my sister and i are traveling through europe in late july and last stop is in zurich. we plan to sightsee there a bit but would like to travel to lucerne and see mount pilatus.
since were only there a couple of days i dont think we should buy the swiss travel passes or half fare card. But from what i have read traveling from zurich to lucerne to mt pilatus includes several stops ( boat, bus, gondola)
should we buy them as we go or is there a package or pass for this? any tips are welcomed
thank you so much :)
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
If you want to do the loop with boat, cogwheel railway, cablecar and tram, it is called the " Golden Round Trip." You can see prices and schedules on the Pilatus website:
https://www.pilatus.ch/en/discover/golden-round-trip/
But you don't buy tickets there. You can just get them at the railway station when you get to Lucerne.
There is also a Silver round trip which may be less expensive---I think it substitutes train to Alpnachstad for the boat trip.
Posted by
Florida
1450 posts
Since your last stop in your trip is Zurich, and since you're more interesting in seeing Luzern than Zurich, why no simply stay in Luzern your last 2 nights? You can get the the Zurich airport easily by rail from Luzern. Trains leave twice an hour and take 70 minutes.
I agree no Swiss rail passes are likely to be a good value for only a 2 day visit.
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
just one tip to save you money is to download the sbb ap to purchase SuperSaver tickets. I just did this after my credit cards did not work on the SBB desk top site and got a ticket 19CHF or 19.50 USD
to Lucerne from Zurich, otherwise the price was double. You can only buy these 30 days in advance.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much Sasha! I've looked into the tix just need to decide which one we prefer! Thank you for your response.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you for response as well fastEddie but we actually have our hotel booked in Zurich. I'm not disappointed bc I'm looking forward to seeing Zurich. So it will just be a day trip to Lucerne! I have heard that shops are closed on Sunday's in Switzerland... but of course this cannot include trips to mt pilatus etc correct?
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Ah what a great tip! (Jazz+travels) Thank you so much! I will definitely be looking into that.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
liz,
One comment to add.....
The trip from Lucerne to Pilatus by boat to Alphnachstad is very scenic and if possible that's a good route to take. You can also travel there by train if you'd prefer. At Alpnachstad you'll connect with the incredible cogwheel Funicular that's been in operation since 1889. It's an engineering marvel. After touring Pilatus along with a fine hot meal in one of the hotels there, take the Cable Car down to Kriens (actually two cable cars), and then Bus back to Lucerne (about 15 minutes but you'll have to walk downhill from the cable car station to connect with the bus).
As with travel anywhere in Switzerland, be sure to budget accordingly as it's expensive!