Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen) Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to experience the Pilatus Railways in 2026?

You can reach Pilatus Kulm via cogwheel train from Alpnachstad, or via gondola-cableway from Kriens near Lucerne. Pilatus Railways offers a dizzying choice of ticket options for both, ranging from a 12 franc 1-way Kriens-Krienseregg (mid-station) ticket to a 58 franc ticket for the cogwheel train up and a gondola down.

Q: How much time do you need on Mt. Pilatus?

Dedicate a day to Mt. Pilatus, to cover the journey up and down, time for a leisurely lunch amid a mountain panorama, and plenty of sightseeing. Like other famous Swiss peaks, Pilatus Kulm boasts attractions, such as three seasonal activities: the Dragon Glider zipline, the Wipfelpfad treetop path, and the Pilatus Rope Park.

Q: How long is the cogwheel train ride up Mt. Pilatus?

From Alpnachstad, the steep journey by cogwheel train up to Pilatus Kulm takes 30 minutes. The train is seasonal (May to November), with several departures each hour from early morning through midafternoon. Just note: In the busier summer months, it’s advisable to prebook a time slot to avoid waiting on the platform.

Q: Are there any hiking trails from Mt. Pilatus?

Yes, from Pilatus Kulm, there’s the aptly named Flower Trail to Tomlishornweg, a gentle summit route lined with wildflowers that’s open from mid-June. The circular Dragon Moor Trail has family appeal, while challenging trails abound around Pilatus Kulm and Fräkmüntegg. Routes are well-signed on the mountain.

Q: What makes the Pilatus Railways a must-do experience in Switzerland?

Unless you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, Pilatus Kulm is only reachable via transport offered by Pilatus Railways. But both journey options–gondola and cogwheel train–offer as much adventure as the mountain destination itself. The cogwheel train is believed to be the world’s steepest, while the gondola offers 360-degree mountain views.

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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

(1,357)

from $199

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

(254)

from $150

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 $105

Mt Pilatus Self-Guided Round Trip from Lucerne

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(90)

from $118

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

(735)

from $217

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

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(624)

from $276

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

(109)

from $436

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Tour 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 Tour from Luzern

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.2

(37)

from $451

Price varies by group size

Zurich: Pilatus & Lucerne Scenic Adventure by Skyglass Roof Bus

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 $208

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

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

4.7

(10)

from $208

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

(31)

from $356

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

(71)

from $705

Price varies by group size

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

(68)

from $244

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 $865

Per group

Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Small Group Tour from Basel

Embark on a thrilling winter adventure on a group tour to Mount Pilatus and Lake Lucerne from Basel. This all-day excursion is perfect for travelers seeking stunning views and outdoor excitement in Switzerland. After a scenic transfer from the city, take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Later, discover the spectacular lake from Luzern to Kehrsiten and back on a shared catamaran tour.

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Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Small Group Tour from Basel

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $505

Price varies by group size

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

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(12)

from $367

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 $301

Day Trip from Basel to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus Alpine Panorama

This private day trip from Basel to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus combines lakeside elegance with dramatic Alpine heights — all in one seamless, personalized journey. Begin with Lucerne’s charming Old Town, iconic Chapel Bridge and stunning lake views before ascending Mount Pilatus for sweeping panoramas over Central Switzerland’s peaks and valleys. What truly sets this experience apart is flexibility and comfort. You travel in a private vehicle with a dedicated driver, no rigid schedules, no crowded buses and no rushing through highlights. Want extra time for photos? A lakeside lunch? A longer stay on the mountain? The day adapts to you. It’s the perfect balance of culture, scenery and high-altitude adventure — delivered with precision, comfort and the freedom to explore Switzerland your way.

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Day Trip from Basel to Lucerne and Mount Pilatus Alpine Panorama

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $349

Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Small Group Tour from Zürich

Join a small group tour from Zürich to Mount Pilatus by train and experience the magic of a Swiss winter wonderland. This journey combines scenic train rides and breathtaking alpine views in central Switzerland • travel typically Swiss by train with your tour guide • enjoy the changing landscape during the train journeys • ascend Mount Pilatus on a gondola • experience panoramic views of Luzern and the Swiss Alps • opportunity to savor local Swiss dishes at a Pilatus restaurant • make a stopover at Luzern during the return travel

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Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Small Group Tour from Zürich

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

from $475

Price varies by group size

Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Private Tour from Lucerne

Discover Mount Pilatus on a private day tour from Lucerne during the off-season. Travel to Kriens and ascend the mountain by panoramic gondola and the spectacular Dragon Ride aerial cableway, enjoying ever-changing views of forests, valleys, and the Swiss Alps. At the summit, admire breathtaking views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks, explore the famous Dragon World and Dragon Trail, or simply relax on the panoramic terraces. Your private guide provides a flexible experience tailored to the season and weather, ensuring you make the most of your visit. You'll also have free time to enjoy a meal or refreshments at one of the mountain restaurants before returning comfortably to Lucerne by cable car.

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Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Private Tour from Lucerne

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $463

Price varies by group size

Mount Pilatus Winter Experience: Small Group Tour from Lucerne

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(15)

from $412

Price varies by group size

Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Tour 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 Tour from Basel

7 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(25)

from $578

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 $690

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Pilatus Railways (Pilatus Bahnen)

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Jodi_M, Jul 2026

The time spent at the top...

The time spent at the top of Mt Pilatus was enough to explore the area. This trip was well worth the money and time.

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

5bb92p4rh6, Jul 2026

Mt Pilates adventure

The ride up is spectacular and the views from the top breathtaking. Our guides were very friendly and responsive.

Mount Pilatus Summit from Lucerne With Lake Cruise

Elizabeth_S, Jul 2026

AWESOME Tour in Lucerne!!

You travel by bus, briefly, then a small gondola, then a large gondola, then a cog train and then a beautiful boat!! Mt. Pilatus has a breathtaking view, even though we had a “cloud present, clouds gone, clouds present” kind of day!! Our tour guide, Anabel was wonderful. The little hiking trails at the peak our worth the small treks!

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

Angelika_A, Jul 2026

A MUST “To do” When In Lucerne

Breathtaking views and a very relaxing event. The Best of Lucerne. Scenes that are only possible through this tour. Our guide, Salma, was extremely helpful and friendly !

Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise

Adel_E, Jul 2026

Great day trip to Lucerne

What an absolutely amazing experience! Our tour guide, Roberto, was an absolute pleasure to have as a guide. We had a great fun time with more than enough to explore at a leisurely pace. Roberto was very informative, explained our itinerary perfectly and helped us every step of the way along tgis amazing adventure of a trip. Highly recommend, ask for Roberto if you can.