Mt. Pilatus Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit Mt. Pilatus in 2025?

Mt. Pilatus is free to explore on foot, but most visitors reach the top via the cog railway from Alpnachstad or the cable car from Kriens. Cog railway tickets are CHF 5 each way. Cable car tickets for a one-way ride are CHF 40 for adults and CHF 20 for kids from 6-16; children under 6 ride free. Round-trip tickets are CHF 64 for adults and CHF 36 for kids.

Q: What is the best time to visit Mt. Pilatus?

Visit in winter to take in the snow-covered peaks from the cable car, cog railway train, and snowshoeing trails, plus zip down the two sledding slopes once you reach Fräkmüntegg. Late spring through early fall is ideal for hiking the trails, exploring the rope adventure park, and picnicking with a view of Lake Lucerne.

Q: Can I hike to the summit of Mt. Pilatus instead of taking the cable car?

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails on Mt. Pilatus that begin at Alpnachstad or Kriens and lead to endpoints at various altitudes, including the Fräkmüntegg station and Pilatus Kulm. T1-level hikes are ideal for fit hikers of all ages, while the T2 trails are more rigorous routes for advanced hikers with plenty of experience.

Q: How do I get tickets for the Mt. Pilatus cable car?

Book tickets for the Mt. Pilatus cable car and gondola, as well as for the cog railway train, online via the Mt. Pilatus website. You can also reserve tickets by booking a day trip or guided tour that includes transport up to the mountain peak from Alpnachstad or Kriens.

Q: Is Mt. Pilatus accessible?

Yes, the cog railway train, cable car, and aerial cableway (gondola) from Alpnachstad and Kriens are all accessible to wheelchairs, as are the various stations and public restrooms. The restaurants and hotel on the slopes and at the peak are also fully accessible, but the hiking trails are not.

58 results

Best Seller

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Exploring the villages of the Swiss Alps can be confusing, but this group tour has you covered with mountain transportation all the way from Lucerne to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Your seasonal adventure includes panoramic gondola rides up Mt. Pilatus, free time at the summit, a ride down the world's steepest cogwheel train, and a scenic Lake Lucerne cruise (summer only). Guided commentary and round-trip transportation from Lucerne complete the experience.

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Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

5 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,291)

from $204

Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel

Visit Lake Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour by boat, cogwheel railway, and gondola. After a cruise around the lake, ride up the steepest—and probably the most scenic—cogwheel railway in the world. Stop at the peak of Mt. Pilatus, where alpine vistas await. Descend via cable car to Kriens and take a public bus (ticket included in tour) back to Lucerne, where your tour finishes.

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Mt Pilatus from Lucerne Including Boat Trip, Gondola, Cogwheel

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(243)

from $154

Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Round Trip from Lucerne

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(80)

from $121

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Exploring Mount Pilatus involves a lot of planning and logistics, but this full-day tour from Zurich covers everything for a hassle-free day out. Ascend to vertiginous vantage points by gondola and cable car and enjoy sweeping vistas of the dramatic Alps mountain range. Embark on a moderate hike down the verdant Dragon’s Path and the world’s steepest cogwheel railway before taking a short cruise on Lake Lucerne. Please note: Itinerary and inclusions vary by season.

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Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(711)

from $217

Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(583)

from $282

Mt Pilatus Roundtrip Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens

Ascending Mt. Pilatus, Lucerne's landmark mountain, is a must-do when you are in the Lake Lucerne region. For maximum flexibility, choose between a ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, or a combination of a gondola and an aerial cableway from Kriens. Then, enjoy spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps that you don’t see otherwise from 6,995 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level.

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Mt Pilatus Roundtrip Ticket from Alpnachstad or Kriens

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(210)

from $108

Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi & Lake Lucerne Tour | From Lucerne

Treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime with our guided tour that has been specially curated to help you make precious memories. Upon embarking on this unique excursion, you'll experience Swiss culture first-hand while immersing yourself in Switzerland's most mesmerizing landscapes. During this excursion, you'll experience five wondrous discoveries. First, float among the clouds as you ascend in a thrilling gondola lift ride. You'll then be guided to the highest peak of Mount Pilatus, where you can absorb breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine peaks. The adventure will continue by cogwheel to Alpnachstad, where you will explore the world's steepest railway track before unwinding on a scenic cruise through Lake Lucerne. Concluding your trip at Vitznau, you will journey up Mount Rigi via train to discover the region's historical heritage and oversee where Switzerland was founded.

