Mount Pilatus Day Trip

Explore the spectacular Swiss Alps on this day trip to Mount Pilatus from Zurich. Hike to the peak, travel on the world's steepest cogwheel train and ride a panoramic cable car for unparalleled views over the mountains.

Day Trip Details

We'll leave the Sihlquai Bus Terminal parking lot at the designated time. You'll travel by bus to Lucerne, crossing the Albis Pass and driving alongside the Lake of the Four Cantons. The guide will provide information about key sites like the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. You'll have free time to explore Lucerne's Old Town.

Next, you'll proceed to Kriens for a cable car ride, offering views of the Krienseregg forests as you ascend to Fräkmüntegg. There, you will take the Dragon Ride, an aerial cableway with panoramic views.

At the top of Mount Pilatus, at 7,000 feet (2,131 metres), you can walk down the Dragon Trail or hike to the summit. Free time is provided for lunch at one of the mountain restaurants. Afterwards, you will descend to Alpnachstad on the steepest cogwheel train in the world and conclude with a boat cruise on the Lake of the Four Cantons. You will return to Zurich after approximately 9.5 hours.

Itinerary Adjustments

The itinerary will experience adjustments during the following dates:

Dragon Ride cable car: Closed for maintenance from October 20 to November 7, 2025. During this time, ascent and descent will be via the cogwheel train.Boat trip: Available from May 12 to November 2025. Between October 20 and November 14, 2025, this trip will be replaced with a food ticket.