The Swiss Museum of Transport offers an extensive range of exhibitions dedicated to the evolution of transportation and communication technologies. The permanent collection features historic vehicles including vintage trains, planes, automobiles, and ships, giving insight into Switzerland’s role in transport development. Temporary exhibitions rotate regularly, focusing on specific themes or advancements such as aviation innovations or the future of mobility. Interactive displays allow visitors to engage hands-on with the mechanics and principles behind various modes of transport. Multimedia presentations provide detailed historical context and technical explanations, making the content accessible to all ages. The museum also includes a planetarium and a large collection of communication devices, highlighting the parallel progress in how people connect and share information. This combination of artifacts and technology offers a comprehensive understanding of transport’s impact on society. Children and adults alike benefit from the educational layout, which encourages curiosity through experiential learning. The museum is well-suited for visitors interested in engineering, history, and science, as well as families seeking a stimulating cultural outing. Plan to spend several hours to fully appreciate both the permanent and temporary exhibitions on display.
Tips for Attending
•Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
•Allow at least 3 hours to fully enjoy both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
•Wear comfortable shoes as the museum covers a large area with multiple floors.
•Check the museum’s website for current temporary exhibitions and special events.
•Visit the on-site café for refreshments and a break during your visit.
Practical Information
Wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for indoor walking. The museum is wheelchair accessible. While tickets can be bought at the door, booking online is recommended for faster entry and to secure spots for special exhibitions. Check opening hours ahead, as they may vary on holidays.
Best For
Swiss Museum of TransportLucerne museumstransport historyinteractive exhibitionsfamily activities Lucerne
A combination of exercise and relaxation for a perfect day, a 3-4 hour, 40 km/24 mile ride using a power-assisted electric bikes that most people of normal physical fitness and stamina can do, combined with a scenic 2-hour lake cruise back to Lucerne. Ride along mostly off-road paths and trails on a ridge overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains, through beautiful countryside, green forest, and neatly cultivated farmland. Walk in William Tell’s footsteps at the Hohle Gasse and learn more about Switzerland’s great hero and his enduring significance today. As you wander on back-roads to Brunnen you can stop by at the the Swiss Knife Valley Center and Retail Store and vitsit their interesting pocket knife museum. Note: minimum age to ride an E-Bike is 16 years.
With a single ticket, you gain access to the museum, the movie theater, the planetarium, and the Swiss Chocolate Adventure at the Swiss Museum of Transport.
The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne offers an extensive journey through the evolution of transportation in Switzerland, spanning land, air, and water. Visitors begin by entering the main building, where large-scale exhibits of historic locomotives and vintage automobiles are displayed against the backdrop of interactive multimedia presentations. The layout guides guests through a chronological and thematic arrangement, starting with early railways and carriages, moving to the rise of aviation, and culminating in modern innovations like electric vehicles and space travel. The tour is self-paced, allowing guests to take in detailed descriptions, artifacts, and hands-on simulators that replicate driving or flying experiences. Key stops within the museum include the Railway Hall, home to some of the country’s oldest steam engines and the well-known red RhB Glacier Express model train. The Aviation Pavilion presents actual aircraft from Swissair’s history and flight simulators replicating takeoffs and landings at Zurich Airport. The Navigation section features full-scale paddle steamers and displays on Swiss lakes and river transport. There is also a dedicated section on space exploration showing satellites and a replica of the Swiss-made REXUS rocket, alongside presentations on the Swiss role in international space missions. Children’s zones provide scaled-down vehicles and interactive displays to engage younger visitors. The museum does not offer guided tours, encouraging visitors to navigate at their own pace with the aid of multilingual audio guides available on request. Accessibility is a strong feature, with ramps, elevators, and spacious pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. The site is located just a short walk from Lucerne’s city center and accessible via public transportation. Cafés and picnic areas allow for breaks during the visit, and the museum shop stocks books, models, and souvenirs related to transport history. This tour is ideal for individuals interested in technology, engineering, and Swiss industrial history. Families with school-age children will find the interactive exhibits engaging, while transport enthusiasts and historians will appreciate the extensive collection of vehicles and archival materials. Visitors who appreciate detailed information and the ability to linger over specific exhibits will benefit most from this flexible, self-guided experience.
Ever wanted to knock back a shot of pure chocolate? Now's your chance! If you're a chocoholic, the Swiss Chocolate Adventure is a dream come true – it's the closest you're going to get to finding a golden ticket. Your sweet escape begins with an informative, fun-filled ride into the history of chocolate, from its discovery and manufacture to how the delicious commodity is transported around the world.
Ever wondered what it's like in the cockpit of a fighter jet? Or how it feels to ride the wind in a wingsuit? The Verkehrshaus lets you experience both, and that's only a fraction of what you can do inside. Get ready to learn everything there is about transport, from the early days of navigation right through to space exploration. As our feats of engineering get even more impressive, so do our ways of recording them – learn more about how media engages us at the museum's media world.
