Mt. Pilatus Summer Day Trip from Zurich
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic Lake Lucerne boat cruise
- Ride the world's steepest cogwheel train
- Breathtaking panoramic mountain views
- Explore Lucerne's charming old town
- Visit the historic Chapel Bridge
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Zurich
- Lake Lucerne boat cruise
- Cogwheel train ride to Mt. Pilatus summit
- Meals and beverages
Meeting point
Start Location
Best of Switzerland Tours AG, Sihlquai Bus Station, Limmatstrasse 2, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; cancellations are rare.
- Children under 6 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap.
- Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary at higher elevations.
- Check the weather forecast before departure to ensure optimal conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Worth it with good weather
The tour was fine, but i'm not sure it's worth it when you can't see anything from up top because of the weather. The day I went it was rainy and there were so many clouds you could see absolutely nothing, and I think the point of this tour are the views up top. If you just want the experience of getting to the top and of various modes of transportation, etc., then go ahead, but if you really care more about the views, make sure it's absolutely clear skies first.
One Day Mountian and Lake Experience
Well run tour. 2 hours free time on your own in Lucerne and two hours on your own at the top of Mt. Pilatus. Basic guidance provided on sights to see in Lucerne but you may want to do a little research ahead to optimize your time. We had a gloriously clear day and views from Mt. Pilatus were spectacular. Cable car ride up and cog train ride down were fun. Lake ferry ride back to Lucerne was pleasant and relaxing with snacks and beverages available for purchase.
A Perfect Day
First and foremost, our guide Elizabeth was fun, informative, and ensured our group was where we needed to be at all times! This is a long day but packed with delightful experiences. The bus ride from Zurich to Lucerne was very comfortable and easy, and Elizabeth shared wonderful information along the way. Our time in Lucerne allowed us to see the Chapel Bridge. While there were a lot of other sites, my husband and I took time to see the crying lion . A heartfelt memorial of a sad event marking the courage of Swiss guard. The cable car and then dragon tram to the top of Mount Pilatus offered beautiful views. So much to do until the cogwheel ride to the bottom of the mountain. A lovely boat ride and back to Lucerne and the final bus ride to Zurich. It was a perfect day! This trip is fantastic and should not be missed. Thank you, Elizabeth our guide for leading us through this perfect tour.
Super friendly tour guide.
Angela is a terrific tour guide. She is super friendly and gave clear directions and a precise history of Mt. Pilatus in Lucerne. My husband and I enjoyed the tour. Lucerne is beautiful. I wish the weather on Pilatus were better. The weather was partly cloudy, and we couldn't see the view of Lucerne city from the top, but they can’t control it. I highly recommend the tour.
A superb adventure
It was quite an adventure, it was incredible to be able to do in a single day, the bus, a ride in a 4-person cabin, another in a 60-person cabin, come back down the mountain by train, take a boat to cross the lake and take the bus again to return to Zurich. What a day.