Gotthard Panorama Express: Tips for the Best Seats and Views

Turn travel into a legendary adventure by taking the Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano to Lucerne. This iconic journey is not just a train ride; it is a unique combination of a steamboat cruise and a first-class panoramic train that bridges the gap between the sunny, Mediterranean south and the historic heart of Central Switzerland.

Starting in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, you will travel along the historic Gotthard mountain route, passing through the original Gotthard tunnel completed in 1882. As you climb over the Alps and descend towards the north, you will experience the dramatic shift from palm-lined shores to the placid, fjord-like banks of Lake Lucerne. Whether you are looking for the best scenic train in Switzerland or a deep dive into Swiss history, this route offers an unforgettable perspective on the landscape.

Pro-Tip: Timetable for 2026 – The Gotthard Panorama Express 2026 season officially begins on April 18, 2026, and runs through October 18, 2026.

During our Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, we took many panoramic trains, and the Gotthard Panorama Express was easily our favourite. It encompasses dreamy views and an emotive journey through time as you travel along the historic mountain route. Unlike the faster Gotthard Base Tunnel, which remains underground for 35 miles, this train climbs over the Alps and through the original Gotthard Tunnel completed in 1882. We found the staff on board incredibly attentive; they serve as multilingual guides, sharing fascinating legends about the locations you pass. A major highlight for us was the Wassen Church, which is so famous that the train’s clever spiral loops allow you to see it from three different angles. It truly felt like a curated history lesson combined with the best of Swiss scenery.

Where does the Gotthard Panorama Express Journey Begin?

Gotthard Panorama Express Lucerne to Lugano

The journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express can begin from either the north or the south, but the most traditional route starts in the historic city of Lucerne. If you are departing from the north, your adventure begins at the Lucerne landing stage (Pier 1), located directly across from the main railway station. Here, you board a nostalgic paddle steamer or a modern motor vessel for a 2 hour and 45 minute cruise across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen.

Alternatively, if you are starting from the south like us, the journey begins at Lugano station. From here, you board the 1st class panoramic train for the 2.5 hour rail leg, passing through the Mediterranean landscapes of Ticino and over the scenic Gotthard mountain route before transferring to the boat in Flüelen. For those looking to skip the boat portion, it is also possible to join the train at Arth-Goldau, though we highly recommend the full “boat and rail” experience to truly see why this is considered the best scenic train in Switzerland.

The entire journey involves two modes of transport just like the old days. From Lugano to Flüelen the journey begins on luxurious 1st class panorama train over the world-famous and historic Gotthard route. From Flüelen you will enjoy a leisurely trip on a historic steamboat or a beautiful modern boat operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV).

If you are starting in Lucerne, ensure you arrive at Pier 1 at least 15 minutes early. There is a dedicated Gotthard Panorama Express Welcome Desk right on the pier where you can drop off your luggage by 11:00 AM, and they will magically transport it to the platform in Lugano for you! From Lugano your luggage will also be collected and will be waiting for you in Lucerne so that you can relax and enjoy the views without having to worry about taking your luggage from train to ship.

Is the Gotthard Panorama Express worth it?

Whether the Gotthard Panorama Express is worth it depends on your love for slow travel and history. Unlike the modern “Basistunnel” route which stays underground for 35 miles, this journey takes the historic mountain route through the original 1882 tunnel. The combination of a 2.5 hour Lake Lucerne steamboat cruise and a 1st class panoramic train makes it a premium, multi-sensory experience. While it is more expensive and slower than a standard train, the floor to ceiling windows and the historical narration on board make it worth every penny for those who want to see the Swiss Alps from every angle.  

How long does the Gotthard Panorama Express take?

The entire Gotthard Panorama Express takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. The journey is split into two distinct parts. First, you spend roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes on a boat across Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Flüelen. After a quick transfer at the pier, the train portion of the trip takes another 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Lugano. It is a leisurely “slow travel” experience designed for sightseeing rather than speed.  You can also travel in the direction of Lugano to Lucerne like we did.

