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Lugano to Lucerne on Treno Gottardo with Swiss Travel Pass

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Short summary – read this first

A traveler named Puja is planning to travel from Lugano to Lucerne using the Treno Gottardo and wants to understand how the Swiss Travel Pass works for this journey. They are looking for specific advice on the route and train changes involved in the trip.

Key takeaways:
  • The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on the Treno Gottardo trains without any extra fees, allowing you to simply board and show your pass to the conductor.
  • If traveling to Lucerne on the IR46 train, you will need to change trains at Arth-Goldau to continue to Lucerne.
  • The Gotthard Panorama Express is a separate luxury service that requires a first-class Swiss Travel Pass and a reservation fee, which is not necessary for the Treno Gottardo.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Roger Sexton
    Participant
    1645 posts
    Reply 1 of 1 • 25 April 2025 at 15:40:33 #2547851

    Hello Puja

    Treno Gottardo

    Treno Gottardo is the name given to two lines which run 365-days a year on the Swiss Railway System.  They are operated by a company called Sudostbahn with single-deck trains painted brown.

    The trains numbered IR26 run every two hours Locarno-Bellinzona-Airolo-Göschenen-Flüelen-Arth-Goldau-Lucerne-Olten-Basel

    The trains numbered IR46 run every two hours Locarno-Bellinzona-Airolo-Göschenen-Flüelen-Arth-Goldau-Zug-Zϋrich.

    (Taken together the two lines provide an hourly service from Locarno to Arth-Goldau via the old scenic Gotthard line opened in 1882.)

    The Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/) is valid on these trains without your having to pay any supplement.  Just hop on at either Locarno or Bellinzona and show your STP to the conductor.

    If you get on an IR46 wanting to go to Lucerne, you will need to change at Arth-Goldau, on to an SBB train to get to Lucerne.

    The Treno Gottardo must not be confused with the Gotthard Panorama Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gotthard-panorama-express/)

    Slightly simplified the Gotthard Panorama Express is a special first class only luxury service which runs once a day summer only Lugano-Bellinzona-(Airolo)-Flüelen-Lucerne.  To travel on this service you need a first class STP and (in addition) pay a 24 CHF reservation fee.

    I have used the Treno Gottardo many times and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.  I have no plans to travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express.

    Best wishes

    Roger

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