Gotthard Panorama Express: What to expect
A world of wonder awaits when you board the Gotthard Panorama Express!
Travel between Lugano and Lucerne by train and steamboat while taking in gorgeous views and learning all about Switzerland’s rich history. Plus, all Gotthard Panorama Express trains have First Class seating only, so you’re guaranteed a luxurious experience. Read on to find out more about this panoramic train, including information on fares, timetables and what you can expect on board.
Gotthard Panorama Express route
The Gotthard Panorama Express is usually a combination of a boat and train journey, though a train-only option is available.
What is the Gotthard Panorama Express route?
The standard Gotthard Panorama Express route is made up of two halves: a boat trip and a train trip. The leg between Lucerne (also known as Luzern) and Flüelen takes place on a boat across Lake Lucerne. The trip between Flüelen and Lugano is on a First Class-only panoramic train.
Here’s a summary of the route:
Lucerne – Vitznau – Brunnen – Flüelen – Göschenen – Airolo – Bellinzona – Lugano
What can I expect to see during the journey?
When you travel across Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express, you’ll travel through some of the country’s most historic and most beautiful locations, including:
- Lake Lucerne: Travel across Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake, Lake Lucerne, if you take the boat + train option on the Gotthard Panorama Express. You’ll be stunned by the perfect natural landscape, and the journey will fly by!
- Chapel Bridge: Whether you’re starting or ending your train journey in Lucerne, look out for the city’s famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke in German). Originally built in 1356, it’s the world’s oldest covered wooden bridge and welcomes visitors from near and far to the city.
- Rütli Meadow: Just a meadow? Think again. This is where Switzerland was founded in 1291, so it’s an incredibly important part of Swiss history – and it’s gorgeous to look at too.
- Castles galore: Take a look out of the window on your way through Bellinzona and you might spot three castles, all built in the 1400s by the Dukes of Milan. How’s that for culture?
How much does the Gotthard Panorama Express cost?
The Gotthard Panorama Express experience can include both a boat and a train journey! Find out how much it costs here.
Lugano – Lucerne (one-way trip in either direction)
|
Ticket type |
First Class price per passenger* |
|
Without any discount cards |
CHF 164 |
|
With Half Fare Travelcard |
CHF 82 |
|
With GA Travelcard/Swiss Travel Pass (Second Class) |
CHF 31.50 |
|
With GA Travelcard/Swiss Travel Pass (First Class) |
CHF 0 |
*Prices subject to change, accurate as of August 2024.
In addition, there’s an obligatory seat reservation charge of CHF 24. This is payable per person, per route.
Eurail Pass holders can travel on the rail route with their Pass, though you must purchase a First Class upgrade if you have a Second Class Pass. If you have an Eurail Pass and wish to travel on the boat + train route, you’ll need to buy a boat ticket from the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (50% off for Eurail Pass holders). You can buy a ticket from the staff on board the boat.
Gotthard Panorama Express timetable
The Gotthard Panorama Express runs once per day in each direction between Lugano and Lucerne. The service operates for around 7 months of the year, including the summer months. It’s usually operational between April and October. In 2024, the Gotthard Panorama Express runs Tuesday through Sunday from April 20 to October 20. This includes services on public holidays.
Lucerne to Lugano
| Boat timetable | Train timetable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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*Boarding only **Alighting only |
Lugano to Lucerne
| Train timetable | Boat timetable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
*Boarding only **Alighting only |
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Services on board the Gotthard Panorama Express
Tour guide
As part of your First Class experience on board the Gotthard Panorama Express train, there will be a tour guide ready to tell you all about Switzerland’s culture and history and answer any questions.
Bar/Restaurant
On board the boat, there is a restaurant where you can buy a meal or a smaller snack. On the train, you can purchase snacks and drinks which will be served to your seat – so you can keep enjoying the panoramic views while you eat!
Baggage
You can use the baggage transfer service to have your bags delivered from Lucerne to Lugano (or vice versa). This service is included in your ticket price. Bags must weigh no more than 23 kg and must be checked in at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of the service. In Lucerne, check-in is at Pier 1. In Lugano, check-in is in sector D (close to the train).
Reduced Mobility Access
The boat section of the journey is accessible for wheelchairs, and you do not need to pre-book assistance. However, the train is not wheelchair-accessible and has no accessible toilet on board. Boarding and alighting in a wheelchair is only possible in Arth-Goldau, Flüelen, Lugano and Bellinzona. To book assistance at a station and to find out more information, contact the SBB Call Center on +41 800 007 102 (Swiss number, fees may apply).