The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lake Lucerne Cruises

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Switzerland has about 1,500 lakes, and of all these, Lake Lucerne is one of the best known. It’s a uniquely shaped lake, fringed by forest and overlooked by mountains.

Taking a cruise on scenic Lake Lucerne is among the most popular activities for people visiting this area. Consequently, there are many Lake Lucerne boat trips to choose from. 

Though, at 38 kilometres (or 24 miles), it’s not the longest lake in Switzerland, Lake Lucerne is very distinctive, due to the four ‘arms’ and a number of twists. Surrounded by forest, it’s a very scenic place to be. It is the fourth-largest lake in Switzerland. 

It might not even cost you anything extra to take that once-in-a-lifetime boat trip on Lake Lucerne. The Lucerne lake cruise price is covered by certain Swiss public transport passes, as boat travel forms part of the overall network. 

Some mountain excursion tickets also include the Lake Lucerne cruise price, as this is part of the journey. A Lake Lucerne boat ride is even included with one of the most popular Swiss panoramic train trips. 

This guide covers all you need to know about cruising on this lake in Lucerne, Switzerland. 

Listed below are the Lake Lucerne boat tours you can choose between, including key information regarding departure points, the type of vessel, cruise duration, where to book, and more about what to expect on board.

From a free Lake Lucerne boat ride with your Swiss Travel Pass or a Lake Lucerne panoramic sightseeing cruise to a one hour catamaran lake cruise in Lucerne or a Lake Lucerne dinner cruise, here is all you should know before booking the best Lake Lucerne cruise for you.

About Lake Lucerne cruises 

Where is Lake Lucerne?

Lake Lucerne is named after the city Lucerne – locally known as Luzern. The city borders the lake to the west. This is the biggest lake in central Switzerland.

It’s bordered by four cantons – Lucerne, Nidwalden, Schwyz, and Uri. The lake’s German name, Vierwaldstättersee, literally translates as ‘four forest lake’. 

Where do Lake Lucerne boat tours go?

You can take a cruise on Lake Lucerne from the city to popular destinations including Alpnachstad, Brunnen, Bürgenstock, Flüelen, Küssnacht, Vitznau and Weggis, as well as many other lakeside towns and villages.

A Lake Lucerne cruise is included as part of the Classic Round Trip to Mount Rigi, the Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus, and the Gotthard Panorama Express journey.

It’s also possible to purchase tickets to Bürgenstock that combine a Lake Lucerne boat cruise with the Bürgenstock funicular.

In addition to transport services, a variety of scenic sightseeing cruises operate on Lake Lucerne throughout the year, including themed and dining cruises.

Which transport passes include Lake Lucerne boat cruises?

Some boat services on Lake Lucerne form part of the Swiss public transport network.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass can travel free of charge on these scheduled boat services*. The Lucerne Travel Pass also includes unlimited travel on Lake Lucerne boats within its area of validity.

*All scheduled boats are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass except the premium panoramic yacht Saphir, which offers only a discount.

Which tickets include a Lake Lucerne boat cruise?

A Lake Lucerne boat tour can also be part of a mountain excursion. The Classic Rigi Round Trip to Mount Rigi includes a boat cruise between Lucerne and Vitznau or Weggis. 

The Pilatus Golden Round Trip to Mount Pilatus, meanwhile, includes a boat ride between Lucerne and Alpnachstad. 

You can also buy tickets for Mount Bürgenstock which include a lake cruise.

The Gotthard Panorama Express combines a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne with a panoramic train ride to Ticino. 

The Lake Lucerne Cruise Options

Gotthard Panorama Express

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: Lucerne to Flüelen, part of the Gotthard Panorama Express route which includes train travel from Flüelen to Lugano.

Type of vessel: Modern motor vessel or historic paddle steamer

Duration of cruise: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes

What’s included: First class travel on the train, first or second class travel on the boat

Where to book ticket: Buy your train and boat ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? The Swiss Travel Pass covers the boat and train fare, but a compulsory seat reservation is required for the train section. The Lucerne Travel Pass also includes the Lake Lucerne cruise between Lucerne and Flüelen.

Discounts: 50% off for Swiss Half Fare Card holders. Children aged 6 to 15 years receive a 50% discount or travel free with the Swiss Family Card.

Dates of operation: Mid-April to mid-October

Frequency of cruise/service: One service daily in each direction during the operating season

If you travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express, one of Switzerland’s most famous panoramic train journeys, then a cruise across Lake Lucerne forms part of the route. The trip is therefore included with your ticket or rail pass.

