Where is the Gubrist Tunnel located?
The Gubrist Tunnel is a tunnel in Switzerland with a length of 3,309.80 meters. It is part of the A1 motorway as well as the Zurich northern bypass, which belongs to both the A1 and A4. The tunnel is one of the most heavily used roads in Switzerland, with more than 100,000 vehicles passing through it daily. During peak hours, over 7,000 vehicles per hour use the tunnel. It was opened in 1985 with two tubes. Due to the high traffic volume, construction of a third tube began in 2017 and was completed in March 2023. This tube has a diameter of almost 16 meters, making it one of the largest tunnel tubes in Switzerland. Since its opening, the additional capacity has been used to renovate the older tubes. These are being refurbished alternately, and it is planned that all three tubes will be fully operational simultaneously again from 2027.
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 is located at the northern end of Lake Zurich. The city is considered the economic center of Switzerland, particularly due to its strong banking and financial services sector. More information about attractions and nature around Zurich can be found in our guide. Zurich is excellently connected via the A1, A3, and A4 motorways, as well as additional expressways.
The A1 Motorway
The A1 motorway, of which the Gubrist Tunnel is a part, is the longest motorway in Switzerland (410 km) and runs from west to east, from the French border at Bardonnex to the Austrian border at Höchst. The first section was opened in May 1962. By 2001, the route had been continuously expanded and has since been fully accessible. Further expansion measures have been implemented to improve traffic flow, including the addition of a third tube to the Gubrist Tunnel, which was 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. Therefore, the tunnel is subject to tolls, and an appropriate fee must be paid for its use.
Unlike special toll tunnels such as the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Munt La Schera Tunnel, no additional fees are charged beyond the vignette or the paid heavy vehicle charge. The Gubrist Tunnel is not considered a special toll route.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip
We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. 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 will of course be happy to assist you. You can 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. To use motorways and national roads in Switzerland, a vignette is required. This can be purchased as a sticker at gas stations or as a digital version conveniently online via us. Vehicles weighing over 3.5 t GVW are exempt from the vignette requirement and must instead pay a heavy vehicle charge. Further information can be found in our guide on the heavy vehicle charge.
How long is the Gubrist Tunnel?
The Gubrist Tunnel has a length of 3,309.80 meters.
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 became operational in early July 2023.
Is the Gubrist Tunnel closed at certain times?
The Gubrist Tunnel is generally accessible around the clock. However, the two older tubes are being gradually renovated until 2027 and are temporarily closed for this purpose. During this time, the three lanes of the new tube and the lanes of one of the older tubes remain open. Additionally, further lane closures may occur, especially at night, for maintenance and cleaning work. Current information is available from the Federal Roads Office.
