General information
Lugano to Flüelen by train. Flüelen to Lucerne by paddle steamer. The journey can also be made in the opposite direction. Duration 5h29 (train, boat and transfer time in Flüelen). On the train, only 1st class is available. Exclusively panoramic coaches, reservations required. A guide is present in each carriage to explain the route. Steam-powered paddle steamer, reservation not required. Upper deck 1st class only.

What is the Gotthard Panorama Express?
The Gotthard Panorama Express is a unique combination of panoramic train and paddle steamer in Switzerland. The journey starts in Lugano or Bellinzona and takes travellers from the warm south of Switzerland through the heart of the country, across the Alps to the north.

The train runs along the old scenic Gotthard route and through the Gotthard tunnel, built in 1882. The route is famous for its many spiral tunnels used to climb the steep mountains. In Flüelen there is an easy transfer directly from the platform to the authentic paddle steamer across Lake Lucerne towards Lucerne.

How to book the Gotthard Panorama Express?
The full journey is included in several of our rail tours through Switzerland. All tickets, including reservations (and if booked in 2nd class, an upgrade to 1st class), are included, as well as a detailed itinerary and information package.

Tickets for both train and boat can be purchased via our train planner. However, we recommend planning a Swiss rail journey with a Swiss Travel Pass or a Eurail Pass, which are always available on our website at the lowest price.

2nd class travellers either need an upgrade to 1st class, or can take the regular ‘Treno Gottardo’ express train, which runs hourly along the line.

What are the trains like?
The train route from Lugano to Flüelen is 1st class only.

• Panoramic coaches with windows up to the ceiling.
• Regular coaches with opening windows for photography.
• Reservations required.
• Onboard catering service with snacks, drinks and aperitif served at your seat.
• A guide is present in each carriage and explains the route in several languages, including English. In addition to many sights, travellers are also given presentations on the history, myths and legends of the Gotthard during this historic journey through time.

Tips – what to see?
Instead of starting in Lugano, you can visit Bellinzona. Its famous castles are UNESCO World Heritage sites and definitely worth a visit.

Lugano itself is a charming Italian-style town on the lake of the same name, where boat cruises are available. Monte San Salvatore next to the town is accessible by funicular and makes an excellent half-day excursion for one of the most beautiful views in the region.

From Lucerne you can easily continue to the Jungfrau region with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, which runs every hour.

Instead of travelling all the way to Lucerne, you can also get off one stop earlier in Vitznau, where the cogwheel railway to Rigi departs – the “Queen of the Mountains”.