This cruise travels between Lucerne and Flüelen. The boat trip lasts for almost three hours and delivers passengers to the connecting panoramic train. You will then continue your journey through the spectacular Gotthard mountain route to Ticino.

The Gotthard Panorama Express is the only Swiss premium panoramic journey combining a boat cruise with a train journey. You’ll travel with the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company for this leg, either by modern motor vessel or historic paddle steamer.

Meals are available at the restaurant on board. Trips in both directions take place around lunchtime, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular scenery.

First and second class travel is available on the cruise sector of the Gotthard Panorama Express. First class passengers are seated on the upper deck, whilst second class passengers are seated on the main deck.

Find out all you should know in my complete guide to the Gotthard Panorama Express.

Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: Lucerne to Alpnachstad or vice versa, part of the Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip

Type of vessel: Modern motor vessel or historic paddle steamer

Duration of cruise: 1 hour 10 minutes

What’s included: Boat cruise between Lucerne and Alpnachstad as part of the Golden Round Trip

Where to book ticket: Buy your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? The Mount Pilatus Golden Round Trip is fully included with the Lucerne Travel Pass. Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a discount on the Golden Round Trip, with free travel on the boat and aerial cableways and 50% off the cogwheel railway.

Discounts: Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders receive discounted fares. Children aged 6 to 15 years also receive discounts or travel free with the Swiss Family Card.

Dates of operation: Mid-May to mid-November (weather permitting)

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily during the operating season, with multiple boat departures each day

If you want to visit Mount Pilatus while in Switzerland, a cruise on Lake Lucerne can be included as part of your journey.

Passengers can choose to travel between Lucerne and Alpnachstad by boat or train before boarding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus.

The popular Golden Round Trip combines a Lake Lucerne cruise, the cogwheel railway, the Dragon Ride aerial cableway and a gondola ride, creating one of Switzerland’s most memorable day trips.

The Golden Round Trip ticket includes a boat cruise between Alpnachstad and Lucerne (or vice versa). Guided tours may also include this boat journey as part of the experience.

With lots to do once you reach the summit of Mount Pilatus, this is a very popular trip. You can even stay overnight if you’d like to. Find out more in my ultimate guide to visiting Mount Pilatus.

> Click here to book a guided tour to Mount Pilatus including a Lake Lucerne cruise

Mount Rigi

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) 

Summary of cruise: Lucerne to Vitznau or vice versa, part of Mount Rigi self-guided tour route

Type of vessel: Modern motor vessel or historic paddle steamer

Duration of cruise: 1 hour

What’s included: Cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau (or vice versa)

Where to book ticket: Buy your tickets here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? The Mount Pilatus ticket is included with both the Swiss Travel Pass and the Lucerne Travel Pass. – buy your pass here

Discounts: 50% off for Swiss Half Fare Card holders, and children aged 6 to 15 years.

Dates of operation: All year round

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily, multiple departures 

Mount Rigi, aka the ‘Queen of the Mountains’, is also a popular mountain excursion from Lucerne. 

While the cogwheel train to Mount Pilatus is the world’s steepest, the Rigi Bahn is Europe’s oldest mountain railway. There are panoramic views over Lake Lucerne from the summit.

You can travel to Mount Rigi via Arth Goldau, Weggis, or Vitznau in Switzerland. If you choose the latter, you can opt to take a boat trip from or to Lucerne as part of the journey. 

A cruise between the city and Vitznau takes just under an hour. You’ll then board the historic rack railway by the shores of the lake, bound for the top. 

Swiss Travel Pass and Lucerne Travel Pass holders can travel to Mount Rigi for free. A 50% discount applies for Swiss Half Fare Card holders and children aged 6 to 15 inclusive.

The easiest way to travel to Mount Rigi is to buy a ticket for a self-guided tour. This includes the boat cruise to and from Lucerne, plus train and cable car travel. 

> Click here to buy tickets for the self-guided Mount Rigi tour

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Mount Bürgenstock

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) 

Summary of cruise: Part of Mount Bürgenstock self-guided tour route

Type of vessel: Catamaran

Duration of cruise: 30 minutes

What’s included: Cruise from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock

Where to book ticket: Buy your tickets here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? The Mount Bürgenstock cruise ticket is included, and the funicular ticket is half price, for holders of the Swiss Travel Pass. Buy your pass here.

Dates of operation: All year round

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily, multiple departures

As a third option alternative to Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus, you could travel to Mount Bürgenstock. 

Tickets for this self-guided mountain excursion include a boat cruise from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock. The funicular railway will then transport you to the mountain-top resort. 

