Alternative routes to the Gotthard Tunnel: when they actually help

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

Choose the destination before the detour

When a queue builds before the Gotthard Tunnel, the A13 via San Bernardino can look like the obvious answer. It is not an automatic one. An alternative helps only when it fits your destination, remains workable along the whole route, and its extra driving time is smaller than the wait you are avoiding.

The useful question is not “where is the shorter queue?” but “which route gets me to my destination earlier, in sensible conditions?”

Check the portal that matters

Southbound drivers need to watch the north portal at Göschenen; northbound return traffic needs Airolo. Before changing route, check both the current wait and the time it will take you to reach that portal. A navigation arrival time is a snapshot, not a promise.

TCS expects heavier north-portal traffic in July 2026 and stronger return traffic at Airolo in August. That context is useful for planning, but live conditions still decide the journey.

San Bernardino: often useful, never a reflex

For many journeys from German-speaking Switzerland towards Ticino or Italy, the A13 is the most natural alternative. Use it when your route planner shows a clear benefit on total journey time, not merely a shorter queue at the Gotthard.

ASTRA identifies both the A2 Gotthard and A13 San Bernardino as north-south routes affected by holiday traffic. TCS also warns that congestion can form on the San Bernardino route at busy times. Compare the complete journey times, then check the A13 again as you approach the turn-off.

Gotthard Pass: a seasonal option

The pass can be a good choice when it is open, the weather is suitable, the vehicle is appropriate and you have time in hand. The road reopened after winter on 8 May 2026. That does not make it a year-round route: confirm opening, conditions and local signs on the day.

Do not treat the pass as an emergency shortcut in snow, poor visibility, with an unsuitable vehicle or when a fixed appointment matters.

Simplon, Great St Bernard and car shuttles

For some starting points in western Switzerland and destinations in north-west Italy, Simplon or Great St Bernard can make more sense. They are not general shortcuts for Lugano, Como or the usual A2 corridor. Lötschberg and Simplon car shuttles also require a separate comparison of timetable, availability, vehicle rules and waiting time.

Decide in three steps

1. Check Gotthard Live traffic, the webcams, and the correct direction.

2. Compare complete arrival times via the Gotthard and the alternative in your navigation app.

3. Change only when both the route calculation and the alternative's traffic situation support it; for a pass, confirm it is open too.

Sources and update

Gotthard Live aggregates the relevant traffic data and adds editorial context. Its data sources, correction process, and separation of advertising from content are explained in the editorial policy. Editorial review: 12 August 2026.

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