Why a boat trip is the best way to see Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is the setting for almost every mountain trip around the city. The boats connect Lucerne with Weggis, Vitznau, Brunnen, Flüelen, Küssnacht, Bürgenstock and Alpnachstad. You can use them as a simple way to reach a mountain, or as a trip in their own right.
The fleet has 19 ships. Five are historic paddle steamers and 14 are motor ships.
The Swiss Travel Pass and the GA are free on all scheduled routes. With a Half Fare Card you pay 50 percent.
Piers in Lucerne and where each boat goes
Three piers serve the main destinations.
| Pier | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pier 1 | Weggis, Vitznau, Brunnen, Flüelen | Weggis takes about 44 minutes, Vitznau about 57 |
| Pier 2 | Alpnachstad | Opposite the railway station |
| Pier 3 | Küssnacht, Bürgenstock | See the timetable for sailings |
The area around Lucerne station is a building site until 12 December 2026. The VBL bus stops have changed, but access to the piers remains open. Check the timetable before you leave.
Lake Lucerne cruises and boat tours
Cruises on the lake, combinations with Pilatus, Rigi and Lucerne sightseeing, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
The fleet: five paddle steamers and 14 motor ships
The paddle steamers are the main draw.
| Paddle steamer | Year |
|---|---|
| Uri | 1901 |
| Unterwalden | 1902 |
| Schiller | 1906 |
| Gallia | – |
| Stadt Luzern | 1928 |
The remaining 14 ships are motor ships. Which ship sails on a given route depends on the timetable, so check the day before if you want a paddle steamer.
Tickets and passes
The lake is free with some passes and half price with others.
Swiss Travel Pass and GA
Free on all scheduled routes.
Half Fare Card
50 percent off.
Lucerne Travel Pass
Covers the ship ride. Seat reservations, winter day tickets and bicycles are not included.
Grand Lake Cruise
Lucerne, Flüelen and back takes 5 hours 30 minutes. The web shop price starts from CHF 46.50. In winter it runs only at 10:12 from Lucerne.
For the mountain tickets that go with a boat trip, see Pilatus tickets and prices.
Winter timetable and steamer trips
The winter timetable runs from 19 October 2026 to 16 April 2027. The summer 2027 timetable starts on 22 May and runs to 5 September. The one-hour round trip ran only until 18 October 2026.
The Unterwalden paddle steamer makes special winter trips from 20 November to 19 December 2026. This is the best chance to ride a steamer in the cold season.
The Golden Round Trip has finished for 2026 because no regular boats run to Alpnachstad any more. A weekend autumn tour with boat and cogwheel railway runs from 24 October to 15 November 2026 for CHF 120, with limited seats. It costs CHF 62.50 with a Half Fare Card, a GA or for children. The boats leave from Schwanenplatz: at 12:45 to Alpnachstad (arriving 13:40) or on the return at 14:15 (arriving 15:10). On the Golden Round Trip a steamer also sailed from 4 July to 16 August 2026. See Golden Round Trip for the full loop in other seasons.
How long the boats take
Times from Lucerne.
| Destination | Boat | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weggis | About 44 minutes | Cable car to Rigi Kaltbad |
| Vitznau | About 57 minutes | Cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm |
| Alpnachstad | About 70 to 90 minutes | The train takes about 16 minutes |
Use the train when you are short on time and the boat when the crossing is part of the plan. With a Swiss Travel Pass both cost nothing extra.
Boat trips that connect to mountains
Three common routes start at the piers.
To Vitznau for Rigi
Boat to Vitznau in about 57 minutes, then the cogwheel railway up. The Royal Rigi round trip returns by cable car to Weggis.
Mount Rigi →To Alpnachstad for Pilatus
The boat takes about 70 to 90 minutes. No regular sailings to Alpnachstad have been published since 19 October 2026.
Getting to Pilatus →To Weggis
About 44 minutes from Pier 1. From Weggis a cable car goes up to Rigi Kaltbad.
Lake Lucerne cruise: frequently asked questions
How many boats sail on Lake Lucerne?
The fleet has 19 ships: five historic paddle steamers (Uri, Unterwalden, Schiller, Gallia and Stadt Luzern) and 14 motor ships.
How long does the boat take to Weggis and Vitznau?
Lucerne to Weggis takes about 44 minutes, Lucerne to Vitznau about 57 minutes. Both leave from Pier 1.
Are boats free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, on all scheduled routes. The GA works the same way. With a Half Fare Card you pay 50 percent.
What is the Grand Lake Cruise?
A round trip from Lucerne to Flüelen and back, lasting 5 hours 30 minutes. Web shop prices start from CHF 46.50. In winter there is only one sailing, at 10:12 from Lucerne.
What is the winter timetable?
The winter timetable runs from 19 October 2026 to 16 April 2027. The summer 2027 timetable runs from 22 May to 5 September.
Can I ride a paddle steamer in winter?
Yes, on special trips of the Unterwalden from 20 November to 19 December 2026.