I'm confused by all the various options for Swiss rail travel - all the rail passes, Swiss Card, transfer tickets, half-price card, day cards, Rail Away specials (discounted trips to specific attractions), Tell Pass and the like.

Our plan is simple: we're flying on LX via ZRH, and plan to stop off and visit Lucerne for 3 days. We are two adults and two small children (both are under 5 years old, and IIRC do not have to pay on Swiss trains).

So we will need train tickets from ZRH to Lucerne and return. While in Lucerne, we will stay nearby in Meggen (and thus use the local bus system to and from Lucerne). We plan to visit the Transport Museum, and go up one of the mountains (Pilatus probably) and on a boat on the lake.

If I understand correctly, Many of these attractions can be combined with an adult train ticket at a discount via Rail Away offers. At the same time, I understand that boats on the lake, cogwheel mountain trains and the like are sharply discounted for holders of some Swiss travel passes (but not normal tickets).

From what I've seen so far, it looks like the best deal is to get a Rail Away from ZRH to Lucerne, combined with entry to the Transport Museum or with travel up and down Mt Pilatus. But perhaps I'm missing something, and we're better off doing something else (Half-Fare Card etc.)?

I'm hoping that someone who is familiar with the Swiss rail network and/or Lucerne might be able to lend a hand...

Many thanks in advance for any advice!

Michael