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Mt. Pilatus Tour: Scenic Train, Cogwheel Railway, Cableway
4.5
64 Ratings
Kriens
Experience Mt. Pilatus: Scenic train, world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and Dragon Ride cableway. Marvel at Lake Lucerne and Swiss Alps views.
Experience Mt. Pilatus: Scenic train, world’s steepest cogwheel railway, and Dragon Ride cableway. Marvel at Lake Lucerne and Swiss Alps views.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Pilatus-Bahnen AG - Take bus no. 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) from Lucerne’s train station. After an 11-min. bus ride to the station “Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus” and a short walk, you reach the valley station in Kriens. The Panorama Gondolas take you to the middle station Fräkmüntegg in 30 min. where you can try the rope park or the Dragon Glider…
- Pilatus-Bahnen AG - Take bus no. 1 (direction Kriens/Obernau) from Lucerne’s train station. After an 11-min. bus ride to the station “Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus” and a short walk, you reach the valley station in Kriens. The Panorama Gondolas take you to the middle station Fräkmüntegg in 30 min. where you can try the rope park or the Dragon Glider (own expenses). Change to the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride” to the top (5 min.).
- Pilatus Luzern - From Pilatus Kulm, enjoy the panoramic views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps and either stay inside the panoramic gallery, relax on the terrace, climb one of the peaks or enjoy a local specialty in our restaurants (own expenses). The world’s steepest cogwheel railway brings you back down to Alpnachstad in 35 min. Next to the valley station you take the public train back to Lucerne (20 min). The trip can also be done in the opposite direction, starting by train from Lucerne. In any case, check the timetable before your visit.
What's Included
- Public train between Luzern and Alpnachstad (2nd class)
- Aerial cableway ‘Dragon Ride’ between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm
- Panorama Gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg
- Public bus between Kriens and Lucerne main station
- Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Pilatus Kulm and Alpnachstad
- Public train between Luzern and Alpnachstad (2nd class)
- Aerial cableway ‘Dragon Ride’ between Fräkmüntegg and Pilatus Kulm
- Panorama Gondola between Kriens and Fräkmüntegg
- Public bus between Kriens and Lucerne main station
- Steepest cogwheel railway in the world between Pilatus Kulm and Alpnachstad
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional activities (rope park, Dragon Glider, toboggan run, etc.)
- Other personal expenses
- Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
- Food and drinks
- Tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional activities (rope park, Dragon Glider, toboggan run, etc.)
- Other personal expenses
- Seat reservation for the cogwheel train
Additional Information
Visit Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour featuring a scenic train ride, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride,” and a panorama gondola. Experience the mountain at 2132 meters above sea level. Marvel at the breathtaking views from Mount Pilatus over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a picturesque train journey between…
Visit Mt. Pilatus on a half-day tour featuring a scenic train ride, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, the aerial cableway “Dragon Ride,” and a panorama gondola. Experience the mountain at 2132 meters above sea level. Marvel at the breathtaking views from Mount Pilatus over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a picturesque train journey between Lucerne and Alpnachstad. Ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm. Take in the stunning mountain and valley vistas from the panorama gondola and the “Dragon Ride” aerial cableway between Kriens and Pilatus Kulm.
- Check the timetable carefully
- Round trip can be done in both directions
- Operates in almost all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Cableways are not in operation in the case of storms
- A maximum of 9 people per booking
- Prior reservation mandatory for wheelchairs
- Strollers must be folded during transport
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- To avoid long waiting times for the cogwheel train between Alpnachstad and Pilatus Kulm (or vice versa), we highly recommend to make a cogwheel train reservation
Location
Pilatus-Bahnen AG
Schlossweg
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(64 Ratings)
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Lv2teach
Jul 11, 2025
Huge tourist attraction - This seems to a must do when in Luzern, even though if I had to choose between this and Mt Rigi, I would choose the latter, for its amazing views and lovely hikes. Mt Pilatus is the highest peak in this area and one gets great panoramic views. The few easy hikes from the visitors center are easy to complete too. The cogwheel train is the steepest one and quite an interesting engineering feat. Great views and very well managed experience!
There are multiple ways to reach the summit. We went one way and came down another.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matthew_b
Jul 1, 2025
The Views - Incredible views. This was simply easy to follow and you cannot miss this opportunity. Take your time and explore up top.
Review provided by Viator
337sigrune
Jun 17, 2025
Worthwhile excursion - Sufficient information on the procedure, the own time allocation was advantageous, you do not need a guide, unfortunately there was no visibility on Pilate due to high fog. But the rides by train and gondolas were an experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saumya_k
Jun 9, 2025
Recommended ! - Seamless experience, tickets were all in place for the cable car, gondola and cogwheel and we could go about the whole tour at our own pace, Great experience
Review provided by Viator
Mia
Jun 7, 2025
Sick view of the Alps and Luzern - Very cool experience. Recommend to everyone who is going to Luzern. Recommend taking the gondola up and the taubanetrain down. Really worth the money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roccod999
May 29, 2025
Very nice, picturesque half-day trip. - Well organized. We took the bus from Luzern central station to get the funicular to head up to Framuntagg (sp?). Family did dragon rider zip line. It was nice but is pretty tame. Also took the toboggan ride which was more exciting. At the top, we had lunch which was very good! We took the cog train down the alternate side of the mountain. The S5 train for the ride back to Luzern is 3 min walk from the cog train terminus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robr232
Feb 9, 2025
On top of the world - We did it all ourselves from the hotel near the old town and back by bus. The hotel provided a pass for public transport which was very handy as it is easy to use with some pre planning.
Being winter the cogwheel is not operating but non the less going up through the fog/clouds to break out and see the peak was magnificent. Then on top we were above the clouds feeling like you are on top of the world. We were able to see the surrounding alps and got some great photos. It is certainly not hard to get there and back yourself on public transport which saves you money for eats, drinks or shopping on the mountain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T9873bkpamb
Nov 18, 2024
Mountain top with friends. - Spectacular trip! We did self guided and it was great. There was a Christmas market at the top and the wares were wonderful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristine_c
Nov 15, 2024
Amazing - A very convenient trip. It was very easy to navigate. And the view at the top was amazing! Next time, i’ll stay longer at the top and wait for the sunset
Review provided by Viator
Mantravel14
Jun 13, 2025
Do the Golden Route. Easy self tour from Lucerne - Pilatus is almost a must-do from Lucerne. The Golden Loop is best - Bus and Up via Gondola, and down vua Cig Train, and back to Lucerne by Boat.
Weather was good, and warm and clear. Not much crowded after 11 am for Gondola.
Plenty of view points and also small walks around. Plenty to eat at Restaurant and Relax too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
