Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
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Mt Pilatus and Lucerne Day Trip from Zurich With Lake Cruise
By Best of Switzerland Tours
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About
Switzerland’s scenery is second to none, but getting around can be time-consuming—or costly. Optimize your time and budget on this full-day tour to Mt. Pilatus and Lucerne, with round-trip transfers from Zurich. After an introductory tour of Lucerne, journey to the peak by gondola and cable car, then descend by foot and cogwheel train for a sightseeing lake cruise. Please note: Itinerary varies in early May, late October, and November.
from per adult
$345.78
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 48 per group
Duration: 9h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
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Highlights
- Enjoy a day away from Zurich on this day tour to Mount Pilatus and Lucerne
- Avoid hidden costs with all transport experiences included in the price
- Absorb sweeping views of Switzerland’s landscape from a mountain and boat
- Learn about Lucerne’s history and landmarks on an introductory city tour
- Panoramic gondola and aerial cable car "Dragon Ride" (except from 21.10. - 08.11.2024)
- Steepest cogwheel train in the world (from 17.05.2024 onwards)
- 1-hour boat ride on Lake Lucerne (until 20.10.2024)
- Lunch voucher up to 20 CHF (from 21.10.2024 - 17.11.2024)
- Transportation in comfortable coach with AC
- Fully guided tour by professional multilingual guide as per description
- Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate
- Entry/Admission - Pilatus Luzern
- Entry/Admission - Lake Lucerne
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pick-up and drop off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Start:
- Best of Switzerland Tours AG, Sihlquai Coach Parking, Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich, SwitzerlandThe official departure point for all tours departing from Zürich is Sihlquai Coach Terminal, close to Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the white ticket office marked with “Best of Switzerland Tours” or “City Tours & Excursions”.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3885SW304BS- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- 09.-16.05.2024: Ascent and descent by cable car, boat ride and voucher for a soft drink included
- 21.10. - 08.11.2024: Ascent and descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included.
- 09.11. - 17.11.2024: Ascent by cable car, descent by cogwheel train, no boat ride but lunch voucher included
- Boat ride available until 20.10.2024. Afterwards, a lunch voucher will be provided as compensation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3885SW304BS
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Itinerary
- Sihlquai Coach Parking, Limmatstrasse 4, 8005 Zürich, SwitzerlandThe official departure point for all tours departing from Zürich is Sihlquai Coach Terminal, close to Zurich’s main train station (Zürich HB). Please check in at least 15 minutes prior to departure at the white ticket office marked with “Best of Switzerland Tours” or “City Tours & Excursions”.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- K4671UOanthonyc0 contributionsStunning ViewsThe views just blew us away. A wonderful experience, it's picture post card. For my mind its wonder of the world a place that should be visited.Written 7 September 2024
- V8196FWjenw0 contributionsPerfect for a taste of the AlpsWith very little time to see all we could, this day trip made it easy to get out for some hiking and exploration. The bus was comfortable and travel time was comparable to taking a train. Note - there is no bathroom on the bus and no eating/drinking is permitted on the bus. Our guides included Lars, Manuel and driver, Luis. All were super helpful and great! Commentary on the bus ride was interesting yet not so imposing that you couldn't comfortably take a nap if you wanted. I noted others commenting on challenges with finding bus pickup areas. I dropped pin locations on my google maps at any needed stop so we could easily pull the best walking route to be back where we needed to be on time. Our group had no issues with everyone returning to the bus on time. We did like having the flexibility to determine how much time to spend in Grindelwald and what train we wanted to jump on to get back to the bus in Interlaken. We do wish we had more free time overall but remember its just a day trip to give you a taste of the Alps. We had enough time to head to the First Cliff walk (where you'll find a bathroom) and then we walked to Bachalpsee (about 40+ min each way). Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so by the time we were done our hike and back down in town we were limited to restaurants with burgers/pizza/fries which were a hard pass for us. In retrospect we would have packed a lunch before boarding the bus and enjoyed a picnic by Bachalpsee. We do wish this trip did not have the initial 1 hour stop in Interlaken. It's too short of a stop to do much of anything other than grab a coffee and quick walk and it's an hour that could be added to your free time in Grindelwald. Typically we are not Tour takers but this one was a nice fit into our single available day and we enjoyed scouting a bit for future longer trips. Staff was great and bus was clean and comfortable.Written 6 September 2024
- amandapF4257UJ0 contributionsOverall goodOverall tour was good. Bus tour was a little boring. Boat cruise and the Lindt Chocolate factory were the highlights. We didn’t like that the tour didn’t end at the meeting point. You were basically left on your own to figure out how to get back. Thankfully our tour guide Maryann was very gracious and took a group of us via public transport back to near the starting point.Written 5 September 2024
