If you only have a day around Lucerne, this is the decision most visitors face. Our site is about the Rigi, so weigh this with that in mind; the Pilatus facts below come from other sources.
Side by side
| Rigi | Pilatus | |
|---|---|---|
| Return, adult, no pass | CHF 84 (Vitznau, Goldau or Weggis to Kulm) | CHF 84 on pilatus.ch booking page (year not stated; 2025 list: CHF 80) |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Free | 50% off |
| Half Fare | CHF 42 return | CHF 42 on the booking page |
| Character | Gentle ridge walks, lake views, historic trains | Steep cogwheel and cable cars, more dramatic |
| Access from Lucerne | Boat plus train, or train to Goldau | Cable car or train from Kriens or Alpnachstad |
Pick the Rigi if
- You have a Swiss Travel Pass or Lucerne Travel Pass and want the trip free.
- You like walking. The Rigi has easy ridge paths and the Panorama Trail (hiking).
- You want a calmer day; sources describe Rigi as the quieter, more relaxed option.
Pick Pilatus if
- You want the more dramatic ride and the weather forecast is clear.
- You want a half-day tour from Lucerne; the Pilatus trips below are the most reviewed on GetYourGuide.
Weather decides
A rule of thumb from travel bloggers: a clear day on the Rigi beats a cloudy day on Pilatus, and the other way round. Look at both webcams. See best time to visit.
The Pilatus alternative
If you pick Pilatus, these are the most reviewed trips on GetYourGuide as of November 2026.
From Lucerne: Mount Pilatus Guided Half-Day Tour
Cable car, cogwheel railway and lake cruise on a guided trip. 4.7/5 from 2,898 reviews (November 2026).
From Lucerne: Mt. Pilatus Gondola, Cable Car, and Boat Trip
The Golden Round Trip. 4.7/5 from 1,551 reviews (November 2026).
Both mountains are bookable with the same kind of ticket; check the free-cancellation terms on each listing.
And for the Rigi:
Do not decide on the calendar. Pick the clearer mountain on the morning, and see the Rigi Bahn prices to compare costs with your pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rigi or Pilatus better?
Neither is clearly better. Rigi suits a relaxed day with gentle terrain, and the Swiss Travel Pass covers it fully (rigi.ch, checked November 2026). Pilatus is more dramatic and better known abroad, with a half-price pass discount. A clear day on one beats a cloudy day on the other.
Is Rigi cheaper than Pilatus?
With a Swiss Travel Pass, yes: Rigi is free and Pilatus is half price. Without a pass the Rigi return is CHF 84 and the Pilatus return is CHF 84 on its booking page (year not stated; the 2025 price list said CHF 80).
Can I do both in one trip?
Yes, on different days or on a combined tour. Check the weather and pick the clearer mountain first.
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