For the first sector of the journey, a half hour catamaran trip will take you to the departure point for the mountain railway in Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock.

Once you reach the summit of Bürgenstock, it’s all about the leisure facilities at this world-class resort. 

These include a dozen bars, cafes, and restaurants. There’s also swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a series of walking trails to follow, and the Hammetschwandlift elevator. 

The Bürgenstock mountain resort also boasts a superb spa. 

The return journey is in reverse, involving a funicular descent followed by a second lake cruise.

> Click here to buy tickets for the Mount Bürgenstock excursion

Public Transport Cruises

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) 

Summary of cruise: Public transport services 

Type of vessel: Modern motor vessel or historic paddle steamer

Duration of cruise: 1 to 5.5 hours

What’s included: Ferry transport

Where to book ticket: Buy tickets here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass?  Public transport boat travel is included with the Swiss Travel Pass and Lucerne Travel Pass – buy your pass here

Discounts: 50% off for Swiss Half Fare Card, Interrail Pass, and Eurail Global Pass holders, and children aged 6 to 15 years.

Dates of operation: All year round

Frequency of cruise/service: 

• Cruises to Weggis / Vitznau / Brunnen / Flüelen – up to 1 per hour (depending on season and route)
• Cruises to Alpnachstad – several per day (linked to Mount Pilatus connections)
• Cruises to Küssnacht – several per day (seasonal variation applies) Cruises to Bürgenstock – up to 2 per hour (combined boat + funicular connection) 1-hour
• Cruise Saphir – several departures per day (seasonal sightseeing cruise)

Where to board the boat in Lucerne:

Cruises depart from multiple piers at Lucerne Bahnhofquai. Pier assignments can vary depending on timetable and season, but services are clearly signposted on site.

The Lake Lucerne cruise timetable operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) offers a wide range of scheduled services across the lake. This public transport network means you can travel on Lake Lucerne cruises with a Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass at no additional cost on included routes.

Holders of a Swiss Half Fare Card (as well as Eurail and Interrail Pass holders) receive a 50% discount on standard fares. Children aged 6 to 15 travel at half price, or free when covered by the Swiss Family Card.

In summer, services operate frequently throughout the day, with some routes running up to twice per hour depending on the section of the lake. Boats operate year-round, although schedules are reduced in winter. Journey times vary depending on the route and destination.

There is also a popular 1-hour sightseeing cruise on Lake Lucerne known as the Saphir, which operates on selected departures during the season.

Boats depart from multiple piers at Lucerne Bahnhofquai. Exact pier assignments can vary depending on the timetable and vessel, but all services are clearly signposted.

Main destinations include Alpnachstad, Brunnen, Bürgenstock, Flüelen, Küssnacht, Vitznau, and Weggis, with additional stops at smaller lakeside villages along the route.

The fleet includes a mix of modern motor vessels and historic paddle steamers. Drinks, snacks, and meals are available on board on most services.

For an affordable and scenic way to explore central Switzerland, the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company’s public boat network is one of the most popular options year-round.

One hour Lake Lucerne cruise by panoramic yacht

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: 1-hour sightseeing cruise on Lake Lucerne

Type of vessel: Modern panoramic sightseeing yacht

Duration of cruise: 1 hour

What’s included: Scenic cruise with audio guide

Where to book ticket: Buy your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? This 1-hour Lake Lucerne sightseeing cruise (Saphir) is not fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass. Pass holders typically receive a discounted fare, but a surcharge applies for this premium sightseeing service. Swiss Half Fare Card holders also receive a 50% discount on the standard fare portion.

Dates of operation: Seasonal – check availability when booking

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily during the operating season, with multiple departures

If you’re short on time or want a relaxed introduction to Lake Lucerne, this 1-hour sightseeing cruise is an easy way to experience the lake.

The cruise is operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company and offers panoramic views throughout the journey aboard a modern sightseeing yacht.

An audio guide is included and available in multiple languages via the “Listen Everywhere” app, which requires headphones.

There are two main seating areas: the upper deck with a retractable roof and open-air seating on the lower deck, close to the water.

Departures are conveniently located near Lucerne’s lakeside promenade, close to the Schweizerhof Hotel.

> Click here to book this one hour Lake Lucerne yacht cruise

> Click here to book a room at the Schweizerhof Hotel in Lucerne

One hour catamaran cruise on Lake Lucerne

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: 1-hour sightseeing catamaran cruise

Type of vessel: Modern hybrid catamaran

Duration of cruise: 1 hour

What’s included: Scenic sightseeing cruise

Where to book ticket: Buy your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? This 1-hour Lake Lucerne sightseeing cruise is not fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass. However, discounted fares are typically available for Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders (usually 50%), depending on the ticket type.

