What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

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

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts 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..

★★★★⯨ 4.6

10 hours

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Overview

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.

Gallery

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 1

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 2

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 3

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 4

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 5

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 6

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise — photo 7

What's Included

✓ Included

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

✗ Not Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks (available for purchase in Lucerne or at Mount Pilatus summit)
Gratuities
Personal expenses

Itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

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.

Stop 3

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!

Stop 4

Your summer alpine adventure concludes with a picturesque boat ride across lovely Lake Lucerne to Lucerne.

Stop 5

After an enjoyable day, the guide will bring you back to Zürich.

Meeting & End Point

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Meeting Point

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.

🏁

End Point

Find Hotels in 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

Known For:

Cable Car Tours in Zurich, Agent Favorite in Zurich, Day Cruises in Zurich, Day Trips in Zurich, City Tours in Zurich, Full-day Tours in Zurich, Private and Luxury in Zurich, Water Tours in Zurich, Nature and Wildlife Tours in Zurich, Excellent Quality in Zurich, Bus Tours in Zurich, Trolley Tours in Zurich, Rail Tours in Zurich, Sightseeing Cruises in Zurich

Special Instructions

We kindly request that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure and check in at the ticket counter marked with ''Best of Switzerland Tours''. Please have your confirmation details and proof of identification (ID) ready. You may present your tour voucher either as a printed copy or electronically on your smartphone or tablet.

If you are unfamiliar with the location, we recommend allowing extra time for your journey. Should you have any difficulty finding your way, please contact us as early as possible at +41 (0)44 710 50 50. Our team is available to assist you daily from 7:00 to 21:00.