We have 3 adults landing in Zurich at 11:35am and plan on taking the train to Lucerne on a Monday. Our return flight is at Zurich at 4:40pm on Wednesday.
We would like to explore a bit in Lucerne, maybe do some chocolate tasting on Monday and are also interested in either doing the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and/or a sightseeing trip to Rigi via ferry/train on Tuesday.
We are very excited to see outdoor scenic views, enjoy some regional food, etc.
Is all of this possible in the time we have and what would anyone suggest as far as an itinerary? Would the Swiss Pass or Half Card be suggested and does this card include the train to and from the airport in Zurich?
Thanks in advance for all and any recommendations.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1997 posts
The train fare from Zurich’s airport to Lucerne is only 70 minutes and fares start at $22. So. you probably should just buy your train tickets as you need them.
You have plenty of time to explore Lucerne— it’s beautiful and has just 80K residents. The Old Town is a five-minute walk from the train station so Lucerne is quite compact.
I’d recommend checking the weather on Mt. Rigi on their webcam before heading up to the mountain peak. It’s usually optimal first thing in the morning. The “ Classic Round Trip” ticket that includes the boat rides, cogwheel train and cable car up and back from Mt. Rigi costs CHF 131 per adult. A Swiss Travel Pass for three days costs CHF 244 at www.SBB.ch There may be other passes available for your trip.
Have fun in Switzerland!
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
A $22 ticket would be a SuperSaver Ticket, only good for a particular train. Miss it and the ticket is worthless and you have to buy a new full fare ticket. Thus it is not recommended for arrival at the airport where you cannot predict you will arrive on time.
A full fare ticket is 31 CHF, so just buy it when you arrive at the airport train stations. Trains every 1/2 hour.
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
When is this trip happening? You do know that due to recent flooding, the Luzern-Interlaken Express is by bus from Meiringen to Interlaken. Repairs are expected to be complete in November sometime.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you all for the responses.
We are going to be there the third week of October so the information regarding the flooding is very helpful! I had no idea!
I also appreciate all the comments regarding the ticket costs.
If anyone else has any suggestions of tours, things to do, etc. I am open to learning about them.
Posted by
Green Bay
21137 posts
The Rigi round trip, costing 131 CHF can be done for 70 CHF if you each buy Saver Day Passes now. The price of these is go up over time, so they need to be bought now to get that price. If you are arriving on a Monday, and leaving on Wednesday, that only gives you one full day on Tuesday, with a half day on Monday and Wednesday.
Engelberg is only 45 minutes away for a quick visit to the high Alps. Hotels in Luzern include a guest card that gives free city transportation and some small discounts on other activities.