Why Rigi is an easy mountain day from Lucerne
Rigi Kulm lies at 1,798 metres above sea level. The mountain is known as the Queen of the Mountains, and it is one of the simplest summits to reach around Lake Lucerne. You do not need to hike. A cogwheel railway or a cable car does the climbing.
The Vitznau–Rigi railway opened on 21 May 1871. According to the Rigi railways and the Lake Lucerne boat company, it was the first mountain railway in Europe. That history is part of the trip: you ride a line that is more than 150 years old.
Rigi works well next to a Pilatus visit. The two mountains face each other across the lake, so you can see one from the other. If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, a GA or a Lucerne Travel Pass, the Rigi railways are free.
Rigi tickets and prices 2026
Adult prices in CHF, valid from 1 June 2026.
| Route | Single | Return | With Half Fare Card (single / return) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitznau to Rigi Kulm | CHF 52 | CHF 84 | CHF 26 / 42 |
| Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm | CHF 52 | CHF 84 | CHF 26 / 42 |
| Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad (cable car) | CHF 36 | CHF 58 | CHF 18 / 29 |
| Continuing on to Rigi Kulm | CHF 52 | CHF 84 | CHF 26 / 42 |
| Day ticket | CHF 84 | CHF 42 | |
A return ticket costs the same as the day ticket, so there is no reason to buy the day ticket unless you want to ride several sections. For the exact price of a combined Weggis and Kulm trip, check the ticket counter or the railway's price list when you buy.
The Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Lucerne Travel Pass give free travel. The Half Fare Card and the Eurail and Interrail passes give 50 percent. Children up to 15 travel free when accompanied, but this does not apply to groups. Some guest cards give 20 or 50 percent off. The Lucerne Travel Pass replaces the former Tell-Pass. For the neighbouring mountain, see our Pilatus tickets and prices.
Our picks
Hand-checked tours and tickets, most expensive first.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Classic Rigi round trip from Lucerne
Boat, cogwheel railway and cable car. With a Swiss Travel Pass most of it is free.
Check availability →Mount Rigi day trip with cruise and cable car
A guided version of the classic loop.
Check availability →Mount Rigi day pass
All Rigi railways and cable cars for a day. Officially CHF 84.
Check availability →Rigi tours and day trips from Lucerne
Guided Rigi day trips, combinations with a lake cruise and other mountains, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Three ways up Rigi
Pick the side that fits your day, then come down another way.
Vitznau
The oldest line. The cogwheel railway takes about 32 minutes up to Rigi Kulm and about 40 minutes down in the summer timetable. Vitznau is on the lake, so you can reach it by boat from Lucerne in about 57 minutes.
Boat times →Arth-Goldau
The cogwheel railway from Arth-Goldau reaches Rigi Kulm in about 40 minutes. This side suits you if you want to skip the boat.
Train connections →Weggis
The cable car runs from Weggis up to Rigi Kaltbad and operates all year. From Kaltbad you continue to Rigi Kulm. Weggis is about 44 minutes from Lucerne by boat.
Lake Lucerne cruise →The Royal Rigi round trip by boat
The Royal Rigi round trip is a loop that combines boat, cogwheel railway and cable car. You sail from Lucerne to Vitznau, which takes about 57 minutes, ride the cogwheel railway up to Rigi Kulm and come down by cable car to Weggis. It runs all year.
A Swiss Travel Pass covers the whole thing, because the scheduled boats and the Rigi railways are both free. With a Half Fare Card you pay half on the railways and the boat. Plan a full day if you want time at the top.
Autumn and winter timetable 2026
The dates that matter right now.
Vitznau to Rigi Kulm
The autumn and winter timetable runs from 12 October to 12 December 2026.
Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm
The autumn and winter timetable runs from 19 October to 12 December 2026.
Weggis to Rigi Kaltbad
The cable car runs all year.
Planned closure in 2027
The line between Arth-Goldau and Rigi Kulm is closed from 5 to 23 April 2027.
Check the current timetable on the day, especially in winter. Our best time to visit page shows how the seasons compare on Pilatus.
Other mountains and trips nearby
Rigi pairs well with the other summits around the lake.
Mount Rigi: frequently asked questions
How much does Rigi cost?
From 1 June 2026 a return from Vitznau or Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm costs CHF 84 for adults, a single CHF 52. With a Half Fare Card you pay CHF 42 return. The Weggis cable car to Rigi Kaltbad costs CHF 36 single or CHF 58 return.
Is Rigi free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Lucerne Travel Pass give free travel on the Rigi railways. The Half Fare Card and Eurail and Interrail passes give 50 percent.
How long does it take to get up Rigi?
From Vitznau the cogwheel railway needs about 32 minutes up and 40 minutes down. From Arth-Goldau it takes about 40 minutes. Add about 57 minutes if you take the boat from Lucerne to Vitznau.
What is the Royal Rigi round trip?
A loop from Lucerne by boat to Vitznau, by cogwheel railway to Rigi Kulm and by cable car down to Weggis. It runs all year.
When was the Rigi railway built?
The Vitznau–Rigi railway opened on 21 May 1871. According to the Rigi railways, it was the first mountain railway in Europe.
Do children need a ticket?
Children up to 15 travel free when accompanied. This does not apply to groups.