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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Zurich to Basel via Mount Pilatus and the Jungfrau

Independent rail trip from Zurich to Basel via Mount Pilatus and Jungfraujoch

Illustration of Zurich to Basel via Mount Pilatus and the Jungfrau

Railbookers operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation from Zurich to Basel, built around two of Switzerland's best-known mountain excursions. After a direct train to Lucerne for a two-night stay, day 2 rides the steepest rack railway in the world to the summit of Mount Pilatus, with easy walking trails and lunch at the top. A scenic train along part of the Golden Pass line then carries you to Interlaken for another two nights, where day 4 climbs by train and the Jungfraubahn to the Jungfraujoch station, almost 3,000 metres above sea level, before returning by cable-car past the Eiger's north face. A final direct train continues to Basel. Breakfast is included daily. The trip suits independent travellers who want Switzerland's signature alpine train rides packed into a short itinerary, with hotel options spanning several price tiers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from a list of 12 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so which specific hotel you get depends on the option selected at booking.
  • The Lake Lucerne cruise before the Mount Pilatus rack railway only runs between May and October; the route up in winter is by gondola and cable-car instead.
  • No departure dates are listed in the evidence for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Zurich to Lucerne

    Take the direct train to Lucerne and once you have arrived head over to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Spend the rest of your day exploring this beautiful small city which is very walkable. Stroll across the wooden Chapel Bridge and enjoy some dinner in Lucerne's idyllic old town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Mount Pilatus Day Trip

    Between May-Oct enjoy a cruise on lake Lucerne before taking the steepest rack railway in the world to the top of Mount Pilatus. Enjoy spectacular views, easy walking trails and lunch before returning down the other side of the mountain via gondola and cable-car, which is the route up as well during the winter.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    Board the train at Lucerne station for a scenic ride along part of the Golden Pass line, with panoramic windows over numerous alpine lakes. On arrival in Interlaken check in for a 2-night stay, then take a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun using your included Swiss Pass.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    Following breakfast make your way to the station. Take the train to the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen, then hop on the next train to Kleine Scheidegg, then the Jungfraubahn to the Jungfraujoch station, almost 3000m above sea level. Return down the mountain by cable-car past the north face of the Eiger and the village of Grindelwald.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    End Of Tour

    Take the direct train to Basel to continue your travels.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A stroll across the wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne's old town.
  • Day 2The steepest rack railway in the world climbs to the summit of Mount Pilatus, with easy walking trails and lunch at the top.
  • Day 3A scenic train follows part of the Golden Pass line from Lucerne to Interlaken with panoramic windows over alpine lakes.
  • Day 4The Jungfraubahn climbs from Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch station, almost 3,000 metres above sea level.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Interlaken
  • Mount Pilatus day trip from Lucerne
  • Jungfrau day trip from Interlaken

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The whole itinerary runs by rail, including the Mount Pilatus cog railway and the Jungfraubahn to Jungfraujoch.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. You travel between Lucerne, Interlaken, and Basel on your own schedule, with two included day trips.
What hotels are included?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the IBIS Styles Luzern Hotel up to the Schweizerhof Luzern and Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken - MGallery.
How many nights are spent in each city?
2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Interlaken.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
The Mount Pilatus day trip from Lucerne and the Jungfrau day trip from Interlaken, including entry to the Jungfraujoch station.
Does the Mount Pilatus route change by season?
Yes. Between May and October the day trip includes a cruise on Lake Lucerne before the rack railway, while in winter the ascent is by gondola and cable-car.

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