Where does the Gotthard Express stop?

The Gotthard Panorama Express stops at several key locations along its historic route. The journey begins at Lucerne (pier 1) by boat, making stops at scenic lakeside villages like Vitznau and Brunnen before reaching Flüelen. Once you board the train in Flüelen, the major stops include Göschenen, Airolo, and Bellinzona, eventually concluding in Lugano. One of the most impressive cultural highlights of the journey is the stop in Bellinzona, the capital of the Ticino canton. As the train pulls into the station, you are immediately greeted by the sight of the three medieval castles—Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro—which together form a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site. These 15th-century fortifications were built by the Dukes of Milan to block the passage to the north, and they remain some of the finest examples of medieval defensive architecture in Europe.

While the Gotthard Panorama Express only makes a brief stop here, it is well worth looking out of the panoramic windows to see Castelgrande perched on its rocky peak in the centre of town. If you have more time in your itinerary, we highly recommend getting off at Bellinzona to explore the ramparts and the charming Old Town, especially on a Saturday when the traditional market fills the streets with local Ticinese produce. It is a fantastic way to break up your trip from Lugano to Lucerne and immerse yourself in the rich military history of the region.

Pro-Tip: If you are using a Swiss Travel Pass, entry to all three castles and their museums is completely free.

 

Is the Gotthard Panorama Express included in the Swiss Pass?

The Gotthard Panorama Express is included in the Swiss Travel Pass, meaning your base fare is fully covered. However, there is a catch. Because the train is a premium panoramic service, a compulsory seat reservation is required, which costs CHF 24 per person (2026 rate). Furthermore, the train portion is 1st class only. If you hold a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass, you will need to pay a class upgrade supplement in addition to your reservation fee to board the train. Without a valid reservation and a 1st class ticket, you will not be permitted to board the panoramic carriages.

Is a reservation needed for the boat?

No, there is no seat reservation needed for the boat portion of the journey across Lake Lucerne. Seating on the boat is first-come, first-served. However, if you have a 1st class ticket or pass, you are entitled to sit on the upper deck, which offers the best views. If you wish to have lunch in the boat’s restaurant, we highly recommend reserving a table online in advance, as the dining area can fill up quickly during the peak summer months.

How do I book my Gotthard Panorama Express reservation?

The easiest way to book is through the official Gotthard Panorama Express website or the SBB app. When booking, you can select “Reservation only” as your discount if you already hold a Swiss Travel Pass. For those travelling in 2026, the booking window typically opens in March, and the train operates daily from 18 April to 18 October. Check out our full guide on how to use your Swiss Travel Pass and find out if we think the Swiss Travel Pass is worth it!

What if I have a 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass?

Since the Gotthard Panorama Express train is exclusively 1st class, holders of a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass must pay two separate fees:

1. The CHF 24 mandatory seat reservation.

2. A 1st class upgrade for the Flüelen to Lugano leg (roughly CHF 17 to CHF 20 in 2026).

You can purchase this “Route Upgrade” at any Swiss train station or via the SBB app before you board.

Can I bring luggage on the Gotthard Panorama Express?

Yes, there is ample space for luggage on both the boat and the train. For an even more seamless experience, you can use the SBB luggage service. If you are starting in Lucerne, you can drop your bags at the welcome desk at Pier 1 by 11:00 AM, and they will be waiting for you at the platform in Lugano when you arrive. From the opposite direction there is a luggage drop off area on the platform before you board at Lugano.

What to do if the Gotthard Panorama Express is fully booked?

If you find that the Gotthard Panorama Express is fully booked or if you are travelling during the winter off-season (November to March), there is no need to worry. You can still experience the exact same world-class views by taking the Treno Gottardo.

