Simplon instead of Gotthard: when it works for Italy

Simplon or Gotthard for Milan and northern Italy: when the route via Brig and Domodossola is genuinely worth the detour.

The short answer

From Bern or Lausanne to Milan, Simplon is often a main route, not merely a Gotthard fallback. From Zurich, Lucerne or the A2 corridor, the route via Brig and Domodossola is normally a substantial detour. Use it only when the Gotthard delay is genuinely large and the full Simplon corridor is moving.

Do not decide from one queue alert. Put your final address into navigation, compare the arrival time for both routes, and check traffic again shortly before the decision point.

Which starts and destinations fit?

Simplon Pass links Brig with Domodossola at 2,005 m. ASTRA describes it as an important international axis, but it is also the only road access to Simplon Dorf and Gondo. It is not an automatic shortcut.

When to divert for an excessive Gotthard queue

For Milan and northern Italy from the Gotthard corridor, switch only when both conditions are true:

• navigation shows a clearly earlier arrival via Brig and Domodossola; and
• the Simplon road is open and not congested itself.

The distance you have already travelled towards Göschenen matters too. A published wait by itself is not enough: recalculate the whole journey and check again before the last sensible exit. If the difference is small, a break or later departure is usually more predictable than a large detour.

Winter and car transport

Simplon road is normally open year-round, but ASTRA says it may exceptionally close in very heavy snow or avalanche danger. In winter, always check road status, weather and signs.

The BLS Brig–Iselle car shuttle is a separate option from driving over the pass: compare timetable, waiting time and vehicle rules separately. The seasonal direct Kandersteg–Iselle service runs from 28 March to 10 October in 2026 and requires a reservation. Check live connections and waits with BLS.

Decision checklist

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

2. Compare complete arrival times via Gotthard and Simplon using your real destination address.

3. Check Simplon opening status, weather and traffic.

4. Switch only for a clear, stable advantage.

Sources and update

ASTRA, A9 Simplon and BLS car transport. Sources, corrections and the editorial/advertising separation are set out in the editorial policy. Editorially reviewed: 13 August 2026.

Share this article