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Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi & Lake Lucerne Tour | From Lucerne

7 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

(19)

from $365

Zurich: Ride the Dragon to Mount Pilatus aboard a Skyglass Bus

Join a guided adventure from Zurich to discover the legendary Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s iconic peak, steeped in myths and breathtaking beauty. Your journey begins with a scenic drive to Kriens, where you'll board a panoramic gondola for a spectacular ascent. Along the way, experience the thrilling "Dragon Ride"—a state-of-the-art aerial cableway with expansive windows, giving you the sensation of flying over Switzerland’s stunning landscapes. At the summit (2,132m), take in breathtaking views of 73 Alpine peaks, explore scenic terraces, and relax at mountaintop restaurants. After descending back to Kriens by cable car, continue to Lucerne, a charming lakeside city rich in history. Enjoy free time to stroll through the Old Town, cross the iconic Chapel Bridge. In summer you can upgrade to the Gold tour with mountain train and cruise

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Zurich: Ride the Dragon to Mount Pilatus aboard a Skyglass Bus

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(9)

from $213

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Luzern

Discover Alpine views from peak, lake, and sky on this Golden Round-Trip tour of Mount Pilatus. The typical Golden Round Trip (Jun-Oct) offers a wonderful excursion: Begin with a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then transfer to the world's steepest cogwheel railway to reach the summit of Mount Pilatus. There, enjoy spectacular views over the Lake Lucerne region and the Alps from the large viewing terraceand grab a bite to eat (own expense). The return journey to Kriens will be done on the aerial cableway 'Dragon Ride' and on the Panorama gondolas. From the valley station it is a five-minute walk to the bus stop for a convenient ride to Lucerne. Benefit from your local guide’s insider tips and avoid hidden costs with admission fees and transfers included in the price. Cogwheel railway and the scheduled lake boat are closed from Nov-May. During this time you reach Mt. Pilatus by cableway and we take a one-hour scenic lake cruise in Lucerne instead.

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Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Luzern

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(36)

from $487

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Swiss BBQ & Hike Experience – with Mount Pilatus Ticket

Join our experienced guide for an unforgettable day hike on Mount Pilatus, one of Switzerland's most famous mountains. From Lucerne, we take the bus to the Pilatus valley station. The cable car takes us up to the summit and we enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains and Lake Lucerne. Once at the top, an easy hike takes us to the Tomlishorn - the highest point on Mount Pilatus. At 2'132 meters above sea level, the views are spectacular and with a bit of luck you might even spot an ibex. During the hike our guide will tell you interesting facts about the mountain, its flora and fauna and its legends, such as the Pilatus dragons. After the one-hour hike, we take the cable car back to Fräkmüntegg for a well-earned lunch. We grill over an open fire for a real Swiss barbecue experience. Then we take the cable car back to Kriens and the bus back to Lucerne.

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Swiss BBQ & Hike Experience – with Mount Pilatus Ticket

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience the magic of Mount Pilatus on a comfortable panoramic bus tour. This breathtaking Swiss landmark is steeped in legend, said to be the resting place of Pontius Pilate, home to a petrified guardian, and the site where a dragon stone fell from the sky in 1420. Your journey begins with a scenic gondola ride from Kriens, followed by "Dragon Ride" cableway, designed with large panoramic windows for a sensation of flying. From the summit at 2,132 meters, take in views of 73 Alpine peaks and relax. Choose your descent: Silver Option: Return to Kriens by cable car, where your driver will pick you up. Gold Option: Experience the world’s steepest cogwheel train to Alpnach, then enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne. 3 experience in one day! Your adventure will include free time in Lucerne, a picturesque Swiss city. Wander through the charming Old Town, cobbled streets and colorful frescoed buildings. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge.

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Zurich: Pilatus & Lucerne Scenic Adventure by Skyglass Roof Bus

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(15)

from $213

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Lucerne

Lucerne’s house mountain, Pilatus, is a must-see for any visitor. This full-day tour provides two different perspectives of the iconic peak, with an included Lake Lucerne cruise tour plus an excursion to the summit via cogwheel train and cable car. Benefit from the personalized insights and insider knowledge of your private guide and avoid hidden costs with hotel pickup, drop-off, and transportation services all included in the cost.

