Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains,” is one of the easiest Swiss mountain destinations to reach by public transport. Cogwheel trains run from Vitznau and Arth-Goldau, while cable cars provide additional access from Weggis and Kräbel. Choosing the right Rigi ticket depends mainly on your route, whether you plan to return the same way, and which Swiss travel passes or discounts you already have.
Quick Answer
As of August 2026, the regular Mount Rigi Railways adult day pass costs CHF 84. A one-way trip from Vitznau or Goldau to Rigi Kulm costs CHF 52. Half-Fare holders pay 50%, while accompanied children through age 15, Swiss Travel Pass holders, and GA holders travel free on the core Rigi Railways network.
Key Takeaways
- The regular adult Rigi Railways day pass is CHF 84, with a CHF 42 Half-Fare price.
- Vitznau–Rigi Kulm and Goldau–Rigi Kulm cost CHF 52 one way or CHF 84 return for an adult.
- Children through age 15 travel free on Mount Rigi Railways when accompanied by an adult.
- Swiss Travel Pass and GA holders can use Mount Rigi Railways free of charge without buying a separate Rigi ticket.
- Buy before boarding when possible because a CHF 5 service fee applies to tickets issued on the train.
Types of Rigi Tickets Available
Rigi offers several ticket types, so the cheapest choice depends on what you plan to do after reaching the mountain.
One-Way Tickets
A one-way ticket is useful when you want to ride up and hike part or all of the way down, or when your itinerary finishes at a different point. For example, the current adult fare from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm is CHF 52 one way.
Return Tickets
A return ticket covers the trip up and back on the applicable route. For the main summit routes from Vitznau or Goldau, the regular adult return fare to Rigi Kulm is CHF 84.
Rigi Railways Day Pass
The Rigi Railways day pass also costs CHF 84 for a regular adult and CHF 42 with the Half-Fare Card. Unlike a simple point-to-point ticket, it allows unlimited travel for one day on the core Mount Rigi Railways network.
According to the official Rigi day-pass information, the covered network includes:
- Vitznau–Rigi Kulm cogwheel railway
- Goldau–Rigi Kulm cogwheel railway
- Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad aerial cable car
- Kräbel–Rigi Scheidegg aerial cable car
Note: “Rigi” includes mountain transport operated by more than one company. Do not assume that every cable car or railway around the mountain is included in a standard Rigi Railways day pass. Check the exact route before traveling.
Hiking Tickets
Rigi also sells special hiking tickets that combine selected railway or cable-car journeys with a planned hiking section. These can make sense when you intend to walk between stations instead of riding all day.
Rigi Day Pass With Lake Lucerne Boat Travel
Standard Rigi Railways tickets do not automatically include a boat trip from Lucerne. However, Rigi sells specific combination products that bundle a Lake Lucerne boat journey with a Rigi day pass. The exact route and current combination price should be checked in the official Rigi ticket shop.
365-Day Pass
Frequent visitors can also consider the Rigi 365-Day Pass. This is designed for repeated use rather than a single tourist visit and includes specified railways, lifts, ski areas, and toboggan runs. Check the official 365-Day Pass page for current prices and validity.
Rigi Ticket Prices
The official Mount Rigi tariff below is effective from June 1, 2026. Prices are in Swiss francs and may change, so confirm the fare on the official Rigi prices page before your trip.
| Ticket / Route | Adult | Half-Fare |
| Rigi Railways day pass | CHF 84 | CHF 42 |
| Vitznau–Rigi Kulm, one way | CHF 52 | CHF 26 |
| Vitznau–Rigi Kulm, return | CHF 84 | CHF 42 |
| Goldau–Rigi Kulm, one way | CHF 52 | CHF 26 |
| Goldau–Rigi Kulm, return | CHF 84 | CHF 42 |
| Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad–Rigi Kulm, one way | CHF 52 | CHF 26 |
| Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad–Rigi Kulm, return | CHF 84 | CHF 42 |
| Kräbel–Rigi Scheidegg, one way | CHF 24 | CHF 12 |
| Kräbel–Rigi Scheidegg, return | CHF 39 | CHF 19.50 |
Children through age 15 travel free on Mount Rigi Railways when accompanied by an adult. A child aged 6–15 traveling without an accompanying adult qualifies for a 50% reduction under the current discount rules.
Pro Tip: A regular Vitznau–Rigi Kulm or Goldau–Rigi Kulm return ticket and the full Rigi Railways day pass currently cost the same CHF 84 adult fare. If you want to explore more than a simple up-and-down route, the day pass can provide more flexibility.