- Scott B0 contributionsJudith is fantasticJudith was a fantastic guide! She is full of energy and she made the trip go perfectly! Mt Pilatus was an awesome experience.Written 5 September 2024
- 720nasirm0 contributionsWorth Every PennyWe had an amazing time and it was worth every penny. If you are traveling for the first time, if you are with kids or if you dont have time to go to each and every town then this trip is for you. The bus ride to the mountains, in itself, is amazing, then you stop in Interlaken and move on. You get to experience the cable car and take 3 train rides including very famed cogwheel train. If you take individual rides and tickets for everything its going to be super expensive so this tour is very economical. You get to see all the famous places in one go. Definitely recommended.Written 4 September 2024
- 999purvit0 contributionsThere are better optionsThe trip was good but they skip a beautiful place called Lucern. The guide Berny was arrogant and was talking too much unnecessary stuff and non stop which kills the mood. At the top all other guides were with their group but this lady was no where to found. There’s a mandarin speaker who was very helpful but I think she wasn’t allowed to talk.Written 4 September 2024
- Roam176033593690 contributionsToo briefStarted with a bus tour around Zurich. To me, it was too brief. Not enough in-deoth explanation. The areas the tour took us for photo were not that great. The walking tour was too short and did not really explore much of Zurich's highlights and landmarks. The Lindt tour was fine. Overall, wished i could learn more about the city from this tourWritten 3 September 2024
- 117munam0 contributionsHappy holidaysThe best experience I ever had with the amazing view and beautiful weather . The time management was very great as we could see almost everything on the trip .Written 3 September 2024
- Excursion268679127610 contributionsA great day! Highly recommend!Rhine falls was incredible & I loved all the different levels they offered to view it. We didn’t do the optional boat ride, but probably would have if we had to do it over again. Stein am Rhine is such a quaint city and was fun to see & photograph.Written 1 September 2024
- Excursion268679127610 contributionsVery informativeVery informative trip. The ferry ride was our favorite part. Nice experience to see Zürich! Would recommend this tour if you have not been here.Written 1 September 2024
- jordynvernon0 contributionsGreat day trip!We enjoyed our day trip to Pilatus. It was convenient to have all the travel arranged. The guides were friendly and provided interesting insights. The views from the top are incredible! It was definitely a worthwhile excursion.Written 31 August 2024
- LynneW3000 contributionsTen out ten!Highly recommend the tour if time poor. The tour provides a taste of the Swiss mountains! The views were amazing & took many photos! We chose to do the chairlift to First Mtn at Grindelwald. The ride provides many opportunities to take views & admire the amazing scenery. Plus the train ride offers further views. The guide, Maria was amazing!Written 31 August 2024
- Hu200 contributionsLong, not much there if you don’t do the Mt Titlis tourNot worth the whole day and price! It’s too far of a trip from Zurich to be worth it. I would take the trains and skip Engelberg unless you are doing the toboggan and Mt Titlis but you can do that on your own and ride the train. Get a Swiss Pass. The tour guide talked loudly and almost the entire trip. Repeated himself over and over. The monastery is not an indoor tour and just the grounds but was beautiful! If you take the funicular there is a short walk into the countryside and comes to a restaurant with beautiful views. Overall not worth the day. If you are staying closer, it’s a nice leisurely dayWritten 31 August 2024
- T1549WTdenised0 contributionsLots of lovely samplesIt was fabulous. You are asked (obliged?) to leave your large bags and backpacks in the lockers, but my tip would be to take a small paper bag with you if you can to carry your free samples - it's IMPOSSIBLE to carry the 8 Lindor balls they give you and use you camera/phone (and they will melt in your hands before you can eat them anyway)Written 30 August 2024
- A2245JNannam0 contributionsThank You Varena ,we will miss you kissesThe trip was fabulous, the scenery unforgettable and fantastic We are grateful to our guide Varena Saxer for saving us in the true sense of the word, we were late and lost and didn't know what to do. He approached us and not only took from Lucerne but also offered us Titilis. I am grateful to our very kind, knowledgeable and kind-hearted guide Varena Saxer ❤️❤️Written 29 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
128 reviews
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Steve S
Los Angeles, CA56 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A bit Overpriced, basically just a regular cattle heard tour with lots of extra stops to pick up more people along the way, most stops are just convenient for them to pick up more customers. Guid is a bit harsh and gave us a lecture about being on time yet he himself was over 20 minutes late back to the bus from a stop while all the passengers sat in a hot bus without the air conditioning on or windows open due to Swiss law for emissions while parked. To add insult to injury they don’t allow food or even COFFEE on the bus and they charge for giving you water which I think is petty all while the tour guide hypocritically constantly lectures you about following his instructions and being punctual.
