A cruise along Lake Lucerne combined with a scenic rail journey across the Gotthard Pass
Lucerne - Flüelen - Bellinzona - Lugano
Your Gotthard Panorama Express journey starts in Lucerne as you board a restored paddle steamer or an elegant motor cruiser and meander to Flüelen on Lake Lucerne in about 2½ hours. Watch as the sleepy bays, picturesque villages and historic landmarks such as the Rütli and Tellsplatte silently glide by.
In Flüelen, only a few steps away from the pier, you board the train for the rail section of your journey. There is a new, faster tunnel through the Alps, but this trip follows the original looping route and the original tunnel - which is much shorter, so you spend more time amongst the wonderful scenery. The trip takes you through the awesome Reuss Valley with its deep ravines and precipitous cliffs and onto the world-famous Gotthard line, which swiftly climbs from 470m to about 1,100m. Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries and bridges testify to the remarkable achievements of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering
You'll soon arrive in the lovely Ticino region, where you travel through the Leventina Valley crossing breathtaking cantilevered bridges and passing charming villages on the way to Bellinzona. Stay on board for Lugano or change for Locarno - the choice is yours!
The journey can also be enjoyed in the opposite direction.
Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express
Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned Gotthard Panorama Express
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Holidays with the Gotthard Panorama Express
Your lake journey Lucerne-Flüelen
During the main season, the journey from Lucerne starts with a delightful ride on a restored paddle steamer or modern motor cruiser. There are interior lounges and outer decks for enjoying the splendid views along the whole length of the lake. You can dine on board or enjoy drinks from the bar.Â
As a Gotthard Panorama Express guest, you have access to the all the 1st class lounges and decks. If you are travelling on a paddle steamer, you will be able to see many ornate original features as well as marvel at the sight of the mighty engine pumping. Â
At times when the official Gotthard Panorama Express is not operating, you can still enjoy the route. You may travel aboard a steamer or a standard modern lake ship - in both cases, the views and on board services are superb.
Your rail journey Flüelen-Lugano
On arrival in Flüelen, you will transfer to the sleek new rail carriages of the Gotthard Panorama Express. Exclusively first class, the train offers huge panoramic windows so that you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery rolling past. You'll also have a travel guide at your seat and more room to stretch out. A trolley service with drinks and snacks is available throughout. There is also a photo carriage on the train which has windows that open for you to take souvenir pictures.
If you are travelling outside the Gotthard Panorama Express operating period, you can still enjoy the route on standard train.
Gotthard Panorama Express timetable
This scenic journey operates April- October. Please click here to see Gotthard Panorama Express timetables.
An alternative is the direct Treno Gottardo between Lucerne and Locarno on the shore of Lake Maggiore, which operates year round.Â
Gotthard Panorama Express prices
We will include the cost of the Gotthard Panorama Express in your tailor-made holiday quotation, including the seat reservation booking fee on the train.
Gotthard Panorama Express day trip
If you are staying in Lugano or Locarno, you may like to enjoy the rail section of this scenic journey as a day trip. Enjoy the historic rail route through the Gotthard region, on the slowly looping tracks that take you up and down the mountains. The scenery along the 3 hour route is superb. Your journey takes place in the first class carriage and takes you to Arth-Goldau, which is a convenient spot from which to visit Mount Rigi, 'Queen of the Mountains'. More details...
Connecting with other scenic rail journeys
We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Gotthard Panorama Express with other famous trains.Â
From Lucerne: travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken or the Pre-Alpine Express to St. Gallen
From Lugano: travel on the Bernina Express to St. Moritz or Pontresina
Request your holiday quotation
Speak to our team today to find out more!
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com