Best day trip from Lucerne
Mount Pilatus, as the Golden Round Trip. It is the closest big mountain to the city (30 to 40 minutes to either valley station), the only one with a true loop (boat, the 48% cogwheel, the Dragon Ride cableway, gondola and bus), and it fits in 5 to 6 hours, so you still have the evening in Lucerne. The guided version is rated 4.7 from 2,709 reviews. Rigi is the gentler, greener alternative and fully free with the Swiss Travel Pass; Titlis is the full-day glacier option; Stanserhorn is the short open-top cable car afternoon. Between 11 May and 29 November, Pilatus.
Top pickPilatus Golden Round Trip
Time5–6 h, guided 5.5 h
Rating4.7 · 2,709 reviews
Free with STPRigi, Stanserhorn
Full-day optionTitlis, 3,238 m
Season for the loop11 May – 29 Nov
Insider tip
Pick by date and pass. Winter, or a summit in cloud: the Kriens cableway return, three hours. Swiss Travel Pass and a tight budget: Rigi, or Pilatus at 50% via the pass rules. Everyone else, a clear summer morning: the loop, and the comparison page if you are still torn.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Lucerne with a Swiss Travel Pass?
Rigi if free matters most, since it is fully included. Pilatus is 50% off and has the better loop. The trade-off is on the pass page.
Can I do Pilatus as a day trip from Zurich?
Yes, the 10-hour guided tour rated 4.8 across 1,182 reviews includes Lucerne, the mountain and the boat. See the Zurich page.
How long does the Pilatus day trip take?
Three hours for a Kriens return, 5 to 6 for the full round trip; the guided Golden tour is 5.5 hours. Details on how much time.