Milan to Lucerne-alternative route

Hi,

In Sept. second week we have a plan of traveling from Venice Lucia-Milano Centrale-Arth Goldau-Luzern by train; leaving Venice at 0850 hrs and reaching Luzer by say 1700 hrs. we would like to know if we take train from Milano to Lugano and catch WILLHELM TELL EX. from Lugano by what time I may reach Luzern? Is sufficient space available in steam boat to keep our luggages ( 4 nos middle size suitcase)?

Thanks in anticipation.

Hi hsshastry!

There's a Wilhelm Tell Express train leaving Lugano at 11h33. The connecting boat from Flüelen to Lucerne will arrive in Lucerne at 16h47. Details, inluding a link to the timetables, are available at www.myswissalps.com/wi lhelmtellexpress. You'll have to leave early from Venezia St. Lucia to catch this train though, as this first leg to Lugano takes about 5 hours of traveling already. Luggage won't be a problem.

Alternatively, you can take any regular train from Lugano to Flüelen and get on a regular boat to Lucerne there, traveling the exact same route. In that case you won't be tied to specific times. You can plan this trip using the general timetable (www.myswissalps.com/ti metable) and the timetables for boats at Lake Lucerne (please follow the link under "More on other websites" at www.myswissalps.com/bo atlakelucerne).

Yet another option is to do the entire route by train, skipping the boat part. It's less diverse, but quicker and still scenic. You'd indeed travel via Arth-Goldau.