Gotthard Tunnel (toll required)

What is the Gotthard Tunnel?

The Gotthard Tunnel is a road tunnel located in the southern center of Switzerland that connects the two Swiss cantons of Uri and Ticino. With a length of 16.9 kilometers, the Gotthard Tunnel (which is part of the Gotthard system) is among the fourth-longest road tunnels in the world and is also the longest road tunnel in the Alps.

The tunnel is a central part of the A2 motorway, which runs from Basel in the north of Switzerland via Lucerne to Chiasso in the south. Due to this important north-south connection, the tunnel is used by around 17,000 vehicles every day.

In addition to the road tunnel, the Gotthard Base Tunnel for rail traffic also runs through the Gotthard massif. Construction of this railway tunnel began in 1993 and was completed in 2016. On June 1, 2016, the tunnel was officially opened to traffic.

Since then, the Gotthard system has been used not only for car, motorcycle, and truck traffic, but also for freight and passenger transport by rail. This has significantly relieved road traffic. The rail capacity is around 260 freight trains and 65 passenger trains per day.

Accidents & Safety

Between 1980 and 2004, around 900 accidents occurred in the Gotthard road tunnel. Combined with the high volume of traffic, safety is therefore of particular importance. For this reason, the tunnel is equipped with breakdown bays every 750 meters, measuring 3 × 41 meters. In addition, there are overpressure-ventilated shelters every 250 meters, offering space for up to 60 people and connected to rescue tunnels.

To manage heavy traffic, truck access has been regulated via a separate traffic light system since 2002. Under this system, only two to three trucks per minute are allowed to enter the tunnel from a waiting area. This system has reduced the daily truck volume from around 6,000 to about 4,000 vehicles.

Is the Gotthard Tunnel subject to toll?

Use of the Gotthard Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement for vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3.5 t. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t, on the other hand, are subject to the heavy vehicle charge. Thus, use of the tunnel is generally subject to toll, as a valid vignette or the corresponding charge is required.

Unlike tunnels subject to a special toll, such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Munt-la-Schera Tunnel, however, no additional fees apply. Once you have a valid vignette or have paid the corresponding heavy vehicle charge, you can use the Gotthard Tunnel without any further costs.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment as you explore the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to check the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.