Why the Stanserhorn is a short mountain trip from Lucerne
The Stanserhorn reaches 1,898 metres above sea level and stands above Lake Lucerne. It is a good choice if you want a mountain view without a long day. The train from Lucerne to Stans takes about 14 minutes, and the ride from Stans to the summit about 25 minutes in total.
The ascent has two parts. A historic funicular, in service since 1893, runs from Stans to Kälti. From there the CabriO takes over, an open-top cable car that has run since 2012. It carries 60 people, the ride takes 7 minutes, and the upper deck has no roof.
The Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Lucerne Travel Pass make the whole trip free. That makes the Stanserhorn the easiest add-on if you already hold one of these passes and have a free afternoon.
Stanserhorn tickets and prices 2026
Adult prices in CHF, 2026 season.
| Ticket | Adult | Half Fare Card | Child 6 to 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | CHF 41 | CHF 20.50 | CHF 10.30 |
| Return | CHF 82 | CHF 41 | CHF 20.50 |
| Good Morning ticket | CHF 74 | Ascent until 09:30 | |
| Evening ride, return | CHF 41 | Thursday to Saturday evenings | |
The Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Lucerne Travel Pass give free travel. The Good Morning ticket saves CHF 8 against the standard return, but you have to be on the way up by 09:30. The evening ticket costs half the standard return.
Stanserhorn tours and day trips from Lucerne
Guided mountain day trips, combinations with Lake Lucerne and other summits, with live prices and availability.
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Season and times 2026
The mountain railways run from spring to late autumn.
Season
The Stanserhorn runs from 11 April to 22 November 2026. No autumn maintenance break has been published.
Daytime
The first ascent leaves at 08:15. The last ascent leaves at 16:30.
Evening rides
On Thursdays from 4 June to 29 October, Fridays from 5 June to 30 October and Saturdays from 2 May to 31 October, rides continue until 21:30.
After 22 November
The Stanserhorn closes for the winter. Opening dates for 2027 have not been published.
Evening rides and the Good Morning ticket
Two options shift the visit away from midday. The evening rides let you go up on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday and come down after dark. The return ticket costs CHF 41, half of the standard return, and you ride until 21:30.
The Good Morning ticket costs CHF 74 and is valid for an ascent until 09:30. It suits early starters, and the morning leaves the rest of the day open for Lucerne.
Check the daily timetable on the day, because the evening dates depend on the season.
Getting from Lucerne to the Stanserhorn
Train to Stans, then funicular and cable car.
Lucerne to Stans
The train takes about 14 minutes. The funicular starts in Stans.
Starting from Lucerne →Stans to the summit
The historic funicular goes to Kälti, then the CabriO takes you up in 7 minutes. Count about 25 minutes from Stans to the top.
Combine with a boat trip
A scheduled boat on Lake Lucerne is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, so you can add a crossing to the same day.
Lake Lucerne cruise →Who the Stanserhorn suits
A short trip with a pass in your pocket.
The Stanserhorn suits travellers who hold a Swiss Travel Pass, a GA or a Lucerne Travel Pass, because the ride costs nothing extra. It also suits anyone who prefers a short transfer over a long day. The train from Lucerne takes about 14 minutes and the mountain ride about 25 minutes, so you can fit it into half a day.
The open upper deck of the CabriO is the main reason to choose it over a closed cabin. The old funicular from 1893 adds a historic first stage. If you want the evening hours, take an evening ride on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday while the season lasts.
Stanserhorn compared with the other mountains
Summit height, 2026 adult return price and what a pass covers.
| Mountain | Summit | Adult return | Swiss Travel Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanserhorn | 1,898 m | CHF 82 | Free |
| Rigi | 1,798 m | CHF 84 | Free |
| Mount Pilatus | 2,132 m | CHF 84 in summer | 50 % off |
| Titlis | 3,238 m | CHF 102 | 50 % off |
If you travel on a Swiss Travel Pass, the Stanserhorn and Rigi cost nothing extra. Without a pass the Stanserhorn is slightly cheaper than Rigi and Pilatus.
Other mountains around Lake Lucerne
Pair the Stanserhorn with another summit or a boat.
Stanserhorn: frequently asked questions
How much does the Stanserhorn cost?
In 2026 a single costs CHF 41 and a return CHF 82 for adults. With a Half Fare Card you pay CHF 20.50 and CHF 41. Children from 6 to 15 pay CHF 10.30 single or CHF 20.50 return.
Is the Stanserhorn free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass, the GA and the Lucerne Travel Pass give free travel.
When is the Stanserhorn open in 2026?
From 11 April to 22 November 2026. The first ascent is at 08:15 and the last at 16:30. No autumn revision has been published.
What is the CabriO?
An open-top cable car for 60 people that has run since 2012. The ride takes 7 minutes. It continues from the historic funicular, which runs from Stans to Kälti.
Can I go up in the evening?
Yes. Evening rides run on Thursdays from 4 June to 29 October, Fridays from 5 June to 30 October and Saturdays from 2 May to 31 October, until 21:30. The evening return ticket costs CHF 41.
How do I get there from Lucerne?
Take the train from Lucerne to Stans, about 14 minutes, then the funicular and the CabriO. The whole ride from Stans to the summit takes about 25 minutes.