San Bernardino Tunnel (toll required)
What is the San Bernardino Tunnel?
The San Bernardino Pass, through which the San Bernardino Tunnel runs, is located in the south of Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden. The road tunnel lies on motorway A13 (formerly N13). Its portals are situated at around 1,610 metres (north portal) and around 1,630 metres above sea level (south portal). The pass road, Main Road 13, on the other hand, runs over the San Bernardino Pass at a pass height of around 2,066 metres. The Laghetto Moesola is also located there. The tunnel connects the regions of Hinterrhein and San Bernardino and has a total length of 6,600 metres (6.6 km). It consists of a single tube with two-way traffic, i.e. one lane per direction. A maximum speed of 80 km/h and an overtaking ban apply inside the tunnel. The tunnel is asphalted, suitable for caravans, and has been an important link between the southern Graubünden valleys of Mesolcina and Calanca as well as the cantonal capital Chur since 1967.
Is the San Bernardino Tunnel subject to a toll?
Use of the San Bernardino Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle fee for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The tunnel is therefore subject to a toll, and a corresponding authorisation 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 beyond the vignette or the heavy vehicle fee paid. The San Bernardino 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 tour of discovery through the country's impressive natural landscape. Please find out in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and to 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.
FAQ about the San Bernardino Tunnel
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is the San Bernardino Tunnel subject to a toll?
Yes, the San Bernardino Tunnel is subject to tolls. To use it, you need a vignette, which can be purchased as a sticker vignette at gas stations or conveniently online as a digital version via us. Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are exempt from the vignette requirement and are instead subject to the heavy vehicle charge. For more information on this, please see our guide on the heavy vehicle charge.
Is the San Bernardino Tunnel subject to a special toll?
No, the San Bernardino Tunnel is not subject to special toll. Special tolls only apply to certain tunnels, such as the Munt-La-Schera Tunnel and the Great St. Bernard Tunnel. You can find more information on this in our guide on special toll.
Is the San Bernardino Tunnel currently open?
The San Bernardino Tunnel is currently open and therefore accessible as usual.
Why is the San Bernardino Tunnel closed at night?
The San Bernardino Tunnel was closed to regular traffic on the night of August 25, 2019, between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., to repair fire damage from 2018. Since then, there have been several further night closures, for example in 2023 and 2025 as well as from June 29 to July 10, 2026, each approximately from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Nighttime closures may also occur in the future. Current information on this is published by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO).
Does the San Bernardino have a tunnel?
Yes, the San Bernardino Tunnel is located at the San Bernardino Pass.
How long does the journey over the San Bernardino take?
The journey over the San Bernardino Pass usually takes about 40 minutes. Through the 6.6 km long San Bernardino Tunnel, you'll get through in about 5 minutes at a speed of 80 km/h.
