The Arlberg Tunnel runs under the Arlberg mountain range, connecting the two Austrian western states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. The road that passes through the tunnel is the S 16 expressway. The tunnel is operated by ASFINAG.
With a total length of 13,972 meters (13.9 km), the Arlberg Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in Austria. Unlike many other tunnels in Austria, the Arlberg Tunnel consists of only one tube (instead of two tubes, as is oftentimes the case). Due to its proximity to the neighboring countries of Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, the Arlberg Tunnel is used by approximately 8,000 cars daily. The construction of the Arlberg Tunnel took place from June 1, 1974, until the breakthrough on October 9, 1977 (about 3 1⁄4 years later). The tunnel was finally opened for traffic in December 1978.
What many may not know is that at the time of its construction, the Arlberg Tunnel was actually the longest tunnel in the world.
The Arlberg Tunnel is closed for renovation work from April 24, 2023, until October 6, 2023. Both directions of the tunnel are affected by the closure. As the Arlberg Tunnel has been in operation for 45 years, it is necessary to carry out maintenance work on the roadway, drainage, and tunnel coating. The cost of renovating the Arlberg Tunnel amounts to approximately 100 million euros. In addition to the tunnel renovation, additional toll lanes, toll booths, and barrier-free truck parking spaces are being created. During the six months of tunnel closure, about 200 workers will be continuously working around the clock on the tunnel renovation. During this period, traffic will be diverted via the 1,793-meter-high Arlberg Pass. Bicycling on the Arlberg Pass is prohibited during the renovation work. Due to the traffic diversion, travelers should expect longer travel times, typically an additional 30 minutes or longer during peak traffic.
For those traveling from Germany, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland to Austria during the mentioned period, the Arlberg Tunnel can be bypassed using the following alternatives:
However, ASFINAG has already announced another closure of the Arlberg Tunnel for the year 2024 (April 15, 2024, to November 22, 2024), lasting approximately five months.
Yes. Like many other tunnel and road sections, the Arlberg Tunnel is subject to tolls.
The cost of driving through the Arlberg Tunnel is VARIABLE and can be purchased digitally in our online shop.
Yes. The Arlberg Tunnel is closed for renovation work from April 24, 2023, until October 6, 2023.
Traffic in the Arlberg Tunnel is diverted via the Arlberg Pass during the closure. Alternatively, the tunnel can be bypassed via Germany (Munich > Rosenheim) and Switzerland (Gotthard Tunnel, San Bernardino).
Yes. The Arlberg Tunnel can be bypassed via the Arlberg Pass. Alternatively, it can also be bypassed via Germany (Munich > Rosenheim) and Switzerland (Gotthard Tunnel, San Bernardino).
The Arlberg Tunnel is closed until October 6, 2023.
The Arlberg Tunnel has been closed since April 24, 2023, until October 6, 2023.
No, the Arlberg Tunnel is currently closed for renovation work until October 6, 2023.