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Central Switzerland

Train, Boat and Bus Experiences

Discover scenic train routes, lake cruises, and unique experiences
Perfect for weekend trips, day outings, and seasonal adventures

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Cantons Lucerne, Schwyz, Zug, Uri, Obwalden, and Nidwalden

Public transport in Central Switzerland is part of everyday life. Trains link towns around the lakes, boats function like floating buses, and PostBuses cover the last stretch into smaller communities. For locals, it’s a practical, reliable network; for visitors, it’s a straightforward way to experience the region without needing a car. The mix of regional trains, lake boats, and PostBus routes keeps the area connected in an organised, predictable rhythm that suits both daily routines and weekend exploring.

Regional Passes and Travel Cards

Lucerne

From Lucerne to Rigi Kaltbad

Lucerne - Vitznau (Boat) - Rigi Kaltbad (Cogwheel train) - Weggis (Cable Car) - Lucerne (Boat):  Can also be done in reverse order, one-way or return tickets available

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Lucerne

Lake Lucerne Day Ticket

On Regular Scheduled Cruises:

Enjoy Lake Lucerne for one calendar day - Swiss Travel Pass, GA and SBB DayTickets are valid (and on your birthday)

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Lucerne

Lake Lucerne Family Day Ticket

Valid in 2nd Class Only:

Minimum 1 adult with at least 1 child, maximum of 2 adults and 4 children (0-16 years)

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Lucerne

Lake Lucerne Annual Pass

For Companies and other Organizations:

Pass is valid for one person and is transferable

Valid on all scheduled boats and on the one-hour round trip on the Panoramic-Yacht Saphir

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Current Deals in Central Switzerland

Save on Transport and Regional Activities

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Until 18 Oct

Lucerne

Train & Hiking Tour - Swiss Path

Round-trip train from Zurich, Basel, St. Gallen, or Locarno and boat trip on Lake Uri - Wed to Sun

See the Offer

Until 30 Oct

Schwyz

Gourmet Island Schwanau

 3-Course Surprise Meal with Train and Boat

See the Offer

Year Round

Zug

Zugerberg Hit - Zug Day Ticket and Meal

Day ticket for the Zug public transport network (all zones) and meal at the selected restaurant

See the Offer

Seasonal Highlights

Limited Time Experiences and Offers

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Lucerne

Until 30 Sept

RailAway Hit - Mount Pilatus up to 50% Off

Limited number of discounted tickets available each month

See the Offer

Uri

20 Jun to 26 Sept

Furka Steam Train Realp to Oberwald

Steam train trips run between Realp and Oberwald every Thursday, Friday and Saturday

See the Offer

Zug

Until 17 Oct

Zug to Rigi Kulm from CHF 29

Spend the day on Rigi with a combines boat, bus and cogwheel ticket plus snacks! One way ticket.

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 27 Oct

Mount Rigi Historic Wednesdays

From Vitznau and Goldau: Check departure times - no extra ticket required to ride these special trains

See the Offer

Uri

Until 12 Sept

Gotthard Panoramic Route Historic Locomotive

SOB Legendary Historic Gotthard Locomotive: Every 2nd Saturday from May to September

See the Offer

Uri

20 June to 4 Oct

PostBus Furka, Grimsel, Susten

Three-pass route from Andrematt:

6h63 min journey - starts and ends in Andermatt

2 stops along the way

Free with GA or 1-day travelpass or Swiss Travel Pass

Reservations recommended

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 18 Oct

Mount Pilatus Golden Roundtrip

By boat from Lucerne, the steepest rack and pinion rail in the world to top of Pilatus, aerial cableway and gondola down and back to Lucerne 

See the Offer

Zug

Until 2 Dec

Escape Game on Zugersee Cruise (in German)

Analyse clues and solve tricky puzzles during this fun cruise

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 15 Sept

Legends of the Lake on Lake Lucerne

Hop aboard the paddle steamer Gallia and enjoy fine cuisine and breathtaking views - reservations required

