Mt. Pilatus Gondola & Aerial Cableway Ticket from Kriens

Two cable rides to Lucerne's landmark summit, with dragon legends and alpine views

This unguided ticket gives you access to Pilatus Railways' two-stage ascent from Kriens valley station to Pilatus Kulm at 2,132 meters. You ride the panorama gondola 30 minutes to Fräkmüntegg, then switch to the Dragon Ride aerial cableway for a 5-minute climb to the summit. At the top, explore Dragon World's interactive games about the mountain's dragon mythology, take in the panoramic views, or eat at one of the restaurants along the route before descending the same way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gondola and cableway to Mt. Pilatus

• Start at Kriens valley station
• Ride panorama-gondola to Fräkmüntegg
• Change to Dragon Ride cableway
• Reach summit Pilatus Kulm
• Enjoy panoramic views and Dragon World
• Try local specialties at restaurants
• Return to Kriens by cable car

The experience

The route starts at Kriens valley station, where you board the panorama gondola for a 30-minute ascent to Fräkmüntegg. At the mid-station, you change to the Dragon Ride aerial cableway, which reaches Pilatus Kulm in 5 minutes. The ticket is unguided, so you move at your own pace through both stages and can linger at any of the three stations (Krienseregg, Fräkmüntegg, or the summit) as long as you catch the last cable car down at 16:30 from Pilatus Kulm.

At Pilatus Kulm, the main draw is the panoramic view across central Switzerland and the Dragon World, where interactive games tell the stories behind Pilatus' dragon legends. Restaurants at each station serve local specialties, so you can eat at the summit, the mid-station, or on the way down. In winter, sledging routes and snowshoe trails run from Fräkmüntegg down to Krienseregg if you want to add those activities: rentals are available at the Kriens valley station. The cableways operate in almost all weather, though storms can force closures, so dress for conditions.

This is a self-guided ticket, not a tour with a guide. You descend by the same cable cars you took up. Infants under 6 ride free, strollers fold during transport, and the route is wheelchair accessible. Parking at Kriens valley station carries a fee. Public transport options are nearby if you prefer not to drive.

What’s included

• Panorama gondola ride from Kriens to Fräkmüntegg.
• aerial cableway Dragon Ride from Fräkmüntegg to Pilatus Kulm.
• access to Dragon World interactive games at the summit.
• descent by the same cable cars.
• restaurant access at Krienseregg, Fräkmüntegg, and Pilatus Kulm.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pilatus-Bahnen AG

Is this one for you?This ticket suits anyone who wants to reach Lucerne's landmark summit without a guide and at their own pace. The unguided format means you control how long you spend at each station and whether you explore Dragon World, eat, or simply take in the views before heading back down.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the whole trip from Kriens to the summit and back take?

The ascent takes about 35 minutes total: 30 minutes on the panorama gondola plus 5 minutes on the Dragon Ride. The descent takes the same time. How long you spend at the top depends on you. Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the summit and restaurants before heading down.

What is Dragon World at Pilatus Kulm?

Dragon World is a collection of interactive games at the summit that explore the legends of Pilatus' dragon. It's included with your ticket and gives context to the mountain's mythology while you're up there.

Can I do sledging or snowshoe trails on this ticket?

Sledging routes and snowshoe trails run from Fräkmüntegg down to Krienseregg in winter, but they're separate activities. Rentals are available at Kriens valley station, and you'd book and pay for them separately from this cable car ticket.

What time is the last cable car down from Pilatus Kulm?

The last transportation down from the summit leaves at 16:30. If you miss it, you'll be stuck at the top, so plan your time at the restaurants and Dragon World accordingly.

Do I need to book a guide, or is this self-guided?

This is an unguided ticket. You move through the cable cars and explore Pilatus Kulm at your own pace with no guide accompanying you.