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Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Private Tour | From Lucerne

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(44)

from $721

Price varies by group size

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Basel

Take a trip into the mountains to admire the beauty of Mt. Pilatus and the Lake of Lucerne on this small group tour, conveniently departing from Basel. Towering over Lucerne, Mt. Pilatus offers a landscape of majestic peaks and picturesque valleys. At 6,995 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level, the summit provides views of the region. Appreciate the sights as you explore the Lake of Lucerne, conquer Mt. Pilatus, and ride on the dragon aerial cable cars.

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Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Basel

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(106)

from $447

Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - Engelberg

Take in panoramic views over the Swiss Alps from the air on this tandem paragliding adventure in Engelberg. Following a safety briefing, pull on your paragliding harness and take to the skies with a tandem instructor. During your flight, take in spectacular views of shimmering Lake Lucerne and Engelberg’s peaks and valleys. Enjoy thrilling spins and turns through the air, or glide through the skies in comfort—how you enjoy your flight in up to you.

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Paragliding Tandemflight Lucerne - Engelberg

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(65)

from $250

Mount Pilatus & Lucerne Private Tour from Zurich

Discover the magic of Mount Pilatus and Lucerne with Nate-Tours! This exclusive tour takes you up the legendary Mount Pilatus, where you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the charming old town of Lucerne, known for its historic Chapel Bridge and impressive Old Town. Walk across Lucerne’s most iconic landmark – a 14th-century covered wooden bridge adorned with historic paintings and a symbol of Swiss heritage. Visit the moving Lion of Lucerne, a world-famous sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who fell during the French Revolution – described by Mark Twain as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." An unforgettable experience that perfectly combines nature and culture!

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Mount Pilatus & Lucerne Private Tour from Zurich

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $481

Price varies by group size

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel

Experience Pilatus’s famous Golden Round Trip on this full-day tour from Basel. Start off on a cruise across Lake Lucerne, then embark for a ride on Europe’s highest cogwheel railway. At the top, soak up sweeping panoramas of the Alpine landscape before descending via cable car. Benefit from the insider knowledge of your local guide throughout and avoid hidden costs with all transportation—including your train return to Basel—covered.

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Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(25)

from $623

Price varies by group size

Explore Mount Pilatus in the Swiss Alps on a private tour. After leaving bustling Zurich, enjoy the scenery as you make your way to medieval Lucerne. Once there, climb Mount Pilatus via cable car and gondola. The mountain offers easy hikes and photo opportunities. Descend by the world's steepest cogwheel railway followed by a relaxing boat ride on Lake Lucerne. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

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Mount Pilatus (Private Tour)

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(7)

from $706

Price varies by group size

Private boat trip on Lake Lucerne from Lucerne

Enjoy a private boat tour on Lake Lucerne with the classic passenger ship QUATAGIS, which is built with precious wood. Lake Lucerne is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Europe and its arms offer varied and breathtaking scenery. Many beautiful tourist destinations are spread around the lake - in addition to the city of Lucerne, there are also the tourist towns of Weggis and Vitznau, the Rigi and Pilatus mountains or the Bürgenstock Resort, which is popular with wealthy guests. Climb in, sit back, enjoy the gentle breeze on your face and admire the idyllic shore landscapes and atmospheric images of Lake Lucerne. The ship is designed for a maximum of 12 guests and meets all safety standards required for commercial passenger transport.

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Private boat trip on Lake Lucerne from Lucerne

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $886

Per group

Mount Pilatus Small Group off-season Day Trip from Luzern

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(15)

from $384

Price varies by group size

Experience this exclusive Best of Switzerland 3-day package, the only one of its kind, guided by a local friend with unmatched knowledge and personal attention. Begin with a breathtaking hike through pristine alpine landscapes, surrounded by crystal-clear lakes and majestic mountain views. Embark on an amazing road trip through Central Switzerland, discovering hidden gems, charming Swiss villages, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks. Conclude with the Golden Round Trip on Mount Pilatus, where you’ll ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, or opt to visit the breathtaking Glacier of Mount Titlis for an unforgettable alpine adventure. Enjoy personalized stops for photos, local snacks, and authentic Swiss experiences. With private transportation, flexible itineraries, and scenic stops tailored to your interests, this all-inclusive tour guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime Swiss experience. Itinerary may be adjusted to ensure the best experience based on the weather.