See the Offer

Uri

20 June to 4 Oct

PostBus Gotthard, Nufenen, Furka

Three-pass route from Andermatt:

4h25 journey, starts and ends in Andermatt

45 min stop at Nufenen Pass

Free with GA or 1-day travelpass or Swiss Travel Pass

Reservations recommended

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 25 Oct

Sunday Steam Trains in Sursee

Ride the Dampfbahn in Sursee - available one Sunday per month

Seasonal pass for CHF 145

See the Offer

Zug

Mar to Dec

Enjoy Lake Cruises on Zugersee

Various themed cruises offered throughout the year

See the Offer

Gastronomic Experiences

On Trains and Boats - Not just getting there - make it part of the journey

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Lucerne

3 July to 15 Aug

Grill & Chill Ship on Lake Lucerne

Every Friday and Saturday, except 1 August, Salad and grill-buffet, live DJ

See the Offer

Ägerisee

Until 20 Sept

Daily Lunch Cruise On Ägerisee

Daily during the season - pasta dishes

Reservations required


See the Offer

Lucerne

4 Sept to 16 Oct

Thai Ship Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Enjoy a Thai meal on a 3.5h cruise every Friday in September until mid-October

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 19 Dec

Fajita Ship Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Saturdays - all you can eat fajitas, salsas and drinks

See the Offer

Lucerne

Until 4 Sept

Burger Ship on Lake Lucerne

Every Friday - includes cruise, appetizer, burger-buffet and dessert

See the Offer

Zug

Until 20 Sept

Sunday Ice Cream Cruise on Lake Zug

Cruise Lake zug while enjoying ice cream and spectacular views around the lake

See the Offer

Ägerisee

8 Nov

Sunday Brunch Cruise on Ägerisee

Regionally sourced all you can eat brunch buffet - half fare and GA apply

See the Offer

Lucerne

20 June to 5 Sept

Candlelight Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Includes the cruise, Apero, a 3-course meal and music

See the Offer

Ägerisee

Until 4 Oct

Apéro On Board on Ägerisee

Sit back and enjoy the view while toasting with your companions

See the Offer

Ägerisee

22 Nov

Sunday Brunch Cruise on Ägerisee

Regionally sourced all you can eat brunch buffet - half fare and GA apply

See the Offer

Unique Experiences

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Lake Zug

24 August

Join the Cruising Party on Zugersee

Fine Dining Evening - a flowing feast with various food stations where you can watch the dishes being prepared

See the Offer

Lucerne

16 & 30 Aug, 13 Sept

See the Sunrise on Mount Rigi

Take the world's oldest electric rack railways before dawn from Goldau to Rigi Kulm to enjoy the sunrise

See the Offer

Pilatus

13 Sept to 4 Oct

Nostalgic Sunrise Ride on Pilatus

Ride the Pilatus cogwheel and enjoy the sunrise at an altitude of 2132 metres, includes breakfast

See the Offer

Major Annual Events
in Central Switzerland

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Lucerne LILU Light Festival

January
To the Event

Spettacolo Street Artist Festival - Brunnen

August
To the Event

Zug Annual Cherry Run

June
To the Event

Urner Chilbi - Uri

August to November
To the Event

Rosenfest Weggis

July
To the Event

Nidwalder Cheese Market - Beckenried

November
To the Event

Plan Your Next Day Out

Easy Ideas for Spontaneous Trips and Weekends in Central Switzerland

Stans

Mountain Adventure

Cabrio Cable Car to Stanserhorn:

Open from mid May, the top of Stanserhorn can be reached in 44 minutes from Lucerne.  There are many activities on the mountain throughout the season, offering something for everyone.  Views from the top span as far as Alsace and the Black Forest.  A variety of hiking trails are also easily reached, making this a perfect mountain day adventure.

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