The most classic and popular way to experience Mount Pilatus is the Golden Round Trip : depart from Lucerne, ascend to Pilatus summit, then descend from the other side, experiencing the boat, cogwheel train, aerial cableway, and panoramic cableway in one trip.

! This route is only available from mid-May to mid-October

| Golden Round Trip:

1. Lucerne → Alpnachstad (by boat, approx. 1 hour)
 Depart from the shores of Lake Lucerne, enjoying the lake scenery, the Alps, and lakeside villages along the way.

2. Alpnachstad → Pilatus Kulm (cogwheel train, approx. 30 minutes)
The steepest cogwheel railway in the world, with a maximum gradient of 48%.The route passes through forests, meadows, steep cliffs, and tunnels, making it the highlight of the journey. Highly popular in peak season, advance reservation is recommended.

3. Pilatus Kulm → Krienseregg (Dragon Ride cableway, approx. 5 minutes)
 Short but spectacular, offering a bird’s-eye view of the mountain and valley.

4. Krienseregg → Kriens (Panoramic cableway, approx. 30 minutes)
 A relaxed descent through forests and slopes.

5. Kriens → Lucerne (bus back to the city)
 After arriving at Kriens, it is just a short walk to the bus back to Lucerne city center.

Can it be done in reverse?
 

Yes!
 

You can go from Kriens → cableway → summit → cogwheel train → Alpnachstad → boat back to Lucerne.
The reverse route is less crowded and requires less waiting time.

| Non-Golden Round Trip period (mid-October to mid-May)
The cogwheel train and lake boat do not operate. You can only ascend via the Kriens cableway and return the same way.

Kriens (cableway) → Pilatus Kulm → return
 

Although the route is simpler, the mountain views remain beautiful and it works perfectly.