Mountain railway
Pilatus ticket
Central Switzerland · Pilatus-Bahnen
Pilatus tickets
Start in Kriens, Alpnachstad or Lucerne
First decide which side of the mountain you will use and whether you want to return by the same route.
- Cableway route from Kriens
- Cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad
- Round trip by boat or train
Tickets and passes
Book the Pilatus mountain railways
Check the starting point, ascent and descent, and any bus, rail or boat sections.
Pilatus routes
Two sides of the mountain, one summit
The map separates the cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad and the cableway route from Kriens.
- Pilatus mountain transportcogwheel railway: Alpnachstad–Pilatus Kulmcable car: Kriens–Pilatus KulmDiscounted by 50 % with Swiss Travel PassHighest mapped stop: 2,073 m
The map shows the mountain railways. Approach sections from Lucerne depend on the round-trip product selected.
Three ways to choose a Pilatus ticket
| Option | Mountain section | Also check | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kriens-Pilatus Kulm return | Gondola and aerial cableway via Fräkmüntegg | Travel between Lucerne and Kriens | |
| Alpnachstad-Pilatus Kulm return | Cogwheel railway up and down on the same side | Seasonal operation and preferred departure | |
| Pilatus round trip | Ascent on one side and descent on the other | Whether boat or train between Lucerne and Alpnachstad is included |
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Planning the excursion
Which Pilatus route suits your day?
Table of Contents
From Kriens by gondola and cableway
The route from Kriens uses the gondola via Krienseregg to Fräkmüntegg, followed by the aerial cableway to Pilatus Kulm. A ticket from Kriens does not automatically include travel between Lucerne and the valley station. If you book a product from Lucerne, check whether the bus or other transport is included.
From Alpnachstad by cogwheel railway
The cogwheel railway runs from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm. This side works well with a train or boat journey from Lucerne. Operation is seasonal, so check that the railway runs on your date and whether you want to reserve a seat for a particular departure.
Golden or Silver Round Trip
A round trip goes up on one side and down on the other. The Golden Round Trip combines the mountain railways with a boat journey, while the Silver Round Trip uses the train between Lucerne and Alpnachstad. Read which class and sections the selected package includes.
Updated August 2026. Prices, seasonal operation and the reservation advice come from Pilatus. Check live operation before setting out.
For other peaks, see mountain railways in Switzerland.
Passes and discount cards
Which card applies on the Pilatus railways?
| Route | Swiss Travel Pass | Swiss Half Fare Card | Berner Oberland Pass | Lucerne Travel Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilatus mountain transport | 50 % discount | 50 % discount | Not included | Included |
A reduced fare requires the relevant card to be valid on the travel date. Approach travel and round-trip products may be treated differently.
Pilatus
Common questions
Is travel from Lucerne included in a mountain ticket?+
Only in a round trip that explicitly says so. An ordinary mountain railway ticket may begin in Kriens or Alpnachstad.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass provide a reduction?+
Pilatus lists a reduction on the mountain sections. Select it only with a pass valid on the travel date, and check the approach from Lucerne separately.
Should I reserve the cogwheel railway?+
The operator recommends a seat reservation. Check availability and current operation for your travel date.
Decided how you will go up and down?
Choose the ticket that covers both sides of your planned Pilatus journey.