What the Golden Round Trip is
The Golden Round Trip is a loop from Lucerne over the lake, up Mount Pilatus and back down on the other side. You take a boat to Alpnachstad, the cogwheel railway to Pilatus Kulm, then the Dragon Ride cable car and the gondola down to Kriens. Bus 1 brings you back to Lucerne station in about 11 minutes.
It is one ticket for boat, cogwheel railway, cable car, gondola and bus. The loop only works while the boats sail to Alpnachstad, so the season runs from May to October.
Is the Golden Round Trip possible right now?
Status on 19 October 2026.
Not in its full form. The last regular boats to Alpnachstad ran on 18 October 2026, and the gondola and Dragon Ride are closed for maintenance until 27 November. In practice the Golden Round Trip is over for 2026. What you can still do:
Autumn tour on weekends
On weekends from 24 October to 15 November 2026 a combined boat and cogwheel ticket costs CHF 120.00 (CHF 62.50 with Half Fare Card, GA or for children). The boat leaves Schwanenplatz at 12:45 and reaches Alpnachstad at 13:40, or you return from 14:15 to 15:10. Seats are limited.
Cogwheel railway only
From Alpnachstad, 16 minutes from Lucerne by train, up and down until 29 November 2026. The round trip costs CHF 84.
Next season
The 2027 timetable and prices were not published in October 2026. The cogwheel railway traditionally starts in May.
The route in both directions
You can do the loop either way round. Both end at the same station, and the ticket is valid for both.
Boat first
Take the boat from pier 2, opposite Lucerne station, to Alpnachstad. Depending on the sailing the ride takes about 70 to 90 minutes. Then ride the cogwheel railway up (27 minutes), walk around the top, and descend with the Dragon Ride (under 4 minutes) and the gondola from Fräkmüntegg to Kriens. Bus 1 takes you to Lucerne.
Mountain first
Take bus 1 to Kriens (about 11 minutes), the gondola up and the Dragon Ride to the summit. Go down by cogwheel railway (33 minutes) and board the boat in Alpnachstad for the 47 to 81 minute ride back to Lucerne.
Golden Round Trip tickets and tours
Golden Round Trip tickets, day trips from Lucerne and Zurich and combinations with other mountains, with live prices and availability.
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Golden Round Trip prices 2026
Adults in CHF, valid until 31 December 2026.
| Ticket | 2nd class | 1st class |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, boat and bus included | 119.80 | 136.80 |
| Adult, ending in Kriens, no bus | 115.00 | 132.00 |
| Half Fare Card or child aged 6–15 | 59.90 | 68.40 |
| Swiss Travel Pass | 42.00 | – |
| GA, Interrail or Eurail | 60.90 | – |
The Swiss Travel Pass price is low because boat and bus 1 are free with the pass and the mountain costs 50 percent. More on all discounts is on the tickets and prices page.
Boats, steamers and timing
Boat pier
Boats to Alpnachstad leave from pier 2, opposite the station. Bus stops on the station square have moved because of construction until 12 December 2026, but access to the piers stays open.
Steamer dates
A paddle steamer sails on the route from 4 July to 16 August 2026, leaving Lucerne at 09:38 and 13:38.
How long it takes
Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours of pure travel, plus time at the top. With a lunch stop and a walk, treat it as a full day. Start with the boat in the morning.
The Silver Round Trip as an alternative
Same mountain, train instead of boat.
The Silver Round Trip replaces the boat with the S-Bahn from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, about 16 to 20 minutes. It costs CHF 94.20 in 2nd class (CHF 98.00 in 1st class), CHF 47.10 with Half Fare Card or for children, and CHF 42.00 with the Swiss Travel Pass. It saves about CHF 25 and an hour, and you lose the lake. Sources differ on whether it runs until October or November, so check before you travel. The descent is again via Kriens, so it is also closed while the gondola is closed.
If you want the lake without the mountain, see the Lake Lucerne cruise page.
Golden Round Trip: frequently asked questions
How much is the Golden Round Trip in 2026?
CHF 119.80 for an adult in 2nd class including the bus, CHF 59.90 with Half Fare Card, CHF 42.00 with Swiss Travel Pass and CHF 60.90 with a GA.
Can I still do the Golden Round Trip in October 2026?
No. Regular boats to Alpnachstad ended on 18 October and the gondola is closed until 27 November. The weekend autumn tour with boat and cogwheel railway runs from 24 October to 15 November.
Which direction is better?
Both cost the same. Boat first is the classic order and fits the morning sailings. Mountain first lets you take the boat back in the afternoon, so check the last sailing before you go.
Is the Golden Round Trip worth it with a Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, for most people. At CHF 42 it costs the same as the half-price mountain ticket, with boat and bus free.
Where do the boats to Alpnachstad leave from?
From pier 2 opposite Lucerne station.