Alternative routes to the Gotthard Tunnel: when they actually help

San Bernardino, Simplon, Gotthard Pass and car train compared: when each Gotthard alternative is worth using.

The Gotthard is not just a tunnel on a map. It is a timing problem, a weather problem and, on holiday weekends, a patience problem.

When the Gotthard Tunnel is congested with queues of 8–10 km and wait times over 90 minutes, alternative routes become the best choice. Here are all the available options.

1. San Bernardino Tunnel 🚗

Key Facts

• Length: 6.6 km
• Portal altitude: ~1,600 m
• Road: A13 (North–South)
• Traffic: Far less congested than the Gotthard
• Status: Always open (except extreme weather)

When to Use It

✅ Recommended when:

• Gotthard queues >5 km
• Peak summer weekends (July–August)
• National holidays (1 August, Easter, Ferragosto)
• TCS forecasts show "red" or "black" traffic

❌ Avoid when:

• Winter with heavy snow (possible temporary closures)
• Heavy vehicles >7.5 t with high loads (height restrictions)

Travel Times

Zürich to Milan:

• Via Gotthard: 3h 30min (no queues)
• Via San Bernardino: 4h 00min (+30 min)
• With Gotthard queues >60 min: San Bernardino becomes faster!

Basel to Como:

• Via Gotthard: 3h 15min
• Via San Bernardino: 3h 50min (+35 min)

Costs

Pros and Cons

👍 Advantages:

• ✅ Almost never queued (free-flowing 95% of the year)
• ✅ Spectacular scenery (Valle Mesolcina)
• ✅ Less heavy traffic
• ✅ Excellent summer alternative

👎 Disadvantages:

• ❌ +30 km distance
• ❌ +30 minutes without traffic
• ❌ Steeper tunnels (caution in winter)

2. Gotthard Pass 🏔️

Key Facts

• Altitude: 2,106 m
• Length: ~30 km of ascent/descent
• Type: Scenic mountain road
• Open: May – October (closed in winter!)
• Gradient: Up to 10%

When to Use It

✅ Recommended when:

• Summer with good weather (June–September)
• You want to enjoy the scenery
• Travelling by motorbike or sports car
• Tunnel queues >2 hours
• You are not in a hurry

❌ Avoid when:

• ❌ November – April (CLOSED for snow)
• ❌ Bad weather, snow, fog, rain
• ❌ You are in a hurry
• ❌ Trailers or caravans (tight bends)

Travel Times

• Andermatt to Airolo via tunnel: 15 min
• Andermatt to Airolo via pass: 45–60 min

Attractions Along the Route

• 🏛️ Gotthard Museum (2,091 m)
• 🍽️ Old Hospice (panoramic restaurant)
• 🏞️ Alpine lakes (Lago della Piazza)
• 🛣️ Tremola Road (historic cobbled hairpins)

3. Simplon Pass 🌄

Key Facts

• Altitude: 2,005 m
• Length: ~50 km from Brig (VS)
• Connection: Switzerland (Valais) ↔ Italy (Piedmont)
• Open: May – October

When to Use It

✅ Recommended when:

• Destination: North-West Italy (Milan via Novara/Vercelli)
• Scenic journey without a rush
• You want to avoid all Gotthard traffic

❌ Avoid when:

• Winter (CLOSED November–April)
• You are in a hurry (much longer route)
• Destination: Ticino or Como (enormous detour)

Travel Times

• Zürich to Milan via Gotthard: 3h 30min
• Zürich to Milan via Simplon: 4h 45min–5h 15min (+1h 30min–2h)

Costs

4. Car Train (Verlad) 🚂

Key Facts

• Route: Göschenen (north) ↔ Airolo (south)
• Duration: 15 minutes crossing
• Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes (more frequent in summer)
• Capacity: Up to 250 cars per train
• Operator: SBB (Swiss Federal Railways)

When to Use It

✅ Perfect when:

• Tunnel queues >90 minutes
• You want to avoid the stress of queuing
• Travelling with small children
• Bad mountain weather (snow, fog)
• Night travel (rest for the driver)

Costs (2026)

How It Works

1. Arrive at Göschenen (north) or Airolo (south) station

2. Buy your ticket (online or ticket machine)

3. Join the queue in the waiting area

4. Board the train with your car (staff will guide you)

5. Cross the tunnel in 15 minutes

6. Drive off the other side and continue your journey

5. Full Comparison: Which Route to Choose?

📋 Smart Decisions: Scenario Guide

Scenario 1: Peak Summer Weekend

Gotthard queue 10 km (120+ min)

Best solution:

1️⃣ San Bernardino (+30 min, no queues) ⭐ BEST

2️⃣ Car Train (CHF 35, 15 min crossing)

Scenario 2: Easter or Peak Summer Holiday

Queue 8 km (90 min)

Best solution:

1️⃣ San Bernardino ⭐ BEST

2️⃣ Night departure (22:00–05:00, zero queues)

Scenario 3: Sunny Summer Day, Not in a Rush

Queue 2 km (20 min), sunshine

Best solution:

1️⃣ Gotthard Pass (scenic experience) ⭐ BEST

Scenario 4: Winter with Snow

January, heavy snow

Options:

1️⃣ Gotthard Tunnel (always open, safe) ⭐ BEST

2️⃣ San Bernardino (check conditions)

❌ Not available: Gotthard Pass, Simplon (closed in winter)

✅ Conclusion

The best route depends on:

1. ✅ Current queues at the Gotthard (always check before leaving!)

2. ✅ Time of year (summer vs winter)

3. ✅ Your budget (time vs money)

4. ✅ Your destination (northern vs southern Italy)

General rule:

• Queues <30 min → Gotthard Tunnel
• Queues 30–60 min → Consider San Bernardino
• Queues >60 min → San Bernardino or Car Train ⭐
• Summer + good weather → Gotthard Pass ⭐

💡 Final tip: Check Gotthard Live 1–2 hours before leaving. If you see queues >5 km, switch route immediately!

Further reading:

• When to avoid the Gotthard Tunnel: worst and best periods 2026 →
• Best times to cross the Gotthard month by month →
• Gotthard Tunnel closures and maintenance 2026 →

Safe travels! 🚗⛰️🇨🇭

Practical advice before you leave

• San Bernardino starts to make sense when the Gotthard queue is already substantial.
• The Gotthard Pass is seasonal and not a universal substitute.
• Simplon works for some destinations, but not as a blanket answer.

Useful planning links

• check Gotthard live traffic
• view the Göschenen and Airolo webcams
• compare Gotthard alternative routes
• read the weekend forecast

FAQ

Where should I check the live situation before leaving?

Use live traffic, webcams and the forecast together. At the Gotthard, the final two hours before arrival often matter most.

Do alternative routes always save time?

No. San Bernardino, Simplon or the Gotthard Pass help only when the queue is longer than the extra driving time.

Are waiting times guaranteed?

No. Treat them as guidance. Weather, incidents, metering and return traffic can change the picture.

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