This copper-coloured regional train follows the identical historic mountain route, including the famous spiral loops around the Wassen Church, but it runs hourly and year-round. Unlike the official Panorama Express, the Treno Gottardo offers both 1st and 2nd class carriages and does not require a compulsory seat reservation, making it the best alternative for budget-conscious travellers or those with a 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass. To find it on the SBB app, simply search for a route from Lucerne to Lugano and add “via Göschenen” to ensure you avoid the faster, darker Base Tunnel.

Note for 2026 travellers: While the Treno Gottardo stops at Göschenen and Airolo, please be aware that as of the 2026 timetable, the official Gotthard Panorama Express train will no longer serve these two stops. It will run daily from 18 April to 18 October 2026, including Mondays!

Gotthard Panorama Express vs Treno Gottardo: Which is better?

When choosing between the Gotthard Panorama Express vs Treno Gottardo, the best option depends on your budget and schedule. The official Panorama Express is a 1st class only, seasonal service (running April to October) that includes a boat cruise and panoramic windows. In contrast, the Treno Gottardo is a regular “copper-coloured” train that runs hourly year-round. It follows the exact same scenic mountain route but offers both 1st and 2nd class seating and does not require a reservation fee. If you are a budget traveller with a 2nd class Swiss Pass, the Treno Gottardo is the better way to see the same views for free.  

There are some details about the Gotthard Panorama Express which make the ticket price worth it in our opinion. Apart from the many breathtaking sights, you can enjoy special presentations about history, myths and legends around Gotthard during this historic journey through time. Last but not least, you can enjoy delicious food onboard. You can relish warm meals on the steamboat or enjoy snacks and beverages on the train.

What is it like onboard the Gotthard Panorama Express?

The interiors of the first-class coaches of the Gotthard Panorama Express are exceptionally spacious, with lots of space to stretch your legs and admire the views through the large panoramic windows. Second-class seats aren’t as generous, and the windows aren’t as large, but they cost much less than first-class fares and the views can still be enjoyed. Seat reservations are essential and 2nd class ticket holders wanting to enjoy the panoramic wagon must pay for a class upgrade for the corresponding route on the panorama train. On the train a surcharge of 17 CHF per person is charged on the panoramic train between Flüelen and Lugano.

There is a photo coach on the train (more on that later) where you can open the windows and feel the breeze and enjoy taking photographs without worrying about the reflection in the glass. But if you simply want to sit back and relax and soak it all in you can do so in style on the panoramic wagons. The entire wagon has been raised to provide unobstructed views.

Practical information

• The Gotthard Panorama Express runs from mid-April to late October every year (Tuesday-Sunday).
• Out of season the Treno Gottardo can be used as an alternative. It traverses the Gotthard panorama route once an hour, 365 days of the year.
• The entire journey takes 5.5 hours.
• The price for the Gotthard Panorama Express consists of the ticket for the boat and railway journey and the mandatory “Gotthard Panorama Express” supplement of 17 CHF.
• Seats must be reserved in advance on the train but you do not need to reserve seating on the boat journey.
• Click here for information on tickets and pricing.
• Groups benefit from a 30% discount on tickets (does not apply to the compulsonary supplement).
• You can enjoy the journey in either direction, Lugano-Lucerne or Lucerne-Lugano.
• You don’t have to worry about dragging your luggage around from train to boat. At Lugano your luggage will be collected and after you board the boat at Flüelen to Lucerne your luggage will continue on by train and will be waiting for you at Lucerne’s main train station.

Enjoy the history onboard the Gotthard Panorama Express

Once you board your designated wagon on the Gotthard Panorama Express your guide will introduce themselves and briefly explain what you are to expect onboard. They will continue to show you points of interest, share historical facts and ancedotes, and answer any questions that you have along the way. Information and history of the Gotthard Pass will also be given en-route over the trains speakers so that you can fully immerse yourself in the entire journey.

