Information on the traffic jam at the Gotthard tunnel
When is the most traffic expected at the Gotthard Tunnel?
The heaviest traffic at the Gotthard Tunnel typically occurs on weekends, as well as on Fridays heading south and on Mondays heading north.
What is the best time to pass through the Gotthard Tunnel?
Generally, traffic congestion heading south decreases in the afternoon. Heading north, the midday hours are problematic. Nighttime passage is usually unproblematic.
How much longer does the drive over the Gotthard Pass take?
The drive over the Gotthard Pass takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes longer. However, this route is only recommended in good weather, as visibility can be significantly reduced in cloudy or foggy conditions.
How long does it take to drive through the Gotthard Tunnel?
The Gotthard Tunnel, which at 17 kilometers is the longest Alpine tunnel, takes about 20 minutes to traverse under normal traffic conditions.
How many vehicles are allowed through the Gotthard Tunnel?
Since the fire disaster in 2001, the cantons of Uri and Ticino have implemented a drip-feed system at the tunnel entrances. A maximum of 1000 vehicle units per hour are allowed in each direction, with one truck counting as three units. Due to many drivers traveling slower than the allowed 80 km/h, the actual average is around 700 units per hour.
How can I avoid the Gotthard Tunnel?
There are many ways to reach your destination – it doesn't always have to be the Gotthard Tunnel. The Swiss Alpine passes offer numerous alternatives to bypass the traffic at the Gotthard Tunnel. The most popular alternative is the A13, which takes the San Bernardino route. In the summer, the Gotthard Pass is also a viable option.
Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard tunnel:
The Gotthard road tunnel in Switzerland is known for its frequent traffic jams, especially during the holidays. Over Easter, the tunnel is traditionally massively congested, as numerous travelers from Switzerland, Germany and other European countries head south - and the pass is still closed for the winter. Depending on the weather and the date of Easter itself, it is also possible to drive over the Gotthard Pass.
The traffic congestion at the Gotthard road tunnel usually begins on Maundy Thursday, when many people leave for the vacations after work or school. Traffic density increases particularly on the days before and after the Easter weekend. Waiting times can be several hours and cars often jam for miles in front of the tunnel's north portal. Even after Easter, when many holidaymakers return, the traffic situation remains tense.
An additional factor is the bottleneck of the tunnel itself: At around 17 kilometers, the Gotthard road tunnel is one of the longest road tunnels in the world, but the route narrows to a single lane in each direction. In addition, strict safety precautions apply, such as limiting the distance between vehicles in the tunnel, which further reduces throughput capacity.
For travelers, this often means patience and good preparation. To avoid the traffic jam, it is advisable to take alternative routes, such as the San Bernardino route or the Gotthard Pass, provided it is open. Many people also take the option of driving at night or early in the morning to avoid the worst traffic jams.
Overall, the Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard road tunnel has almost become a tradition, and despite all the inconvenience, many vacationers put up with it in order to travel to their well-deserved vacations.