Travelling with children through the Gotthard requires extra planning. A two-hour queue with a three-year-old is a completely different experience from the same queue on your own. Here is how to manage it — or avoid it altogether.
Strategy 1: Leave at Dawn (05:00–07:30)
The most effective strategy for families:
- The child leaves sleeping and wakes up on the other side of the Alps
- Almost always zero traffic at this hour
- Arrive in Ticino or Italy for breakfast
- Stop for breakfast in Airolo or Bellinzona in a relaxed way
- Downside: Early wake-up. But well worth it. 😴
Strategy 2: Travel Off-Peak or Mid-Week
- July–August with children? Travel Monday–Thursday, not the weekend
- Avoid Friday afternoon southbound and Sunday evening northbound
- In autumn (Sep–Oct) and spring (Mar–May) you can go almost any time
Strategy 3: The Verlad — Perfect for Families ⭐
The SBB car train (Verlad) is the smartest solution for families with children:
- ✅ Children can get up and move during the journey
- ✅ Guaranteed 15 minutes crossing time, no queue
- ✅ No tunnel driving stress for the driver
- ✅ Children love boarding a train with the car!
- ✅ Available at night too
🔗 Book online at www.sbb.ch — in summer trains sell out, book ahead.
What to Bring if You're Stuck in a Queue
Children 0–3 years
- Milk or formula in a cool bag
- Plenty of nappies and wipes
- Spare dummy/pacifier
- Music or lullabies downloaded offline
Children 4–8 years
- Charged tablet with offline films or games
- Headphones (essential for everyone's sanity!)
- Snacks: crackers, dried fruit, fresh fruit
- Colouring books or mini board games
Children 9+ years
- Books, portable games consoles
- Podcasts or audiobooks for young people
- In-car games (20 questions, I spy, geography quiz...)
Strategic Stops Near the Gotthard
Before entering potential congestion, consider a tactical stop to let the children move around:
North side (Göschenen/Andermatt)
- Andermatt: postcard-perfect Alpine village, playground, welcoming restaurants
- Schöllenen: spectacular gorge with the legendary Devil's Bridge (15-min walk)
- Refuel here: petrol, toilets, snacks — do everything before the queue
South side (Airolo/Bellinzona)
- Airolo: good pizzerias and local ice-cream shops, ideal first Ticino stop
- Bellinzona: UNESCO medieval castle, perfect for breaking the journey to the lake
- Biasca motorway services: outdoor area for children
Portal Services
| Toilets | ✅ Yes (service area) |
| Bar and restaurant | ✅ Yes (motorway services) |
| Vending machines | ✅ Yes |
| Picnic area (Göschenen) | ✅ Yes |
| Pharmacy | ❌ No (go to Andermatt or Airolo) |
| Hospital / A&E | ❌ No (Bellinzona or Altdorf) |
Family Golden Rule
> Check Gotthard Live at least 1 hour before leaving.
> If the queue is over 5 km (60+ minutes), change your plan.
The best options for families, in order of comfort:
1. 🥇 SBB Verlad — children love the train, guaranteed no queue
2. 🥈 San Bernardino — 30 minutes longer, beautiful scenery, no queue
3. 🥉 Night departure — if the child sleeps in the car, night is the best choice
With a bit of planning, even the Gotthard with children becomes an adventure to remember! 🚗👶🏔️