
Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour worth booking?
Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $229 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $229 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Zurich, with an Outty Ranking of 58. At $229 it sits above the typical similar option ($103), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Prices and availability checked
Embark on a full-day journey from Zurich to Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks. Begin your journey in Lucerne, where you’ll have time to explore its charming Old Town, stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, discover historic squares, or simply relax along the lakeside. In Kriens, ascend by panoramic cable car through forests and mountain slopes before boarding the thrilling Dragon Ride, with its large windows creating the sensation of flying above the Alps. At 2,132 metres, explore Mount Pilatus and take in spectacular 360° views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Steeped in legend, the mountain is associated with dragons and the story of Pontius Pilate. Descend aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, then continue with a peaceful cruise across Lake Lucerne. This experience combines cable car, cogwheel train, and lake cruise—three unforgettable ways to experience the Swiss Alps in one seamless day.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a full-day journey from Zurich to Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks. Begin your journey in Lucerne, where you’ll have time to explore its charming Old Town, stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, discover historic squares, or simply relax along the lakeside. In Kriens, ascend by panoramic cable car through forests and mountain slopes before boarding the thrilling Dragon Ride, with its large windows creating the sensation of flying above the Alps. At 2,132 metres, explore Mount Pilatus and take in spectacular 360° views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Steeped in legend, the mountain is associated with dragons and the story of Pontius Pilate. Descend aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, then continue with a peaceful cruise across Lake Lucerne. This experience combines cable car, cogwheel train, and lake cruise—three unforgettable ways to experience the Swiss Alps in one seamless day.
What's included
Included
- Cruise to Lucerne
- World's steepest cogwheel railway ride
- Panoramic gondola ride to Mount Pilatus
- Driver-guide during transportation
- Free time in Lucerne
Not included
- Meals and drinks
What you'll see and do
Zurich
Join your driver-guide in the lively city of Zurich, where your journey begins. Settle into your comfortable coach and relax as you leave the city behind, watching the scenery transform into expansive green fields, sparkling lakes, and majestic Alpine peaks rising on the horizon.
60 minutes here
Lucerne
Lucerne, is a captivating city situated in the heart of Switzerland. Its breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Luzern, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, makes it a destination of unparalleled natural beauty. Steeped in history, Lucerne's Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and inviting cafes. Visitors are drawn to its iconic landmarks, such as the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) adorned with historic paintings, and the Water Tower standing guard nearby. For culture enthusiasts, Lucerne offers a wealth of museums and galleries. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Lucerne's surroundings. From scenic boat cruises on Lake Lucerne to exhilarating activities abound.
60 minutes here
Kriens
Your driver-guide will escort you to Kriens, the starting point of your ascent to Mount Pilatus. From there, hop on the cable car and soar above verdant forests and alpine meadows, letting the stunning landscapes envelop you as you make your way to the towering summit.
30 minutes here
After your scenic gondola ride to Fräkmüntegg, board the new “Dragon Ride,” featuring large panoramic windows that create a sensation of flying as you soar towards Pilatus Kulm. From the summit, take in sweeping views of 73 Alpine peaks and enjoy time to relax on the terraces or at the restaurants while admiring the spectacular scenery at 2,132 metres above sea level.
240 minutes here
Alpnachstad
Take a ride down the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, the departure point for your scenic boat cruise to Lucerne.
40 minutes here
Lake Lucerne
Enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Lucerne, offering a different perspective of the surrounding mountains and picturesque shoreline.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Zurich
Back in Lucerne, meet your driver-guide for the return journey to Zurich. After a day of Alpine scenery, legendary stories, and unforgettable Swiss landscapes, sit back and enjoy the final views along the way, taking home unforgettable memories.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
Your tour departs from Zurich Central Bus Station. We have no office there, so arrive 15 min early, look for the Swisstours bus and show your reservation to the driver. From Zürich HB, exit via Platform 18 and head towards Limmatstrasse. The bus station is between Starbucks and AVIA gas station.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour departs from Zurich Central Bus Station. We have no office there, so arrive 15 min early, look for the Swisstours bus and show your reservation to the driver. From Zürich HB, exit via Platform 18 and head towards Limmatstrasse. The bus station is between Starbucks and AVIA gas station.
