Lucerne to Zermatt by boat and train

DawnSiler

Hi-
This summer we will have 1/2fare - 30day cards.
Is there a combination boat ticket to CRUISE Lake Lucerne and catch the Gotthard and Glacier Express trains to Zermatt?
In July 2024 we want to cruise in the boat from Lucerne to Fluelen, catch the Gotthard Panorama Express to Goschenen – AND continue with the Glacier Express from Andermatt to Zermatt.

Does SBB or Cruise Lines off a combination ticket (boat + express trains)?
Thank you-

RolandP

Hello DawnSiler

From my point of view, this travel can be done without the need of special package. All the lines are served by regular train services as well.

You can simply board the boat in Lucerne and travel as far as Flüelen. From there, a train connection to Göschenen (no need for the Gotthard Panorama Express). From there, another train to Andermatt, then a train to Brig, and utlimately a train to Zermatt. Alternatively, you could get on the Glacier Express in Andermatt with direct service to Zermatt.

For this itinerary, I suggest buying a Saver Day Pass, either 1st or 2nd class. 1st is definitely worth the money. The Saver Day Pass covers all public transport services on its day of validity.

For the Glacier Express, you will need a seat reservation in addition. You can get the seat reservation from the Glacier Express website: https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/

All train & boat schedules can be found on www.sbb.ch/en or by using the SBB Mobile app on your smart phone.

Please let us know, should you be in need of more information.

Best regards,
Roland

DawnSiler

Hi Roland-
Thanks for your helpful information. I have taken a sternwheel boat from Lucerne several times to Isleten for lunch and familiar with the boat service.
Thank you for the information on trains from Fluelen to Andermatt. We can use our mobile device to buy our tickets to Andernatt and then get a reservation for the Glacier Express

But my main interest are the Panorama trains and the view. The friend who is joining me has never been to Switzerland. Although I have hiked in Zermatt many times, I would love for her to experience the Glacier Express before we arrive in Zermatt. We will be in Switzerland for 3 weeks.

I am not familiar with the Saver fare. I will research it. (I have always used a Half Fare Card because I ride lots of gondolas, buses and trains.)

I may have additional questions.
Again, many thanks for the time to share your knowledge and information-
Dawn Siler- Seattle USA

DawnSiler

Hi Roland and all you good folks out there-
If I already have a half fare card (good for 30 days), can I save MORE money with a Saver Day Pass from Lake Lucerne to Zermatt, including purchasing a first class ticket on the Glacier Express (Andermatt to Zermatt)?
Thank you-
Dawn Siler - Seattle USA

RolandP

Hello DawnSiler

Thanks for your kind words. Nice to read that you have visited our country so many times already. And, Lake Lucerne is definitely worth a visit every single time.

Here my thoughts:

For the stretch from Flüelen to Göschenen, you can simply take the Treno Gottardo. It runs as IR26 or IR46 on that line. There is no need to take the Gotthard Panorama Express.

https://www.ticino.ch/pictures/infoturistica/verybig4/86872_a.jpg
Copyright: https://www.ticino.ch

You are welcome to use a Saver Day Pass, either for 2nd class or 1st class, with or without the Half Fare Card.

When you decide to purchase a 2nd class Saver Day Pass, you can simply purchase an upgrade for the Glacier Express part (a so called point-to-point class upgrade from Andermatt to Zermatt). However, I personally would purchase a 1st class Saver Day Pass as the 1st class on the boat is less busy, and also offers better views as it is on the upper deck. In 1st, I always feel like a king when travelling in 1st on these majestic boats. But since you know it, you certainly can follow my thoughts. Also, the Treno Gottardo 1st class is very comfortable, you may have a look here (the black seats):

https://unterwegs.sob.ch/de/stories/zugreise

Here is an overview of all possible class upgrades with the Saver Day Pass:

https://www.sbb.ch/en/tickets-offers/tickets/point-to-point-tickets-switzerland/class-upgrades-supersaver-class-upgrades/class-upgrade.html

Let us know if we can be of further assistance.

Kind regards,
Roland