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Lucerne and Zermatt

Round-trip Swiss rail journey: Zurich, Lucerne, and Zermatt

Illustration of Lucerne and Zermatt

Railbookers operates this seven-day, six-night rail trip through Switzerland, starting and ending in Zurich with two-night stays in Lucerne and Zermatt along the way. A 4-day Swiss Pass covers the rail travel, including two dedicated day trips. Day 2 takes the scenic train from Zurich to Lucerne, arriving near the medieval Chapel Bridge. Day 3 rides a cog railway and cable car up Mount Pilatus for 360-degree views from the summit. Day 4 continues by train, with changes in Bern and Visp, to the car-free alpine village of Zermatt, where the Matterhorn is visible from local bars and restaurants. Day 5 climbs the Gornergrat Cog Railway to 3,090 metres for views of the Matterhorn, surrounding peaks, and glaciers. The trip is independent rather than escorted, with no guide accompanying the day trips or city time, and suits travelers comfortable navigating Switzerland's rail network on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list for this package is 18 options across different tiers and cities rather than a fixed set of stays, so the specific hotel you get depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • This is an independent rail itinerary. No guide accompanies the day trips to Mount Pilatus or Gornergrat, and city time throughout is unguided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! On arrival, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Nature-lovers should head to the Botanical Garden, admire the range of exotic plants and beautiful trees in this tranquil area. Perhaps wander through the narrow streets of the Niederdorf district, it's a great place for people watching from a street cafe.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    After breakfast this morning, take the scenic train ride from Zurich to Lucerne. On arrival in Lucerne, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. The medieval Chapel Bridge is a great place to start as it is considered one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe.

  3. Day 3overnight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip

    Today, enjoy breakfast then use your Swiss Pass to journey to the top of Mount Pilatus via an unforgettable gondola and cable car ride. Once at the top, you'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant. After soaking up the wonderful 360-degree views, make your way down the mountain to Kriens before taking a short bus ride back to Lucerne.

  4. Day 4overnight: Zermatt

    Lucerne to Zermatt

    Take the scenic journey today from Lucerne to Zermatt, with changes in Bern and Visp. On arrival in Zermatt, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Begin discovering this car-free alpine gem, perhaps relaxing at one of the many small bars or chalet restaurants with unmissable views of the iconic Matterhorn.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, use your Swiss Pass to take a ride on the Gornergrat Cog Railway - which climbs from 1,604 metres above sea level to 3,090 metres in just 33 minutes. From the top, you get to take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland, encompassing the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

  6. Day 6overnight: Zurich

    Zermatt to Zurich

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and travel back to Zurich for your final night's stay.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend this journey, or add different or additional stops to your journey, one of our Rail Experts can help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The scenic train from Zurich to Lucerne arrives near the medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe.
  • Day 3A cog railway and cable car ride climbs Mount Pilatus for 360-degree views, with the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant at the summit.
  • Day 4Arrival in the car-free alpine village of Zermatt, with views of the Matterhorn from its bars and chalet restaurants.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs from 1,604 to 3,090 metres in 33 minutes, opening onto a panorama of the Matterhorn, surrounding peaks, and glaciers.

Included

  • Rail travel and all necessary seat reservations as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • Mount Pilatus day trip
  • Gornergrat day trip
  • 4-day Swiss Pass

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail travel with a 4-day Swiss Pass, which covers the city-to-city journeys and the Mount Pilatus cog-railway and Gornergrat Cog Railway day trips.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent. The itinerary describes self-guided city time and using your own Swiss Pass for the day trips, with no group guide mentioned.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a list of 18 hotel options across Zurich, Lucerne, and Zermatt at different tiers, so the specific hotel depends on the tier and city option you select.
How much walking or altitude is involved?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway reaches 3,090 metres above sea level, and Mount Pilatus is reached by gondola and cable car. No hiking is described in the itinerary.

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