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
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 19 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Keytours (Switzerland)
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is available from mid-May to mid-October.
- Any activities or attractions not specifically listed in the inclusions are optional and available at your own expense.
- Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to bring an appropriate child seat. For safety reasons, the driver reserves the right to refuse transportation if the required child seat is not available.
- This tour operates in all weather conditions. However, mountain activities are subject to weather and operational conditions. In exceptional circumstances, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety and operational reasons.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful!
Fantastic! The tour guide recommended spots on the map to visit in Lucerne. He dropped us off at the bottom of the mountain with times to meet up and we got to explore in our own. We made lunch reservations in advance at the restaurant. Some people without reservations were turned away. Make sure the tour guide gives you a copy of the reserve time for the cog train before he drops you off. Ensure you age. What’sApp installed as well so you can communicate with the tour guide. The group of 4 that got paired up with us were older travelers and did not get the reserve time paper they needed for the cog train. They called Viator from the top of the mountain and was able to get it sent immediately so all worked out. It was stressful situation for them.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review, Denise! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your day and appreciated the recommendations for exploring Lucerne. Thank you as well for sharing these helpful tips with future travelers, especially regarding restaurant reservations and having WhatsApp available for communication. We're sorry to hear about the confusion with the cogwheel train reservation for some members of your group, but we're glad the issue was resolved quickly and everyone was able to continue their journey. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another Key Tours adventure soon!
via Viator
Glad we this this excursion
Zoli our guide was great relaxed and informative. Most of the trip is guided by ourselves Lucerne is beautiful. Mt Pitalus is stunning. Lake Lucerne boat ride amazing. I know small group is a little more expensive but definitely worth the stress free once in a lifetime experience
Response from the operator: Thank you, Lon, for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience and that Zoli made your tour relaxed and informative. Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, and the Lake Lucerne boat ride are truly unforgettable highlights, and we're happy you had the opportunity to discover them. We appreciate your comments about the small group experience. We believe that a more personalized tour allows guests to enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free journey, and we're glad it helped make your trip a memorable one. Thank you for choosing KeyTours, and we hope to welcome you again for another amazing Swiss adventure!
via Viator
Day at Mt Pilatus
Well coordinated and very comfortable transportation. We visited Lucerne for two hours then Mt Pilatus for the remainder of the day. Tickets were provided for gondola lift, train and boat. Destination is a must see.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the smooth coordination and comfortable transportation on your Pilatus trip with Jorge. It’s great that you had the chance to explore Lucerne and experience the breathtaking Mt. Pilatus with all the tickets conveniently provided. We agree—Mt. Pilatus truly is a must-see! We hope to welcome you on another Keytours adventure soon.
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
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Keytours (Switzerland), who run 70 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Keytours (Switzerland) runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How does Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour compare to similar tours in Zurich?
+
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Zurich, with an Outty Ranking of 58. At $229 it sits above the typical similar option ($103), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and couples.
Who is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour best for?
+
It suits families and couples best, based on its 10-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour good value?
+
It is a premium pick. It starts at $229, above the $103 typical for similar experiences in Zurich.
How much does Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $229 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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour take?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3 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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
Around 1 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?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
Included: Cruise to Lucerne; World's steepest cogwheel railway ride; Panoramic gondola ride to Mount Pilatus; Driver-guide during transportation; and Free time in Lucerne. Not included: Meals and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
Your tour departs from Zurich Central Bus Station. We have no office there, so arrive 15 min early, look for the Swisstours bus and show your reservation to the driver. From Zürich HB. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour offered in?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Child seats are not provided. Guests traveling with infants or children are required to br. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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 Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour?
+
Across 3 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Zurich: Lucerne & Mount Pilatus – Dragon Mountain & Lake Tour.
Pick your date




