Information about the Gotthard Tunnel

The Gotthard Road Tunnel is an important road tunnel in Switzerland, connecting northern and southern Europe through the Swiss Alps. Here are the key details:

Special CUPRA lane

When is the special CUPRA lane open?

from Saturday, May 17, to Sunday, June 29, 2025:

every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
including Pentecost Monday, June 9, 2025

from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, September 28, 2025:

every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (from September from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

from Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 26, 2025:

every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Airolo and the Gotthard and Nufenen passes can be reached quickly via the Airolo/Passes preferential lane CUPRA without leaving the highway and without getting stuck in traffic jams.

General Information

Location

The Gotthard Road Tunnel is located in the Canton of Uri, connecting the towns of Göschenen in the north and Airolo in the south.

Opening

The tunnel was opened on September 5, 1980.

Length

The tunnel is 16.9 kilometers long, making it one of the longest road tunnels in the world.

Technical Details

Tube

The tunnel has a single tube with two lanes (one per direction).

Speed Limit

The maximum speed in the tunnel is 80 km/h.

Ventilation

The tunnel is equipped with an advanced ventilation system that provides fresh air and removes exhaust gases.

Safety
There are numerous safety features, including emergency exits every 250 meters, video surveillance, and tunnel safety management.

Significance

Traffic

The Gotthard Road Tunnel is one of the most important north-south connections in Europe and is heavily used by cars, trucks, and coaches.

Economy

The tunnel is crucial for freight traffic between northern and southern Europe and significantly contributes to the Swiss economy.

Tourism

It facilitates access to the tourist regions in Ticino and the Swiss Alps.

Challenges and Measures

Traffic Volume

The tunnel is often heavily trafficked, especially during holiday periods, leading to congestion.

Maintenance

Due to its age and high usage, regular maintenance work is necessary, which can lead to temporary closures.

Second Tube

To increase traffic safety and capacity, a second tube is being built, scheduled for completion in 2029. This will also allow for the renovation of the existing tube.

Usage and Tips

Travel Times

It is advisable to avoid peak times, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid long waiting times.

Toll

A motorway vignette, which must be renewed annually, is required to use the tunnel.

Alternative Routes

In case of heavy traffic, alternative routes can be used via the Gotthard Pass road or the San Bernardino Tunnel.