If you are visit Mt Pilatus via the "Golden Round Trip" package, it includes a boat ride from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you then board a cogwheel mountain train up to Mt Pilatus.

After enjoying the viewpoint, you ride a cable car down the other side of the mountain, then bus back to Lucerne. More info in my Pilatus Golden Round Trip article.

You can also do this itinerary in reverse, with the boat ride at the end, after visiting Mt Pilatus.

When to go

The Pilatus boat to Alpnachstad runs from mid May to mid October. Not available in winter. Instead, visit Pilatus directly via the Kriens cable car.

How to get there

The boat leaves from the Pier 2, directly in front of the Lucerne main train station. It is clearly labeled "Pilatus."

Timetables

Pilatus.ch - shows boat timetables that coordinate with the Pilatus mountain train

www.lakelucerne.ch - shows timetables for all Lake Lucerne boats

Tickets

The Pilatus Golden Round Trip ticket includes the boat ride, cogwheel train up one side, cable car down the other side. Or reverse direction.

➡️ Purchase via GetYourGuide (available only mid May to mid October).

Free with Lucerne Tell Pass. Discount with Swiss Travel Pass , Swiss Half Fare Card, Eurail, and Interrail. With discount passes, purchase via Pilatus.ch.