Is Zurich Airport-Titlis doable in 1 day?

Hi All

I am reaching Zurich (from Boston) around 11pm in June end this year. I have a 26 hr layover and I plan to visit mount Titlis. I am trying to figure out the best way I can make it to Mount Titlis - Titlis Valley Station - from Zurich - such that I can atleast spend 1-1.5 hrs atop Titlis. From Titlis website - it seems the last ride down is at 5pm. I cannot do a bus tour as all tours leave earlier in the morning. I planned on driving using a rental car - but I am reading that the drive can be tricky with narrow roads and mountains - even in summer. The only other option left is to avail the train. I think the train ride is around 2.5 hrs from airport to Engelberg. My problem is - I am not sure if the flight will land at right time - or I will be able to get through immigration fast enough to pre book a train ride. The way it looks - trains can get filled up and seats not maynot be available if I do not pre book.

My understanding is - I have to take 3 trains - Zurich airport to Zurich HB and then Zurich HB to Luzerne and Luzerne to Engelberg - can anyone pls confirm?

Is there any chance that I will not be able to get a train seat if I do not pre book? or train seats are always available in those 3 lines? Note I need trains at specific times to make it to Engelberg in time.

Is there any better way I can make it to Titlis in time?

thanks

Hi mitraboston,

Welcome to MySwissAlps.

There are regular direct trains from Zurich Airport to Lucerne so there's no need to travel via Zurich HB. From Lucerne, direct trains to Engelberg depart every hour. The Titlis valley station is located within walking distance from the Engelberg train station. Seat reservations are not necessary.

If you take the 8.38 train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne, you might be able to reach Engelberg before 11am and this will give you enough time to plan a few activities on Titlis.

You can check train schedules here: www.myswissalps.com/timetable

Let us know if you need more info.

Regards,

Anna