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Gotthard Panorama Express Luzern – Lugano/Locarno

Two-day boat and train journey from Lucerne to Lugano or Locarno

Illustration of Gotthard Panorama Express Luzern – Lugano/Locarno

Railtour Suisse's two-day Gotthard Panorama Express journey combines two signature Swiss experiences: a boat cruise across Lakes Lucerne and Uri, and a 1st class train ride through the Alps on one of Europe's most scenic rail routes. Starting from any Swiss railway station, travelers board a steamboat or motorboat at Lucerne, cruising past the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel to Flüelen, where the distinctive panorama train awaits. The route climbs through the Gotthard Pass, threading the famous double hairpin bend at Wassen and the 15-kilometer Gotthard tunnel, before descending to Lugano or Locarno in the Italian-speaking Ticino region. A multilingual guide narrates the journey from the train; photographers can use the open-window photo car to capture Alpine views. After a night in a 3-star hotel with breakfast, day two is free to explore Lugano or Locarno's Mediterranean atmosphere at your own pace. The trip suits first-time rail travelers, couples seeking a scenic escape, and photographers seeking both comfort and access to outstanding vistas.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return journey on day two is unguided and independent; you arrange your own transport back to your starting point
  • Day two is free time to explore Lugano or Locarno; no activities or meals beyond breakfast are included
  • The connecting train to and from your home station is in 2nd class; 1st class panorama seats are only on the Gotthard Panorama Express itself

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lugano or Locarno

    Arrival in Lugano/Locarno

    Arrival in Lucerne by train. Your unique travel experience starts with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne and Lake Uri to Flüelen, passing the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel. The Gotthard Panorama Express waits in Flüelen for the onward journey on the old Gotthard route to Bellinzona and Lugano, via the famous double hairpin bend at Wassen and the 15-kilometer Gotthard railroad tunnel. From Piottino to Biasca, a total of 650 vertical meters are overcome via two further helical tunnels. The three UNESCO World Heritage castles of Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro greet you in Bellinzona. Travelers to Locarno change to the regional train in Bellinzona.

  2. Day 2

    Lugano/Locarno and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day in Switzerland's sunniest region. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and Lake Uri past the Rütli meadow and Tell's Chapel to Flüelen, where the Gotthard Panorama Express awaits
  • Day 1The Gotthard Panorama Express traverses the famous double hairpin bend at Wassen and the 15-kilometer Gotthard railroad tunnel

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation and supplement for 1st class on the Gotthard Panorama Express
  • 1 night in Lugano or Locarno, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a 2nd class connecting train from any Swiss domicile station (on a Half Fare Travelcard basis), plus 1st class seat and supplement on the Gotthard Panorama Express.
Is the tour guided?
A multilingual guide accompanies travelers on the Gotthard Panorama Express train, pointing out key sights. Day two in Lugano or Locarno is independent.
What trains are used?
The Gotthard Panorama Express runs from Flüelen through Bellinzona to Lugano or Locarno, featuring 1st class panorama windows and an open-window photo car.
Where do I stay?
One night in a 3-star hotel in either Lugano or Locarno, standard double room with breakfast included.
What is the cost and what does it include?
From 386 CHF (approximately 481 USD). Included are the connecting train journey, Gotthard Panorama Express in 1st class, one night hotel with breakfast, and the Lake Lucerne and Lake Uri boat cruise.

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