Dates of operation: Seasonal – check when booking

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily during the operating season, with multiple departures

Another simple way to enjoy Lake Lucerne is on a 1-hour catamaran cruise. Like the panoramic yacht, it offers a relaxed introduction to the lake and surrounding scenery.

During the journey, you’ll enjoy views across Lake Lucerne towards surrounding peaks such as Mount Rigi, Mount Bürgenstock, and Mount Pilatus (weather permitting).

The vessel is a modern hybrid-powered catamaran operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board.

> Click here to book this one hour Lake Lucerne catamaran cruise

TOperator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: 2-hour scenic cruise with 3-course lunch

Type of vessel: Modern dining ship / motor vessel

Duration of cruise: 2 hours

What’s included: Scenic cruise, 3-course lunch, and a soft drink

Where to book ticket: Book your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? This 2-hour Lake Lucerne lunch cruise is not fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass. However, discounted fares are typically available for Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders (usually 50%), while supplements may apply for the meal.

Dates of operation: Seasonal – check when booking

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily during the operating season

This scenic Lake Lucerne lunch cruise departs at lunchtime, combining a relaxing boat journey with a freshly prepared three-course meal on board.

The menu typically features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian options available on request. One hot or soft drink is included with the meal, with additional drinks available to purchase on board.

The cruise lasts around two hours and offers uninterrupted views across Lake Lucerne while you dine.

> Click here to book this two hour lunch cruise on Lake Lucerne

3.5 hour dinner and sunset cruise on Lake Lucerne

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG)

Summary of cruise: 3.5-hour sunset dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne

Type of vessel: MS Diamant

Duration of cruise: 3 hours 30 minutes

What’s included: Scenic cruise, 3-course dinner, aperitif, and live musical entertainment (on selected departures)

Where to book ticket: Book your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? This Lake Lucerne sunset dinner cruise is not fully included with the Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass. However, discounted fares are typically available for Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card holders (usually 50%), while a supplement applies for the dining experience.

Dates of operation: Seasonal – check when booking

Frequency of cruise/service: Daily during the operating season

If a Lake Lucerne sunset cruise appeals, this is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the lake in the evening. The cruise includes an aperitif followed by a three-course dinner served on board.

Depending on the departure, live musical entertainment may also be provided, adding to the relaxed and romantic atmosphere.

A highlight of the experience is the vessel itself, MS Diamant, one of the most modern ships in the SGV fleet. It features multiple viewing decks, including an underwater-style viewing area, an open terrace, and a glass dome lounge.

This flagship vessel offers panoramic views across Lake Lucerne as you dine and cruise into the evening.

> Click here to book this sunset dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne

Legends of Lake Lucerne cruise

Operator: Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) 

Summary of cruise: 4 hour round trip premium culinary cruise

Type of vessel: Paddle Steamer Gallia

Duration of cruise: 4 hours

What’s included: Sightseeing cruise, 5-course lunch including drinks, opportunity to meet the captain and crew, hear stories about the region,

Where to book ticket: Book your ticket here

Is it covered by Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass? No, however a discount does apply.

Dates of operation: 15 May to 15 September

Frequency of cruise: One per day

This four hour premium culinary cruise offers an experience like no other.

Limited to just 65 passengers onboard the spacious Paddle Steamer Gallia, guests dine on a delicious five-course menu prepared using regional ingredients. All drinks (excluding hard liquor) are included.

Whilst gliding across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne and enjoying the magnificent scenery, you’ll hear fascinating stories of the region.

Passengers also have the chance to get behind-the-scenes insights and meet the Captain and crew.

Lake Lucerne Cruises | Final thoughts

If you’ll be visiting the Lucerne area while in Switzerland, then taking a cruise on the lake of the same name is simply unmissable. 

With options including one-hour sightseeing trips for those short of time to full-day mountain excursions covering other modes of transport, there’s an option to suit all visitors.

You can also take a lunch or sunset dinner cruise, or include a boat trip as part of your panoramic railway experience. 

If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass, you might even get to travel for free. With public transport ferry services operating all year round, Lake Lucerne cruises are an option open to everyone.

🇨🇭 Visit our Lucerne Travel Guide to read about the best things to do in Lucerne, best hotels in Lucerne, our suggested 2-day Lucerne itinerary, and more. 🇨🇭

Listen to our Lake Lucerne Cruises podcast episode