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- Last Updated on November 3, 2024
The Gotthard Panorama Express is one of the most famous rail journeys in Switzerland. It is a peaceful combination of train and boat from Lugano to Lucerne (and vice versa) with excellent views and great service. This Gotthard Panorama Express Review covers all the information you need to take this journey.
Table Of Contents
Gotthard Panorama Express Route
The route goes both ways, but we took it from Lugano to Lucerne. You start in Lugano by getting on the panoramic train. This train has huge windows and comfy seats. Take this to Fluelen, where you will get off to catch the boat. There is sometimes a wait before the boat comes. There are two piers – it will usually come to the one closest to the train tracks. The boat will take you along the entire length of Lake Lucerne to your final destination. The whole journey takes about 5.5 hours, which is split approximately half by boat and half by train.
Click here for an interactive version of the Gotthard Panorama Express Route.
Gotthard Panorama Express Cost And Reservations
Cost: CHF 153 per person for first class on both train and boat. CHF 129 total if you choose second class for the boat (the train is exclusively first class). You get a free train ticket and 50% discount on boat fare with the first class Eurail/Interrail/Swiss travel pass, but you must pay a supplement of CHF 16 per person and reserve your train seats online. You should also buy your boat ticket in advance, and consider filling out the free table reservation form online (although we didn’t fill out the form and had no problem getting a table).
Timetable: Check the official website for the Gotthard Panorama Express timetable. This website shows the northbound and southbound departure times. Make sure to select the correct direction you are traveling.
Season: Mid-April to Mid-October Tuesday-Sunday
Booking: We recommend using the official Gotthard Panorama Express booking website to book your train and boat tickets. Also use this website to make any seat reservations if you are using a travel pass.
What To Expect On The Gotthard Panorama Express
ON THE TRAIN
On board there is excellent service. Each coach has its own guide that will tell you when good photo opportunities are coming up, so that you don’t miss anything. The train also has a small amount of automated audio commentary during the ride. Someone will come to your seat and take food and drink orders (note that food and drink is not included in the price of your ticket). There is room for luggage, though it may not be immediately apparent. If you can’t fit your luggage on one of the small racks, ask your guide where to put your things and they will help you.
ON THE BOAT
The boat is beautiful, clean, and comfortable. With regard to your luggage, everyone from both classes piles their bags into a corner near the boat entrance – it will be obvious when you board. In second class (lower deck), there are counters to purchase food (hot dogs, chips, etc). In first class (upper deck), you will have your choice of table inside the panoramic interior or on the deck. In nice weather you’ll want to choose the deck. A waiter will come around and take orders for food and drinks, which will be served with silverware and white cloth napkins. After your meal, the waiter brings the check like any other restaurant. The boat ride is slow, peaceful, and beautiful, with pastoral views you just can’t get from land. We recommend purchasing a first class ticket for the boat if you can.
Is The Gotthard Panorama Express Worth It?
We enjoyed our trip on the Panorama Express. The boat was particularly lovely, and made the whole trip worth it. The train, on the other hand, was a bit of a disappointment. Though the train itself was very nice and service was excellent, the views were nothing special. They definitely weren’t the snowy alp views we were imagining when we signed up for a scenic train journey in Switzerland.
Overall, we recommend not going out of your way to take this journey. However, if you’re making your way from Italy to Lucerne and have time to spare, it’s worth it for the boat ride. If you don’t have much time in Lucerne and would rather get there as soon as possible, just take the fast train from Lugano to Lucerne and get there in less than 2 hours. You can always take a boat ride in the bay of Lucerne and get some of the same views.
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