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3 Days Private Tour from Luzern

3 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $1,470

Price varies by group size

Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group Tour | From Zurich

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(9)

from $376

2-Day Alps Tour from Zurich: Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis

Feast your senses on the mountainous majesty of the Swiss Alps during a 2-day tour from Zurich. Begin your Alpine adventure with a sightseeing tour of Lucerne, then head to the summit of Mt. Pilatus via aerial gondola car. Take in panoramic views of the mountain landscape, then descend by cogwheel train to board on 1-hour boat cruise back to Lucerne, where you spend the night. After breakfast, experience the snowy scenes at Mt. Titlis, visit the Glacier Cave, take a ride on the IceFlyer, and walk over Europe's highest suspension bridge.

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2-Day Alps Tour from Zurich: Mt Pilatus and Mt Titlis

2 daysFree Cancellation

3.7

(24)

from $738

Get a different view of Switzerland’s Alpine landscape on this private paragliding tour from Engelberg. Benefit from the expert knowledge of your guide to find the best flying location for the day, then take off for your birds’-eye tandem flight and soak up views of Mt. Titlis, Brunni, and more. High-resolution pictures and video footage come included, ensuring personal mementos to share with family and friends back home.

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Paragliding Tandem in Switzerland

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(9)

from $308

Mount Pilatus & Mount Rigi in just 1 Day!

10 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from $1,014

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What are people saying about Mt. Pilatus

Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne

Vance_D, May 2026

Mt. Pilatus - Amazing

I would disregard all of the negative reviews for this tour! Carlos was early for our pickup and had plenty of headsets for our group. He was well organized and kept the group together. Mt. Pilatus did not disappoint. Views were simply amazing. Great day!

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Elizabeth_R, May 2026

It’s a complete...

It’s a complete experience. It was wonderful to have so many modes of transportation packed into one excursion. The time flies by and it’s the perfect way to see Mt. Pilatus. Yolanda was our tour guide - she is very knowledgeable and friendly. She offered to take pictures of our family as well as give bits of information about the area.

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Hugo_M, Jun 2026

Double check the check in...

Double check the check in time. The Viator APP showed 9; 30 and it was 9 am. We missed the bus and the tour operator booked us for the next day.

Mt. Pilatus Peak & Lake Lucerne Cruise Small Group | From Lucerne

Ann_M, Jun 2026

Lake Lucerne friends trip

The description never explained you had to pay another 25.00 to cruise 1st class. For the cost of the excursion it should have been included. Shocking they wanted more money. Felt like a last minute scam. Also it did not feel like a small group with 22 people. Guide was a little difficult to understand.

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Jennifer_S, Jun 2026

Long day tour but worth the effort

This tour was mostly well organized. The group grew mid-tour so the ticket gathering was a bit clunky. However, when it came down to it, the views were breathtaking, the varied transportation was a great way to break up the trip and the time spent at each destination was well worth it. Wish we could have had more time in old town as the bus stop is pretty far, but overall I thought the tour was fabulous!

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel

David_B, May 2026

A perfectly amazing day!

It was an amazing day. We saw so much and experienced a train ride, a boat ride around Lake Lucerne with the most beautiful views, a cog wheel ride up the mountain and a gondola ride down after time at the summit and a lovely walking tour of Lucerne. Our guide, Feyssal Gharbi, was informative, funny and made sure we were comfortable and the very best views of everything there was to see. It was one of the best tours we have ever taken.

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Marsha_R, May 2026

Switzerland in all its glory

Really a perfect day. We explored the charming city of Lucerne,n then traveled to Mt Pilatus. Experienced two different cable cars getting to the top. Explored fabulous views of the Alps, had a delicious lunch, walked to the summit and followed the dragon trail. Then we descended via the steepest cog railway in the world. An hour cruise on lake Lucerne. Everything managed like clockwork. It was an amazing full day that gave us a true taste of Switzerland.

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Brian_K, May 2026

Spectacular views - guided tour made it easy to navigate

Spectacular views (had good weather) start to finish, from gondola rides up, hikes, cogwheel train down. Communication was great and guide Yolanda was informative and an absolute pleasure. Was warmer at elevation than expected - would have been fine in shorts and short sleeves / light top.

Mt. Pilatus

5.0

(3,532)

Lucerne

Know before you go

Mt. Pitalus is a must-visit for train buffs, scenery seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Drink lots of water to stave off the effects of altitude sickness.
Book tickets or tours in advance to save yourself lining up for the cable car or cogwheel train.
The cogwheel railway, panoramic gondola, and aerial cableway are all wheelchair-accessible.

Mt. Pilatus Tours and Tickets

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