Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise

4.6

(8 verified reviews)•Operated by Pilatus-Bahnen AG•Updated October 12, 2026

Starting Time8:30 AM

Duration5 h

Last Admission2 h

Smartphone Tickets

Instant Ticket Delivery

Wheelchair Accessible

About

The Mount Pilatus adventure begins from Lucerne. Hop on bus number 1 at the train station for an 11-minute ride to ‘Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus.’ From there, a short walk takes you to the valley station of the panoramic gondolas in Kriens.

Appreciate a 15-minute gondola ride to the mid-station Krienseregg, offering beautiful views. Then, continue for another 15 minutes to reach the station Fräkmüntegg.

At Fräkmüntegg, adventurous souls can try the rope park (additional charges apply). Change to the ‘Dragon Ride’ aerial cableway for a brief yet exciting 5-minute ride to Pilatus Kulm. Feel the thrill of the descent with the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Alpnachstad, followed by a peaceful boat ride back to Lucerne.

The trip can also be done in reverse, starting with the boat ride from Lucerne. Just remember to check the timetable beforehand, especially for the boat ride.

What's Included

Public bus between Kriens and Lucerne
Panorama gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg
Aerial cableway “Dragon Ride” between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm
Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Pilatus Kulm and Alpnachstad
Lake cruise between Alpnachstad and Lucerne on Lake Lucerne

What's Not Included

Tour guide
Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional activities (rope park and toboggan run)

Must Know

The roundtrip can be taken in both directions
This is a self-guided individual tour
It operates in almost all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately

Instructions

Before you buy

Infants until 5 can enter for free.

On-site usage

Go straight to the turnstile and scan your mobile ticket or printed copy
On the bus and boat, just show your mobile voucher
Please find below a new explanatory video for the Golden Roundtrip: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLK-8_vA2dg&t=1s)

After your visit

Check the schedule carefully, especially for the boat connections (2-5 boat departures per day)
To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or the other way around), recommended to make a reservation at www.pilatus.ch/reservation

Meeting Point

1 Schlossweg, Kriens

GPS:46.97947, 8.25480

Reschedule and cancellation policy

Cancel for free until 2 days before your visit date and get a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Yes, you can cancel your booking for free up to 2 days before your visit date for a full refund.

What time does Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise start?

The experience begins promptly at 8:30 AM.

How much time should I plan for this experience?

You should expect to spend approximately 5 h exploring Mount Pilatus.

When is the last admission?

The final entry allowed for Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise is 2 h before closing time.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets for Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise start from $145.36.

Do I need to print my tickets?

No, printing is not required for Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise. You can simply show the digital ticket on your smartphone when you arrive.

How long does it take to receive my tickets?

You will receive your Mount Pilatus: Self-Guided Golden Roundtrip from Lucerne + Boat Cruise tickets instantly via email right after your booking is confirmed.

Is Mount Pilatus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mount Pilatus are fully adapted and accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility.

From

$145.36

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Free Cancellation

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$138.08

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Flexible Cancellations

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