It is not just a train. It is half boat, half panoramic train, and 100% Swiss history.
The Gotthard Panorama Express takes you from the heart of German-speaking Switzerland (Lucerne) to the palm trees of Italian-speaking Ticino (Lugano). Along the way, you cross the legendary Gotthard Pass — the same route travelers have used to cross the Alps for over 700 years.
But is this 5.5-hour journey a must-do, or is it just a slow way to get south? Here is everything you need to know.
The Journey: Two Trips in One
This route is unique because it combines two completely different experiences.
Part 1: The Boat (Lucerne → Flüelen)
- Duration: About 2.5 hours
- What You See: You cruise across Lake Lucerne, passing tiny villages, steep cliffs, and the famous Rütli Meadow — the legendary birthplace of Switzerland.
- The Vibe: Relaxed. You can sit on the deck, drink coffee, and watch the Alps float by.
- Highlight: The boat passes the Tell Chapel, marking the spot where the Swiss hero William Tell supposedly escaped from his captors.
Part 2: The Panorama Train (Flüelen → Lugano)
- Duration: About 2 hours
- What You See: The train climbs through the wild Reuss Valley, passing ancient stone bridges, the famous Wassen Church (you see it three times from different angles thanks to spiral tunnels!), and countless tunnels.
- The Vibe: More dramatic. The scenery changes fast as you descend into Ticino, where suddenly everything looks… Italian.
- Highlight: The moment you exit the Gotthard Tunnel and palm trees appear. It feels like you teleported to the Mediterranean.
What Makes It Special?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Class | Panoramic windows, wider seats, included snacks on the train. |
| Second Class | Large windows, comfortable, no frills. |
| Dining | Onboard bistro on the train; full restaurant on the boat. |
The Price (Not as Scary as Jungfraujoch)
A full Gotthard Panorama Express ticket (boat + panorama train) costs approximately:
- Second Class: CHF 72 – CHF 100
- First Class: CHF 130 – CHF 152
Rail Pass Discounts (Important!)
- Swiss Travel Pass: The entire route is FREE. You only pay for the seat reservation (CHF 16 on the train). Check pass prices here.
- Eurail / Interrail: The route is included. You pay the reservation fee + a surcharge for the boat (50% discount usually).
- Half-Fare Card: 50% off the ticket price.
Pro Tip: Seat reservations are mandatory for the panorama train section. Book online at least a few days ahead, especially in summer.
Is It Worth It?
YES, if:
- You love slow, scenic travel.
- You want to experience Swiss history (this was THE route across the Alps for centuries).
- The weather is good (sunny days = crystal clear lake views).
MAYBE NOT, if:
- You are short on time. The regular train from Lucerne to Lugano takes only 2 hours via the Gotthard Base Tunnel (mostly underground).
- It is raining. Foggy mountains and a grey lake are… less magical.
Alternative: The “Treno Gottardo” (Budget Option)
If you do not want to pay for the panorama train reservation or deal with the boat, look for the Treno Gottardo (Bronze Train).
It is a direct regional train from Lucerne/Zurich to Locarno/Lugano. It uses the same historic mountain line (not the tunnel) but has standard windows. It is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass with no reservation needed.
Summary
The Gotthard Panorama Express is not about speed. It is about sitting back, sipping Swiss wine, and watching the Alps transform into the Mediterranean.
Ready to book? Reserve your seat on the official SBB website or through GetYourGuide for a hassle-free experience.