Rigi Ticket Discounts and Special Offers
Rigi has several substantial discounts, but they are based mainly on travel passes, guest cards, age, residency, study status, and group arrangements rather than general peak-season sales.
| Discount Type | Current Benefit | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass / GA | Free travel | Valid pass required; separate Rigi ticket normally not needed |
| Lucerne Travel Pass and selected valid passes | Free travel | Check current area of validity |
| Accompanied children through age 15 | Free travel | Must be accompanied by an adult; group/school rules differ |
| Swiss Half Fare Card / Half-Fare Travelcard | 50% off | Valid card required |
| Eurail / Interrail | 50% off | Valid pass required |
| Children aged 6–15 traveling alone | 50% off | Child is not accompanied by an adult |
| Students / apprentices through age 24 | 50% off | Valid student or apprentice ID required |
| Eligible overnight guests / local residents | Up to 50% off | Appropriate guest or resident card required |
| Eligible regional guest cards | 20% off | Includes specified Lucerne, Weggis, Vitznau, Rigi, Greppen and Schwyz-region cards |
| Qualifying groups | 30% group tariff | Advance arrangements and group conditions apply |
Because eligibility rules can change and some discounts cannot be combined, confirm your category on the official Rigi discount page before purchasing.
Swiss Travel Pass
A valid Swiss Travel Pass provides free travel on Mount Rigi Railways. Rigi states that no separate ticket purchase or exchange is necessary for this category. This can make Rigi especially attractive to international visitors who already plan to use the Swiss Travel Pass for other journeys.
Families With Children
Families can save substantially because children through age 15 travel free on Mount Rigi Railways when accompanied by an adult. This rule applies to the Rigi Railways network and should not automatically be assumed to cover unrelated boat journeys or independently operated transport.
Group Discounts
Rigi publishes special group pricing and requires advance arrangements for larger groups. Its current information states that reservations apply from groups of 10 people, while the reduced group tariff is offered to qualifying groups larger than 10. Group tickets must be arranged through Rigi Guest Services and are subject to specific payment and booking conditions.
How to Purchase Rigi Tickets
The easiest option is to buy directly from the official Rigi online ticket shop. Online tickets can be displayed on a mobile phone, so printing is unnecessary.
Rigi also states that tickets are available through numerous outlets in Switzerland, including many SBB railway stations, the Lake Lucerne boat station, and the Tourist Information Office in Lucerne.
Warning: Rigi charges a CHF 5 service fee for each ticket issued on the train. Buy your ticket before boarding at a ticket office or through an online channel when possible.
Do You Need to Reserve a Seat?
Seat reservations are not obligatory for ordinary individual travel on Mount Rigi Railways. Larger groups should arrange their journey in advance under Rigi’s group rules.
Check the Timetable Before Traveling
Mountain railway schedules and cable-car operations can change because of seasons, maintenance, weather, or temporary interruptions. Check the official Rigi timetable shortly before departure instead of relying on an old printed or online schedule.
Tips for Saving Money on Rigi Tickets
The best way to reduce the cost of a Rigi visit is to use an existing travel-pass benefit or choose a ticket that matches your actual route.
- Check your travel pass first. Swiss Travel Pass, GA, Lucerne Travel Pass, Half-Fare, Eurail, Interrail, and other cards can substantially change the price.
- Do not buy a child ticket unnecessarily. Children through age 15 travel free on Rigi Railways when accompanied by an adult.
- Compare a one-way ticket with the day pass. If you will hike down, a CHF 52 one-way summit ticket may be enough. If you plan multiple rides, a day pass can provide better flexibility.
- Check your hotel or regional guest card. Eligible overnight guests and regional visitor-card holders can receive significant discounts.
- Arrange groups in advance. Qualifying groups can receive special pricing, but reservation and payment conditions apply.
- Buy before boarding. This avoids the CHF 5 onboard ticket-issuing fee.
- Compare a boat combination. If you are traveling from Lucerne by boat, compare the bundled Rigi-and-boat product against purchasing each component separately.
For many visitors, the biggest Rigi saving does not come from traveling on a quieter day. It comes from using the Swiss Travel Pass, Half-Fare Card, child-travel rule, guest-card benefit, or another discount they already qualify for.
Additional Costs to Consider
Your Rigi railway ticket may be only one part of the total cost of the day. Build the following items into your budget where relevant.
Boat or Bus Travel to the Valley Station
A standard Rigi Railways day pass does not automatically include every journey you may use to reach Vitznau, Weggis, Goldau, or another valley station. Boat, train, or bus travel outside the ticket’s stated area of validity may require a separate ticket unless you buy an applicable combination ticket or already hold a travel pass that covers it.
Onboard Ticket Service Fee
If you wait until you are already on a Rigi train to buy your ticket, a CHF 5 service fee is charged for each ticket issued onboard. Purchasing before boarding avoids this additional cost.
Parking
Paid parking is available at several Rigi access points. If you arrive by car, include parking costs when comparing driving with public transport.
