The Wilhelm Tell Express links two of Switzerland’s most attractive regions: Central Switzerland and Ticino. The trip starts out on a 1st class historic paddle steamer plying the deep blue waters of Lake Lucerne. On board, enjoy an elegant three-course lunch. In Flüelen, switch to a panorama train which will either bring you to Lugano or to Locarno. The train goes through the St Gotthard Mountain range, where a series of impressive switchback tunnels will bring you up the mountain.
Wilhelm Tell Express (Switzerland)
Routes and Travel Times
Lucerne - Lake Lucerne - Flüelen - St. Gotthard - Bellinzona - Locarno/Lugano
Travel Times:
Two daily services from Central Switzerland to Ticino and vice versa
The journey to Locarno takes 4 hours and if travelling to Lugano, this is just another 15 minutes away. The cruise time between Lucerne and Flüelen is 2½ hours.
Travellers to Lugano must change trains at Bellinzona.
The Journey
Board the nostalgic paddle steamer in Lucerne. While you enjoy a hot or cold dish in the first-class restaurant, watch sleepy bays, picturesque villages and historic landmarks such as the Rütli and the Tellsplatte as you glide silently by.
In Flüelen, only a few steps away from the pier, you board air-conditioned, first-class panorama cars of the Swiss Federal Railways. The trip continues through the awesome Reuss Valley with its deep ravines and precipitous cliffs. The world-famous Gotthard line swiftly climbs from 470 to about 1100 metres above sea level to finally enter the 15km long Gotthard tunnel in Göschenen, Europe’s most important north/south gateway.
Countless spiral and horseshoe tunnels, galleries and bridges testify to the remarkable achievements of the men who built this masterpiece of civil engineering. Then, after the 10-minute tunnel passage, you’ll arrive in Ticino.
In the Leventina Valley, the Wilhelm Tell Express crosses breathtaking cantilevered bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona. From here, the next leg is to Locarno or Lugano: It will be up to you to decide.
Onboard Services
The Wilhelm Tell Express is a 1st class service.
• Boat trip in 1st class on Lake Lucerne (Lucerne-Flüelen or Flüelen-Lucerne) by nostalgic paddle steamer or sometimes operated by motor boat
• Meal voucher worth CHF 19 redeemable on board the boat
• Multilingual commentary on board the steamer
• Train ride on the world-famous Gotthard route in panorama coach or 1st class coach
• An informative travel brochure in the passenger's preferred language
• Reserved seats on board both boat and train
• Attractive Wilhelm Tell Express souvenir
Fast Baggage
Travel in comfort without your luggage between Lucerne, Lugano and Locarno – thanks to SBB’s ‘’fast baggage’’ service. Hand in your luggage before 9am and collect it again after 6pm at your destination.
Fares
Compulsory seat reservation for boat and rail travel.
Seat reservations are compulsory and must be booked in conjunction with either a ticket or a pass.
Passholder reservations are available in conjunction with the following passes: Swiss Pass, Swiss FlexiPass, Eurail Austria-Switzerland, Eurail France-Switzerland, Eurail Germany-Switzerland, Eurail Select Pass (including Switzerland) and Eurail Global Pass
Exchange/Refund
Reservations are non-refundable
To Book
This product is not currently available to book through our online booking system.
To book, please contact one of our Rail Specialists on 1300 360 823 or email details of your requirements to
info@railtickets.com.au
Rail Protection Plan
Many rail passes and tickets are non refundable and cannot be reissued, our Rail Protection Plan offers peace of mind knowing that you are financially covered if things do go wrong.