For this price you can rent a car and have a better self guided tour, the sights were beautiful but that is Switzerland. Also, be careful the $20 lunch vouchers listed in the add are only for one month a year and all though it’s only 20 eu it’s annoying they try to sell a package but nickel and dime your for everything along the way. Then they expect tips? Here your tip- Don’t charge for water!
For this price you can rent a car and have a better self guided tour, the sights were beautiful but that is Switzerland. Also, be careful the $20 lunch vouchers listed in the add are only for one month a year and all though it’s only 20 eu it’s annoying they try to sell a package but nickel and dime your for everything along the way. Then they expect tips? Here your tip- Don’t charge for water!
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terran F
29 contributions
Mount Pilatus is a must see when in Lucerne. From the ride up on the cable car and gondola, to the breath taking views (we had a picture perfect day) and the train ride down, it was everything we expected from Switzerland. We also enjoyed the boat ride back to our bus. We paid the extra to sit on the upper first class level and it was worth it for the comfortable seating. Our tour guide Monica was knowledgeable and friendly. We would have liked a little more time in Lucerne proper. Recommendations for improvement would be to provide more detailed information on the itinerary and locations we are seeing rather than to try to provide information on the bus and expecting everyone to remember everything.
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashif Ataoellah
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Our guide (Carlos I think) was very nice, helpful and very informative. The bus left on time in the morning, thankfully had airconditioning (as it was 34 degrees in Switzerland that day) & the drive was smooth. We stopped at the Lake of Lucerne for a quick photo-op, went to the mountain lion & stopped in Lucerne city for an hour to walk around and then left to Mt Pilatus. Guide gave our tickets and we had more than enough time to explore the mountain, glacier cave, bridge and ice flyer. Worth the money, had a lot of fun and everything was very convenient. 10/10 recommend!
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah H
23 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
The tour guides Valerie and Vladimir were always calm, cool and collected. They spoke 5 languages all fluently. Very impressive! The journey was quite enjoyable despite the unusual rains on the specific day. The only aspect we couldn’t do was the cable car, but that weather conditionality substitute was clearly stated at the time of booking. It was replaced by the cogwheel.
The Swiss people in Zurich are extremely helpful at every turn from airport to hotel to trips to groceries. I loved seeing and touching the snow. The ascent on the cogwheel was not rushed so no one fell ill.
There are beautiful 3 and 4D animations at Mount Pilatus.
The Swiss people in Zurich are extremely helpful at every turn from airport to hotel to trips to groceries. I loved seeing and touching the snow. The ascent on the cogwheel was not rushed so no one fell ill.
There are beautiful 3 and 4D animations at Mount Pilatus.
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We were on the 0930am aug 17 tour from Zurich to Lucerne & Mt Pilatus and our English & Spanish tour guide was very kind and approachable, his name was Fenando, I think? He was an amazing tour guide throughout! He looked after everyone very well!
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren M
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Tour guide (Conrad) was very thorough and ensured that everyone on the tour was safe and on the bus when they should be. I do not think that the tour should have included a drop off for those doing another tour. This was a total waste of time and could have been spent more time in the town of Lucerne. It was also not included in the original itenirary. Felt like it was very rushed in Lucerne. Do not think that it was necessary to have so much time in Mount Pilatus. Should have put more time to explore the town. The sights were beautiful though!
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie Chu
Honolulu, HI7 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We were so nervous due to the weather since it said there would be severe thunderstorms. Thankfully the tour was timed perfectly where we only caught the rain on the cable car up the mountain. We first started the tour with Old Town where we had an hour to our selves to explore the city. Then we went up the cable cars to the top of the mountain. It was truly magical! Although there were clouds, it still was beautiful! We had lots of free time to eat and explore the different hiking options. I recommend bringing a rain jacket or waterproof clothes since there was snow and the ground was wet from rain earlier. We then went down the steepest train to the bottom and caught the boat back to Lucerne. It was nice that we had the bus because we left our change of clothes on the bus and rode it back to Zurich. It was such a beautiful tour! I highly recommend doing it!
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Ob
Perth, Australia11 contributions
We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide with Vladimir on this amazing day trip. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and when above and beyond to get us on the Cogg wheel train down from the mountain when it was delayed due to electronic issues.