Best things to enjoy on the Gotthard Panorama Express

• Chapel Bridge, Lucerne.
• Lake Lucerne steamer calling at Treib.
• Tell’s Chapel, on the Swiss Trail.
• Flüelen, where the Gotthard Panorama Express boat and train meet.
• Gotthard Panorama Express and Wassen Church.
• Lugano lakeside promenade with Monte San Salvatore.

Take a journey through time as you pass through the Gotthard Tunnel

The Gotthard Tunnel connects Göschenen with Airolo and was the first tunnel through the Saint-Gotthard Massif in order to bypass the St Gotthard Pass. It is a major transport axis of Europe connecting north to south Europe. The Gotthard Pass has been a crucial commercial route between Northern and Southern Europe since the Middle Ages, and travel across it has played a significant part in the history of Switzerland. Through the 13th century, the only way to get across the alps was by negotiating the slippery granite mountain. Slowly, cliff-hugging wooden paths and bridges were built to transport goods. The Gotthard’s central and advantageous location has led to it being dubbed to as the “King of Mountain Passes”.

The Swiss engineer Louis Favre received the contract to build the tunnel and in 1871 construction of the Gotthard Rail Tunnel commenced. It took 10 years to complete and was an internationally acclaimed feat of engineering. It was no easy task and many men lost their lives during the tunnel’s construction. Besides the difficulty in creating the 15 kilometre long Gotthard Tunnel (which at the time was the longest tunnel in the world), overcoming the altitude differences of almost 1,000m was a complex challenge. The solution was to create loop tunnels that will be a highlight of your journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express. Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries and bridges testify to the remarkable achievements of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering.

Once you enter the tunnel the train slows significantly and you can enjoy a visual presentation documenting the building of the tunnel. It is a wonderfully immersive experience and really gives you an indication of how harsh conditions must have been for the workers and just how big of a challenge it was.

Send a postcard home

In memory of the horse carriages that used to trek the Gotthard Pass daily delivering mail you can send your own message to home directly from the Gotthard Panorama Express. Stamped postcards are provided and are collected just before your journey ends.

Enjoy views of Tremola Road

On the southern side of the mountain runs the Tremola Road. This old pass road is maintained in its original state since 1832 and is Switzerland’s longest street monument with even the old dry-stone walls still in place. The 24 hairpins over only four kilometres of granite cobblestone and 300 metres of altitude were part of the first carriage road through the Gotthard, built between 1828 and 1832 by the engineer Francesco Moschini based on the old mule track. You can enjoy the terrifying twists and turns of this impressive road from the comfort of your seat.

Corkscrew views of Wassen Church

The beautiful Baroque church in Wassen is certainly one of the most well-known in Switzerland, if not the most well-known, because you get to see it three times at three different elevations from the train. The height increases dramatically in Wassen, where the train makes two corkscrew, or helical, loops through mountain tunnels to increase altitude. You will see the charming St. Gallus Church before and after each loop from a different perspective, moving from eye level to higher and then higher again, without even seeming to advance.

Wassen Church Three Times

The “myth” of the Wassen Church is one of the most entertaining parts of the Gotthard Panorama Express experience. It is a legendary quirk of Swiss engineering that leaves many passengers feeling a sense of “déjà vu” as they look out the window. If you hear people talking about seeing the Wassen Church three times, they aren’t exaggerating, it is a result of the incredible spiral tunnels required to navigate the steep Alpine terrain.

How the “Triple View” Works

To manage the massive change in elevation between the mountain peaks and the valley floor, engineers couldn’t simply build a straight track. Instead, they designed a series of spiral loops (known as Kehrtunnels). As the train winds its way through the mountain, it performs a series of loops that effectively turn the train around while it gains or loses altitude.  