Meals and Drinks
Restaurants and mountain hotels operate separately from Rigi railway fares. Food and drinks therefore need their own budget. Packing water and a simple snack can reduce spending during a long hiking day.
If you like bringing fruit on day trips, the existing guide to Asian melon provides one possible snack idea. Pack fresh food securely and keep temperature-sensitive items appropriately chilled.
Activities and Equipment
Do not assume that a railway ticket pays for every attraction or activity on the mountain. Spa admission, special experiences, equipment rental, and other paid services can have separate charges. Winter operations are also weather-dependent, so check current availability before planning around skiing, sledging, or other seasonal activities.
Other Mountain Railways
Several additional cable cars operate in the wider Rigi area, and their fares and pass acceptance can differ from the core Rigi Railways network. Always check the exact operator and ticket validity if your route includes Seebodenalp, Hinterbergen, Urmiberg, Burggeist, or another separately listed line.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Rigi Tickets and Prices
Choosing a Rigi ticket is much easier once you decide how you want to travel. For a straightforward summit trip from Vitznau or Goldau, the current regular adult fare is CHF 52 one way or CHF 84 return. Because the regular Rigi Railways day pass also costs CHF 84, it can be the more flexible choice if you want to use several covered trains or cable cars during the same day.
Before paying full price, check every discount you already qualify for. Swiss Travel Pass and GA holders can travel free on Mount Rigi Railways, Half-Fare holders pay 50%, and accompanied children through age 15 travel free. Regional guest cards, overnight stays, student status, and qualifying groups may also reduce the cost.
Buy your ticket before boarding to avoid the CHF 5 onboard service fee, and check the current timetable shortly before traveling. That combination of the right ticket, the right discount, and an up-to-date route check will make your Rigi visit easier to plan and less expensive.
Whether you ride directly to Rigi Kulm, combine trains and cable cars, or hike between stations, the mountain offers panoramic views across Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Swiss Alps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Rigi tickets are available?
Common options include one-way tickets, return tickets, the Rigi Railways day pass, hiking tickets, selected boat-and-Rigi combination products, and the 365-Day Pass for frequent visitors.
How much does a Rigi ticket cost in 2026?
Under the official tariff effective June 1, 2026, the regular Mount Rigi Railways day pass costs CHF 84 for an adult and CHF 42 with Half-Fare. Vitznau–Rigi Kulm and Goldau–Rigi Kulm cost CHF 52 one way or CHF 84 return for an adult.
Are there discounts available for Rigi tickets?
Yes. Swiss Travel Pass and GA holders travel free on Mount Rigi Railways. Half-Fare, Eurail, and Interrail holders receive a 50% reduction. Eligible students, overnight guests, local residents, guest-card holders, children traveling alone, and qualifying groups can also receive discounts under current Rigi rules.
Do children need a Rigi ticket?
Children through age 15 travel free on Mount Rigi Railways when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 6–15 traveling alone receive a 50% reduction. Different rules can apply to school groups and transport outside the core Rigi Railways network.
Can Rigi tickets be purchased in advance?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Rigi shop and through various sales outlets in Switzerland. Buying before boarding is recommended because tickets issued on the train carry a CHF 5 service fee.
What is included in the Rigi Railways day pass?
The standard day pass provides unlimited travel for one day on the core Rigi Railways routes: Vitznau–Rigi Kulm, Goldau–Rigi Kulm, Weggis–Rigi Kaltbad, and Kräbel–Rigi Scheidegg. It should not be assumed to include every separately operated railway, cable car, boat journey, attraction, or paid activity in the wider Rigi area.
Is Mount Rigi free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. Rigi states that valid Swiss Travel Pass holders travel free on Mount Rigi Railways and do not need to buy or exchange a separate Rigi ticket for the covered network.
Does a Rigi day pass include the boat from Lucerne?
Not automatically. Standard Rigi Railways tickets cover the stated mountain-railway network. Rigi also sells specific combination tickets that include Lake Lucerne boat travel, so check the product description before buying.
Do I need a seat reservation for Mount Rigi Railways?
Seat reservations are not obligatory for normal individual travel. Larger groups should make arrangements with Rigi in advance because separate group reservation and ticketing conditions apply.
Sources
- Rigi Official Prices — current day-pass, one-way, return, Half-Fare, child, and route-specific prices.
- Rigi Official Discounts — Swiss Travel Pass, GA, Half-Fare, children, students, guest cards, and group discounts.
- Rigi Official Tickets — ticket types, core day-pass network, online purchasing, and child-travel information.
- Rigi Ticket Service Fee — CHF 5 fee for tickets issued on the train.
- Rigi Questions & Answers — purchasing locations, Swiss Travel Pass validity, reservations, route options, and journey-planning information.
- Rigi Official Timetables — current operating periods and schedules for Rigi trains and cable cars.
