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 more than 100,000 vehicles passing through daily. At peak times, more than 7,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel per hour. It was opened in 1985 with two tubes. Due to the high volume of traffic, construction of a third tube began in 2017 and was completed in March 2023. This tube has a diameter of nearly 16 metres, making it one of the largest tunnel tubes in Switzerland. Since it opened, the additional capacity has been used for renovating the older tubes. These are being refurbished alternately, so it is planned that all three tubes will be usable simultaneously from 2027.
Zurich
The Gubrist Tunnel is part of the Zurich Northern Bypass and runs north of the city alongside the A4 as well as forming 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 financial and banking sector. You can find more information on attractions and nature around Zurich in our guide. Zurich is excellently connected via the A1, A3 and A4 motorways as well as other expressways.
The A1 Motorway
The A1 motorway, of which the Gubrist Tunnel is part, 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. The route was continuously expanded until 2001 and has been fully passable ever since. Further expansion measures to improve traffic flow have also been carried out since then, including the addition of a third tube to the Gubrist Tunnel, which was completed in 2023.
Is the Gubrist Tunnel subject to a toll?
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 a toll, and a corresponding fee must be paid for its use.
Unlike tunnels subject to a special toll, 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 lots of enjoyment on your exploration of the country's impressive natural scenery. Please make sure to 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 would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
FAQ about the Gubrist Tunnel
Is a toll required to use the Kerenzerberg 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 via us. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t GVW 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 3,309.80 metres long.
When was the Gubrist Tunnel built?
The first two tubes were opened on 21 June 1985. Construction of the third tube began in November 2017. It was opened to traffic on 20 April 2023, while the third lane went into operation at the beginning of July 2023.
Is the Gubrist Tunnel closed at certain times?
The Gubrist Tunnel is generally open to traffic around the clock. However, the two older tubes will be gradually renovated until 2027 and will be temporarily closed during this time. During this period, the three lanes of the new tube as well as the lanes of one open older tube at a time will be available. In addition, individual lanes may be closed further, particularly at night, for maintenance and cleaning work. Current information is available from the Federal Roads Office.
