Gotthard Tunnel (toll required)
What is the Gotthard Tunnel?
The Gotthard Tunnel is a road tunnel located in the southern center of Switzerland, connecting the Swiss cantons of Uri and Ticino. With a length of 16.9 kilometers, the Gotthard Tunnel (which is part of the Gotthard system) is one of the fourth-longest road tunnels in the world and at the same time represents 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 approximately 17,000 vehicles daily.
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 capacity of rail traffic is approximately 260 freight trains and 65 passenger trains per day.
Accidents & Safety
Between 1980 and 2004, around 900 accidents occurred in the Gotthard road tunnel. In combination with the high volume of traffic, safety is therefore of particular importance. For this reason, breakdown bays are available every 750 meters in the tunnel, measuring 3 × 41 meters. In addition, there are pressurized shelter rooms every 250 meters, which offer space for up to 60 people and are connected to rescue galleries.
To control heavy traffic, access for trucks has been regulated since 2002 via a separate traffic light 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 tolls?
The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight for the use of the Gotthard Tunnel. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t, on the other hand, are subject to the heavy vehicle fee. Thus, the use of the tunnel is generally subject to tolls, as a valid vignette or the corresponding fee is required.
Unlike tunnels subject to special tolls, 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 fee, you can use the Gotthard Tunnel at no extra cost.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and a lot of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the corresponding toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