The tour was amazing starting with time to spend in the city of Lucerne, then the spectacular gondola ride to Mt Pilatus and the amazing views along the way and once we were there, the Cogg wheel train ride back down the steep mountain and finishing off with a cruise of Lake Lucerne. It’s a long day but a busy one with so much to see and do!!! So glad we chose this day trip!!!
The tour was amazing starting with time to spend in the city of Lucerne, then the spectacular gondola ride to Mt Pilatus and the amazing views along the way and once we were there, the Cogg wheel train ride back down the steep mountain and finishing off with a cruise of Lake Lucerne. It’s a long day but a busy one with so much to see and do!!! So glad we chose this day trip!!!
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlotte H
11 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Great experience! They took all of the worry out of every excursion. No need for grabbing tickets or waiting in major lines. I am from America and having an English guide was great. When at the top of the mountain I recommend getting in all the hikes then enjoying a small lunch from the snack bar! The hikes are better then trying to sit down for a meal.
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mihai N
Popesti Leordeni, Romania45 contributions
A pretty fun and full day trip, where you get to do a lot. You definitely do not feel like you spend too much time on the bus. Both our guide and the driver did a good job leading us through all the different transportation methods and stops.
The Lucerne stop is a bit short if you really want to walk around, so I suggest skipping shops or food until Mount Pilatus - where you have plenty of choices in terms of food.
For the cogwheel ride down, try to be among the first ones in, and go front, but most importantly, on the right, as that's the side offering better views.
The Lucerne stop is a bit short if you really want to walk around, so I suggest skipping shops or food until Mount Pilatus - where you have plenty of choices in terms of food.
For the cogwheel ride down, try to be among the first ones in, and go front, but most importantly, on the right, as that's the side offering better views.
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I wil be visiting Zurich from Dec. 02-12. Is the transport and cable still available to Mt Pilatus???
Written 6 September 2024
Hello, just wondering if we are able to ride the toboggan during free time on this tour. Thank you
Written 17 May 2019
Hello Jackie---I am planning to do the Mount Pilatus Summer Day Trip with another couple in 2 weeks on May 5, 2019, but not sure on a couple of things. Any answers and advise would be greatly appreciated! Where do we get the tour and is it better to stay overnight in Lake Lucerne or Zurich? I am guessing Lake Lucerne since it is a 9 hour tour. What hotels would be nearby? Looking forward to and thank you for your prompt reply. Hope you can answer very soon so I can make our arrangements.
Written 23 April 2019
So sorry, just saw this. I hope your trip was great.
Written 14 November 2019
Mount Pilatus Summer Day Trip from Zurich----I am planning this tour for 2 couples for May 5, 2019. Where do we get the tour and is it better to stay overnight in Lake Lucerne or Zurich? I am guessing Lake Lucerne since it is a 9 hour tour.
What hotels would be nearby? Looking forward and thank you for your prompt reply.
Written 22 April 2019
What is the walking like? How steep and how far is the walk? Is there two walks?
Written 19 January 2019
About Mount Pilatus and walking: You take to two gondola to get to the top. Before taking the second gondola, you can walk around and there is also a sledding park which we did not do. It looked interesting. Remember we went in Fall and it was very warm for that time of the year. We went to the top where you can walk around thru the mountain top, great scenery. You can also climb to very top by going up a ladder, which we did not do. We did see some people walking down the from the top but really, at the top, we did not do a lot of walking, just experiencing the beautiful views. There are gift shops and restaurant at the top. We took the cogwheel train down, which is a great experience. This was our best tour on our tour thru Europe.
Written 21 January 2019
hola, esta excursion solo incluye en el precio el traslado en micro o tambien el teleferico, el tren y el barco? gracias
Written 21 July 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Can someone tell me how much time is spent in Lucerne for shops and restaurants? And is the stop before or after the Mt. Pilatus tour?
Thanks
Written 5 July 2018
With brisk walk and window shopping you would need at least 3 hours. I would prefer first Mt. Pilatus and then shopping.
Written 30 July 2018
How to dress on this trip? We are going end of June, is a jacket needed?
Written 7 June 2018
Hello, we just visited Mt Pilatus 2 days ago and it was windy and chilli. There was still some chunks of snow at the top in certain places, so jacket or a very warm hoodie would be recommended.
Written 10 June 2018
Ism travelling to Germany next week with my husband and we are thinking of coming to Zurich for 2 nights, would you recommend this for us? We have never been to Switzerland and wanted to see something different as we will be spending a lot of time in Germany.
Written 19 May 2018
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