bridge, the Jesuit Church, and the Town Hall. Further recommendations are a visit to the Swiss Museum of Transport, the biggest museum in Switzerland or for art lovers the Rosengart Museum with works of the famous artists Picasso and Paul Klee (entry fees may apply).
150 minutes here
Zurich
Meet your tour guide at the meeting point in Lucerne for the coach journey back to Zurich in the evening.
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- 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
- Please note: On the following dates, the round-trip to and from Mount Rigi will be operated by cogwheel train due to cable car maintenance: 16–27 November 2026 and 1 March–2 April 2027
- The tour is accompanied from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich. For the individual stay in Mt Rigi and Lucerne, tickets and a written itinerary are provided.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 310 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 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
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
310 verified traveler reviews for Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must trip!
We ended up upgrading our tour to the Mt Pilatus group. This was the best day! We were able to explore Lucerne, the town is beautiful. We got to go up the cable cars and down the cogwheel train. The views were breathtaking and we grabbed lunch at the top. Ended our day with a nice boat ride. Our tour guide Alex was fantastic! Definitely would recommend.
via Viator
This was a great way to...
This was a great way to see Mt. Rigi and do a cruise on the lake. The views on both are amazing! Appreciated being able to do this day trip from Zurich. The important thing to know is that the bus does drop you off at the base of the mountain to take the tram up the mountain and you need to be back at a meeting place at the end of the day. The guide does not go with you as they take the rest of the people on a tour of Pilatus. However, they do give you a detailed map and directions with times of how and when to navigate the entire day so you know how much time you have and where to go. We did not have a lot of extra time to explore Lucerne but enough to see a couple of landmarks. It takes longer to find the bus to go back to Zurich than expected as it isn’t the easiest to find, so allow time for that. Overall a good day and glad we did this excursion
via Viator
Stunning Views
Rolf and our other tour guide were awesome! We enjoyed seeing the beautiful views of the Alps.
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable Day
The trip was enjoyable. It was not a tour as you are left on your own for the whole day. The boat cruise was too crowded and we were left standing for most of the 1 hour journey to Lucerne despite being first at the queue as other people pushed in and run into the boat. Mount Rigi was scenic at the top of the mountain. Lucerne is a very pretty city.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely recommend this...
Definitely recommend this tour, easy enough to do solo, and the tour guide was very informative. You get given a little itinerary book which helps you keep on track!
via Viator
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
- Price range
- $167 to $170
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 109
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride cost?
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Prices start at $167 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 311 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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Around 109 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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Included: Boat ride from Vitznau to Lucerne; Partly guided tour by professional multilingual guide; Transportation by air-conditioned coach from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich; Aerial cable car and cogwheel train rides; and Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate. Not included: Gratuities; Hotel pick-up and drop off; Meals and drinks; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride 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 Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zurich. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Mt Rigi and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Boat Ride?
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Across 311 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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