Mount Pilatus: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

On a clear day at the peak of the legendary Mount Pilatus, you’ll have a magnificent panoramic view of 73 alpine peaks, combining the best of the mountain, countryside and city.

A day trip to Mount Pilatus from Zürich is perfect for nature lovers with a sense of adventure as a trip to the summit may include a combination of transport by boat, funicular, cogwheel train or gondola.

Here's all you need to know about Mount Pilatus, one of the most exciting day trips from Zürich.

How to get to Mount Pilatus from Zürich?

To reach Mount Pilatus from Zürich, travel south via the city of Lucerne. Although the distance in a straight line is less than 50 kilometers, a road or rail trip will be 65 to 75 kilometers in length.

From Zürich to Mount Pilatus by car

Road trips to Mount Pilatus take around an hour along the A14 and A14 via Lucerne. You’ll pass Lake Zugersee and Lake Lucerne enroute.

From Zürich to Mount Pilatus by public transport

A train trip to Mount Pilatus takes roughly an hour. You will need to change trains in Lucerne on the 62 kilometer journey.

Over weekends and on holidays the train schedules may differ.

Guided tour to Mount Pilatus from Zürich

A guided day trip is one of the best ways to visit Mount Pilatus. Guided trips are hassle-free and convenient and your guide will be on hand to tell you all about the mountain and the surrounding countryside.

Many tours ensure that all tickets and entrance fees are pre-booked to ensure that no queuing is required.

Guided tours last on average 8-10 hours, but some tours overnight and return to Zurich the next day.

How much does the entrance ticket to Mount Pilatus cost?

For the Mount Pilatus entrance tickets you can choose between one-way or return tickets.

For a pre-booked round-trip ticket from the base at Kriens via Fräkmüntegg to the Pilatus Kulm you can expect the price to start at €60 per person.

You will travel by panoramic gondola for the first section of the ascent and the “Dragon Ride” cable way to reach the summit. In the summer, part of the trip may be by cogwheel train.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical itinerary on a day-trip to Mount Pilatus begins with a stop in Lucerne to admire some of the landmarks and sights in the picturesque lakeside region.

In the summer months, there may be an opportunity to hike along the iconic Dragon’s Path and experience a journey on the cogwheel railway before embarking on a short Lake Lucerne boat cruise.

During the wintertime, the weather and cableway maintenance may alter the modes of transport up and down the mountain, but you can enjoy a cozy lunch at the summit.

After your mountain ascent and lake crossing, you will return to Zürich. On a tour that includes Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis, you can expect to stay overnight at one of the mountain resorts.

What kinds of tours are available?

You can join a coach tour, small group tour or private tour to Mount Pilatus. Here are some of the most popular Mount Pilatus day trips available from Zürich:

Mount Pilatus day trips from Zürich

Mount Pilatus day trips vary slightly between summer and winter, and modes of transport up the mountain or activities may change.

These guided coach trips include a tour of some of the most popular landmarks in Lucerne after which you will have some time on the mountain to explore on your own.

After descending down the mountain board a short guided cruise across Lake Lucerne where your coach will be waiting for the return trip to Zürich.

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip with Lake Cruise from Zürich

A Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip Tour can be booked with a small group or on a private basis.

On a unique Golden Round Trip between June and October, visitors can travel to Mount Pilatus starting with a boat trip across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad.

After a steep journey on the cogwheel train to the peak of Mount Pilatus, descend via the panoramic cableway via Kriens to Lucerne.

If you stop on your way up the mountain at Fräkmüntegg you can visit Switzerland’s largest rope park, or simply spend your time soaking up the amazing views.

In the winter, the cogwheel railway is closed for maintenance and your ascent will be via cableway.

Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis 2-day tour from Zürich

For an exhilarating alpine experience, consider a 2-day tour of Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis from Zürich. After a morning of sightseeing in Lucerne you will head up Mount Pilatus and spend the night at a high altitude resort.

On the second day of your tour, travel to Mount Titlis to experience the Ice Grotto, Ice Flyer and Europe’s highest suspension bridge before returning to Zürich.

Private Mount Pilatus day trip from Zürich

A private day trip to Mount Pilatus is an intimate experience with a local guide. Apart from your private return transfer from Zürich the tour includes a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and bus, gondola and cogwheel railway tickets up and down the mountain.

Mount Pilatus photography tour from Zürich

A private day tour designed with the guidance of a professional photographer and alpine guide, a Mount Pilatus photography tour make sure that you are taken to some of the area’s best photographic locations. Whether you use a top of the range DSLR camera, or prefer to capture memories on your phone, this tour is ideal for photographers at all skill levels.

How much does a day trip to Mount Pilatus from Zürich cost?

Mount Pilatus day trips from Zürich cost from €170 per adult for both the summer and winter tours. Children between the ages of six and 15 will pay roughly €90 each.

A private Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip with Lake Cruise from Zürich starts at €500 per adult and €150 per child. These private tours can accommodate a maximum of 15 people.

Mount Pilatus and Mt. Titlis 2-day tours from Zürich cost around €510 per adult. Children under 11 sharing accommodation with two full paying adults can expect to pay around €260 each.

A private Mount Pilatus day trip from Zürich for up to 3 people costs from €1,200 including guide services, private transfers and snacks and drinks.

Mount Pilatus photography tours from Zürich cost around €600 for groups of up to 6 travelers. The tour is fully guided by a professional with experience in alpine photography.

What will you see and do?

Mount Pilatus offers amazing views over the surrounding landscape. You can consider a hike to Tomlishorn if you’re feeling energetic, or a Golden Round Trip which includes a ferry from Lucerne, the cogwheel train to Pilatus and a cable car trip back down to Kriens.

If you’ve packed your own drinks and snacks, you can find a quiet spot for a picnic on the mountaintop or enjoy inspiring views from Oberhaupt and Else.

At the intermediate Fraumüntegg station, you can visit the rope adventure park or have a summer-time toboggan run.

What are the opening times?

The lower station up Mount Pilatus opens between 8:30 AM and 10 AM, depending on the season, with the last trips down being in the late afternoon.

When is the best time to visit Mount Pilatus?

If possible, try to visit Mount Pilatus in the morning as this is the best time for photography and there are fewer crowds. From a weather standpoint, the best time to visit is between June and September.

Are there any tours to Mount Pilatus from other cities in Switzerland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Switzerland:

• Day Trips to Mount Pilatus from Lucerne

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable and supportive walking shoes.
• Bring a snack and drink along.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat.
• Pre-book tickets online for the best prices.