How to board Gotthard Panorama Express boat ?

  • Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    2 February 2018 at 18:33:38 #814226

    My wife and I are planning to take a regular train from Lugano to Fluelen which runs the same route as the Gotthard Panorama Express train. We’ll have a 2nd class Swiss pass. We do not need tickets or seat reservations for a regular train. Will we be allowed to board a steamer boat from Fluelen to Lucerne just with the Swiss pass or do we need anything extra? Can anyone board the historic steamer boat if they don’t take the panorama train?

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    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    2 February 2018 at 19:42:46 #875518

    Hi dognlap and welcome to MySwissAlps!

    Yes, anyone can board any boat on Lake Lucerne with a valid rail pass or ticket.
    A Swiss Travel Pass will cover the trip on the boat – no need for any other ticket etc.

    You can see everything that is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass here.

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    2 February 2018 at 20:09:10 #875519

    With 2nd class pass you are confined to lower deck. You can always purchase a class upgrade just for the boat trip if you want to access the upper deck and dining room. Upgrade is half the difference between 1st and 2nd class fares.

    Removed user
    Participant
    72625 posts
    2 February 2018 at 21:27:21 #875520

    Thank you, guys! Another question – can one board a regular train from Lugano to Erstfeld and then on to Fluelen without a problem to be able to get window seats, enjoy the scenery and take pictures almost the same way as on Gotthard Panorama Express train, or those trains are too crowded and too fast? I checked the itinerary and it seems like the regular train makes about 10 stops on the way and still arrives 10 min earlier than the panorama express. We’re going there in late May after taking Glacier and Bernina express trains.

    rockoyster
    Participant
    8889 posts
    2 February 2018 at 21:42:58 #875521

    Late May should not be too busy. If you board early you should be fine. Just make sure you are going via Göschenen.

    The actual GPE goes a little bit slower than the regular trains and also stops, or goes real slow, in the Gotthard Tunnel for a slide and audio presentation on the construction of the tunnel.

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