Because the white Baroque Church of St. Gallus sits on a prominent rocky outcrop in the village of Wassen, it serves as a fixed landmark. As the train loops:

1. First Look: You see the church from high above, looking down into the valley.

2. Second Look: After the first loop, the train passes the church at almost eye-level, but from the opposite direction.

3. Third Look: After the final loop, you look back up at the church tower as it sits high above you on the cliffside.

Pro-Tip: The onboard narration will usually announce, “Look out for the church on your right!” (or left, depending on your direction). However, because the train is turning inside the mountain, the church will actually switch sides of the train between the first and second views. For the best experience, keep your camera ready for about 15 minutes after you leave the Gotthard Tunnel (if heading south) or after leaving Erstfeld (if heading north). It is the ultimate testament to the Gotthard mountain route’s complexity and a must-capture moment for your Gotthard Panorama Express photo gallery.

Middle Meienreuss Bridge

The train crosses a number of beautiful bridges and tunnels in Ticino but perhaps the most eye-catching of these is the Middle Meienreuss Bridge. Spanning over the river gorge it is supported at each end by three arches.

Look for the man waving the Swiss Flag

Just before the Gotthard tunnel in Göschenen, the train is greeted by a man waving a Swiss flag. Every day as the Gotthard Panorama Express passes a white-haired man stands in his garden and passionately waves a Swiss Flag to the delight of passengers onboard. Xavier Andermatt lives three metres from the tracks in a former railway attendant’s cottage and loves this ritual. He may even yodel to you.

Insider Secret: There is a “Photo Coach” onboard so that you can get the perfect shot!

Capturing the perfect shot on the Gotthard Panorama Express requires a bit of timing and insider knowledge. Because the train winds through the mountains using complex spiral tunnels, you will actually pass the same landmarks multiple times from different heights.

The Photographer’s Pro-Tip: The Photo Coach

If you want to capture professional-quality images of the Gotthard mountain route, there is one “hidden” feature you need to know about: the Photo Coach. While the 1st-class panoramic carriages offer incredible floor-to-ceiling views, the thick, curved glass can often cause frustrating glares and reflections, especially when the sun is high over the Alps.

To solve this, the Gotthard Panorama Express includes a dedicated carriage, usually located in the middle of the train, where the windows actually open. This is a game-changer for anyone looking for that perfect, reflection-free shot of the Wassen Church or the rugged Reuss Valley.  

Why the Photo Coach is a must-visit:

• Zero Reflections: By lowering the window, you eliminate the barrier between your lens and the landscape, ensuring your photos of the Swiss Alps are crisp and vibrant.  

• The Sensory Experience: Beyond the photos, the Photo Coach allows you to hear the echoes of the train in the tunnels and smell the fresh Alpine air, making the journey feel much more immersive.

• Room to Move: This carriage is designed for standing and moving between the left and right sides of the train, which is essential when the scenery quickly shifts during the Gotthard spiral loops.

Photo Coach Etiquette: While you have a reserved seat in the panoramic car, the Photo Coach is a shared space for everyone on board. We recommend heading there about 10 minutes before you reach the Wassen spirals or the Gotthard Tunnel entrance. Just remember to hold onto your camera strap tightly, as the wind can be quite strong when the train is at full speed! The open windows allow you to lean out (carefully!) and capture the crisp mountain air and vibrant colours of the Reuss Valley without any glare.

Flüelen

The train makes its way to its final stop at the historic stop at Flüelen. As you disembark the train you will be greeted by colourful flags waving in the breeze and a jawdropping mountain backdrop. Flüelen is the gateway to the high Alps and you will follow in the footsteps of passengers and merchants who started making the same change from rail to water since the arrival of steamboats and trains in the 19th century.

Here either a restored paddle steamer or a modern and elegant motorboat will be waiting to take you on a beautiful 2 and a half hour journey to Lucerne. You can choose to sit in the lounge with its bar, or relax on the outside seating, soaking up the sun as you go. The boat will slowly glide past pretty villages with fantastic views of the mountains as it makes its way to Lucerne. Awe-inspiring cliffs soar up from the water with views of the Fronalpstock mountain.

