Gotthard Alternatives: Bernardino, Simplon, Train

Route comparison based on current traffic conditions

Alternative Routes

Real-time comparison of Alpine crossing routes

You are driving towards

Route	Normal time	Current time	Delay	vs Gotthard	Status
🚗 Gotthard Tunnel	25 min	69 min	+44 min	—	Slow
🏔️ San Bernardino★	50 min	50 min	No delay	-19 min saved	Clear
⛰️ Simplon Pass	90 min	90 min	No delay	+21 min extra	Clear
🛣️ Gotthard Pass	40 min	40 min	No delay	-29 min saved	Clear

🚗Gotthard TunnelSlow

17 km · Motorway A2

Main route through the Alps

🏔️San BernardinoClear

A13 · 6.6 km tunnel

Via Chur / Thusis – Recommended alternative

⛰️Simplon PassClear

64 km · Via Brig

Scenic route, but longer

🛣️Gotthard PassClear

Summer only

Closed November – May

⌛

💡 San Bernardino (A13) is often the best alternative on summer weekends. Always check the situation before you leave!

The best choice depends on current queue length, direction and season. Use this rule of thumb before leaving the A2.

Queue	Recommendation	Why
0–2 km	Stay on the Gotthard	The delay is usually smaller than the detour penalty.
3–6 km	Check A13 San Bernardino	Often useful on summer weekends and from Zurich or Basel.
7+ km	Take San Bernardino	The detour often saves more than one hour at the portal.
Pass open	Gotthard Pass for flexible trips	Scenic summer option, but weather-sensitive and slower for large vehicles.

San Bernardino is open year-round and is the most reliable high-volume alternative.
Simplon is mainly useful for Lake Maggiore, Valais or destinations west of Milan.
Always combine tunnel status, pass status and weather before choosing an alpine pass.