Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Day Trip + Train Ride

Tour Details

Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime! This self-guided tour offers an unforgettable journey, using multiple modes of transport to bring you from Lucerne all the way to the summit of Mount Pilatus.

Below you can check out our recommended order of transport to reach the top of Mount Pilatus, and the best part—all tickets are included for a seamless experience!

Step 1 - Bus to Kriens: On the day of your journey, make your way to Lucerne train station and hop on bus number 1 to Kriens. After a scenic 11-minute bus ride and a short walk, you’ll arrive at the valley station in Kriens.

Step 2 - Gondola to Kirenseregg: From here, you'll board the panoramic gondola for a relaxing 15-minute ride to Krienseregg. While there, we recommend checking out Restaurant Krienseregg and admiring the tranquil surroundings from the terrace.

Step 3 - Gondola to Fräkmüntegg: Your journey will continue with another 15 minutes on the gondola, bringing you to Fräkmüntegg, where you can participate in various activities such as the thrilling rope park. You can also savour local delights at the self-service restaurant.

Step 4 - Cable Car to Mt. Pilatus: Next, prepare for an exhilarating ride on the Dragon Ride cable car. With its helicopter-like design and wide windows, this 5-minute journey will whisk you up to the summit of Pilatus Kulm, perched at 2,132 metres (6,994 feet) above sea level.

Step 5 - Free Time at Mt. Pilatus: Once you reach the top, you'll be in awe of the spectacular panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the towering Swiss Alps. Take your time exploring the panoramic gallery, relaxing on the terrace, or embarking on a short climb to one of the nearby peaks. If you love hiking, the summit also offers fantastic trails on the so-called Dragon Mountain. If you're feeling peckish, the restaurants at Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Pilatus Kulm are both good options.

Step 6 - Cogwheel Train to Alpnachstad: When the time comes to head back down, you'll board the world's steepest cogwheel railway, built in 1889. This breathtaking descent will take you through rugged cliffs, alongside streams, and across alpine meadows adorned with vibrant flowers, all the way down to Alpnachstad.

Step 7 - Train to Lucerne: From Alpnachstad, you'll enjoy a scenic train ride back to Lucerne, where your journey will come to an end after between 3.5 and 6 hours.

Ticket Options

When booking, you'll be able to choose between a first or second-class ticket for the train ride from Alpnachstad to Lucerne. First-class seats are more comfortable with more space.

Cogwheel Train

The tickets for the cogwheel train are included, but if you wish to have an assigned seat or want to make sure your party is seated together, you'll have to reserve seats for an additional price. After booking, we'll give you instructions on how to do so.

Route Maps and Schedules

At this link, you can see a map of the described itinerary.

You can choose to invert the itinerary and begin your day trip with a train ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad and end with a bus ride from Kriensto Lucerne. At this link, you can check out a map of the itinerary in reverse.

Whichever direction you choose, be sure to check the timetables in advance to make the most of your experience:

• Outbound timetables in 2024
• Return timetables in 2024
• Outbound timetables in 2025
• Return timetables in 2025

Although during the booking process, you'll see the standard departure time set to 00:00 hours, please refer to the timetables in the documents above for accurate schedules.

Upgrade Your Experience

If you'd prefer to travel back to Lucerne by boat instead of by train, check out our Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Day Trip + Boat Ride.