Gubrist Tunnel (toll required)
What is the Gubrist Tunnel?
The Gubrist Tunnel is a tunnel in Switzerland with a length of 3,309.80 metres. It is part of the A1 motorway as well as the Zurich Northern Bypass, which belongs to the A1 and A4. The tunnel is one of the busiest roads in Switzerland, with over 100,000 vehicles daily. At peak times, more than 7,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel per hour. It was opened in 1985 with two bores. Due to the high volume of traffic, construction of a third bore began in 2017 and was completed in March 2023. This bore has a diameter of nearly 16 metres, making it one of the largest tunnel bores in Switzerland. Since its opening, the additional capacity has been used for the renovation of the older bores. These are being refurbished alternately, so it is planned that from 2027 all three bores will be passable at the same time.
Zurich
The Gubrist Tunnel is part of the Zurich Northern Bypass and runs north of the city together with the A4 as well as being part of the A1. With over 400,000 inhabitants, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and lies at the northern end of Lake Zurich. The city is regarded as the economic centre of Switzerland, particularly due to its significant finance and banking sector. For further information on sights and nature around Zurich, please see our guide. Zurich is excellently connected via the A1, A3 and A4 motorways as well as other expressways.
The A1 motorway
The A1 motorway, to which the Gubrist Tunnel belongs, is the longest motorway in Switzerland (410 km) and runs in an east-west direction from the French border near Bardonnex to the Austrian border near Höchst. The first section was opened in May 1962. By 2001, the route had been continuously expanded and has been fully passable ever since. Further expansion measures to improve traffic flow have also taken place since then, including the addition of a third bore to the Gubrist Tunnel, completed in 2023.
Is the Gubrist Tunnel subject to tolls?
The Gubrist Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement for vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW, or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle charge for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. The tunnel is therefore subject to tolls, and a corresponding fee must be paid for its use.
Unlike tunnels subject to special tolls, such as the Great St Bernard Tunnel or the Munt la Schera Tunnel, there are no additional fees beyond the vignette or the heavy vehicle charge paid. The Gubrist Tunnel is not one of the special toll routes.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and much enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. 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 relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we are of course happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.
FAQ about the Gubrist Tunnel
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is a toll necessary to drive through the Gubrist Tunnel?
The Gubrist Tunnel is part of the A1 motorway, which runs from the French-Swiss border to the Austrian-Swiss border. A vignette is required to use motorways and national roads in Switzerland. This can be purchased as a sticker vignette at petrol stations or as a digital version conveniently online through us. Vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 t gross weight are exempt from the vignette requirement and must instead pay a heavy vehicle charge. You can find more information on this in our guide to the heavy vehicle charge.
How long is the Gubrist Tunnel?
The Gubrist Tunnel is 3309.80 meters long.
When was the Gubrist Tunnel built?
The first two tubes were opened on June 21, 1985. Construction of the third tube began in November 2017. It was opened to traffic on April 20, 2023, while the third lane was put into operation at the beginning of July 2023.
Is the Gubrist Tunnel closed at certain times?
The Gubrist Tunnel is generally accessible around the clock. However, the two older tubes will be gradually renovated until 2027 and temporarily closed for this purpose. During this time, the three lanes of the new tube as well as the lanes of an open old tube will be available. In addition, further closures of individual lanes for maintenance and cleaning work may occur, especially at night. You can get current information from the Federal Roads Office.
