Mount Pilatus Day Trip
Day Trip Details
We'll leave the Sihlquai Bus Terminal parking lot at the designated time. You'll set off in the direction of Lucerne by bus, crossing over the Albis Pass and drive alongside the banks of the Lake of the Four Cantons. During the journey, we'll take photos of the stunning Alpine landscapes, before reaching the city itself. Here, your guide will take the opportunity to tell you all about its most important places of interest, like the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church. You'll then have free time in Lucerne to explore its beautiful Old Town at your own pace.
After visiting Lucerne, you'll hop back on the bus and continue on your journey to Kriens, where you'll take a cable car ride. From your gondola, you'll have spectacular views over the mystical forests of Krienseregg as you travel up the mountainside to Fräkmüntegg. There, you'll climb aboard the Dragon Ride, an aerial cableway whose panoramic windows will give you the breathtaking feeling that you're flying over the Swiss Alps.
Once you've reached the top of Mount Pilatus, at almost 7,000 feet in height (2,131 metres), you'll have the choice between walking down the mysterious Dragon Trail or enjoying the short hike to the summit. Don't forget your camera to take photos of the incomparable views of the lakes and mountains around you! You'll also have free time to eat lunch at one of the restaurants on Mount Pilatus.
Having explored Mount Pilatus to your heart's content, it'll be time to head back down the mountain. You'll descend to Alpnachstad on the steepest cogwheel train the world, before putting the finishing touch on an unforgettable day enjoying a boat cruise on the Lake of the Four Cantons to see the Swiss Alps from a new perspective.
Finally, you'll return to your original meeting point in Zurich after a total of 9.5 hours
Itinerary Adjustments
The itinerary will experience adjustments during the following dates:
- Dragon Ride cable car: Open throughout the year, except between October 20 and November 7, 2025, as it will be closed for maintenance. During this time, the ascent and descent will be done via the cogwheel train.
- Boat trip: Only available between May 12 and November, 20205. Please note that between October 20 and November 14, 2025, this trip will be replaced with a food ticket.
More Information
Duration
9h 30m.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
English–speaking guide
Transport by bus
Panoramic gondolas (subject to weather conditions)
Dragon Ride cable car (subject to weather conditions)
Cogwheel train (subject to weather conditions)
Boat trip (subject to weather conditions)
Not included
Food and drinks
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Accessible only for folding chairs. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- Printed material is avoided.
- No single-use plastics are used.
- The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
- The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How much free time will we have in Lucerna? Enough to explore the old town?
A - You will have between 50 and 60 minutes in Lucerna, depending on when the tour arrives in the city. This should be enough time to explore the old town.
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Q - Can we bring luggage on the bus?
A - Yes, you'll be able to bring a suitcase and store it in the luggage compartment of the bus. If you're planning on bringing luggage, please let us know when making your booking (you'll be asked during the reservation process).
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?
A - Best Of Switzerland Corporate name: Best of Switzerland Tours AG Registered Office: Webereistrasse 55, Adliswil , Switzerland Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): CHE-105.484.137 MWST Contact information Email: reservations@switzerland-tours.ch Phone: 0041 44710 50 50
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Sihlquai bus terminal parking lot (Limmatstrasse 2, Zurich)