Tell’s Chapel

The Tellskapelle (Tell’s Chapel) is located on the Tellsplatte or Tellenplatte on the shore of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Axenberg cliffs. You pass by it as you make your way to Lucerne. It marks the spot on the bank of the lake where Swiss hero William Tell escaped the boat of his captor, the brutal ruler Albrecht Gessler, during a storm. From there Tell ambushed and killed Gessler with an arrow, launching the young Confederacy’s rebellion against Austrian rule. The current chapel was built in 1879 and it is decorated with four frescos by Ernst Stückelberg. The frescos show “The Rütli Oath”, “The Apple Shot”, “The Tell Leap” and “Gessler’s Death in the Hohle Gasse”.

Pass by the Rütli meadow

On your journey to Lucerne you will sail past the Rütli Meadow where three cantons confirmed their confederation pact on 1st August 1291 – the very beginnings of Switzerland. Today, the Rütli belongs to the school children of Switzerland, who collected money in the 1990s to save the historic meadow from being sold.

 You will also pass by two of Lake Lucerne’s most famous mountains. To one side of the lake there’s Mount Rigi, with the oldest cog railway in Europe leading up from Vitznau, and to the other there’s spectacular Mount Pilatus which is reached by the world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad. If you prefer you can disembark the boat at this point and enjoy either excursion before rejoining a later boat on to Lucerne.

Lucerne might just be one of our favourite cities in Switzerland. It is the ideal destination for tourists making their first trip to Switzerland. You will be greeted by a dazzling lake surrounded by towering mountains, antique painted buildings in the Old Town, and shops selling the most exquisite chocolates. Here, you can explore the well-known Chapel Bridge, dine by the river, and travel to Mount Rigi, also referred to as the “Queen of Mountains.”

Lucerne is actually a great base for a number of mountain expeditions. The ‘Golden Round Tour‘, a day trip that involves transit by boat, cable car, and the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, is a well-known feature of Mount Pilatus. The top offers breathtaking vistas. Providing a cliffside walk with amazing views over the lake, while the Stanserhorn is another favourite for walking and the chance to ride in an open top cable car.

Read all about how we spent one day in Lucerne with our full itinerary and tips on how to enjoy 24 hours in the city.

Excursions that you can enjoy from the Gotthard Panorama Express

• Castles of Bellinzona – UNESCO World Heritage site
• San Salvatore – local mountain and the “Sugarloaf” of Lugano
• Lake Lugano Cruises
• Pilatus – Lucerne’s legendary local mountain
• Rigi – the queen of the mountains

About us

We are Nicola and Ronan Lavin experts in finding unique accommodation all over the world. Voted as No.1 Travel Bloggers in Ireland by Stellar Magazine and the Top 10 Travel Influencers in Ireland by readers of the Irish Independent, we are dedicated to helping you find authentic and immersive travel experiences to help you plan your perfect vacation.

We’ve spent years exploring Ireland and have a real passion for finding the most unique places to stay — from dreamy luxury cabins tucked away in the woods to boutique hotels with a story to tell. We’re drawn to places that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of character. It’s not just about pretty interiors (although we do love those too), it’s about the feeling a space gives you. Somewhere that lets you switch off, reconnect, and make memories. That’s what we always look for, and it’s what we love sharing with you. We’re currently putting the finishing touches on a brand new guide featuring hundreds of the most unique places to stay and luxury hotels across Ireland. If you’re planning a romantic break, a wellness retreat, or just a cosy weekend away, this guide will be packed with inspiration. Sign up to our email list to be the first to hear when it launches — trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

**Disclaimer: Our trip on the Gotthard Panorama Express was hosted by Swiss Travel System. We only ever work with brands that we are 100% happy to recommend to you guys and happily pay for ourselves. Complimentary travel passes allowed us to fully experience Switzerland, give honest reviews and create content for you guys to enjoy. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links meaning that if you book through one of our links we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us create the wonderful travel guides that we do**

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