Forecasts, alternatives and tips for the busiest times
Easter is one of the busiest periods at the Gotthard. Friday departures and Sunday returns cause queues exceeding 10 km.
Period: 2027-03-26 – 2027-03-29
Read the guide →The Ascension long weekend (Thursday holiday + Friday bridge day) creates heavy traffic towards Ticino and Italy.
Period: 2027-05-06 – 2027-05-09
Read the guide →Pentecost weekend is traditionally one of the busiest southbound periods of the year at the Gotthard.
Period: 2027-05-15 – 2027-05-17
Read the guide →From June to August, every weekend brings significant queues at the Gotthard. Saturday morning is the critical time for travel towards Italy.
Period: 2026-06-01 – 2026-08-31
Read the guide →August 1st 2027 falls on a Saturday, creating a double peak from National Day and the summer weekend, with queues up to 12 km.
Period: 2027-07-31 – 2027-08-02
Read the guide →Ferragosto (15 August) is one of the most congested summer periods, with heavy Italian traffic reaching the Gotthard.
Period: 2027-08-14 – 2027-08-17
Read the guide →The Gotthard tunnel is regularly closed at night for maintenance works. Closures generally occur between 21:00 and 05:00.
Period: Year-round (usually 21:00–05:00)
Read the guide →The Gotthard Pass reopened on Friday, 8 May 2026 at 11:00 after the winter closure. TCS currently lists it as open.
Period: Open since 8 May 2026 — Expected closure: November
Read the guide →🟢 Open since 13 May 2026 when activated by ASTRA: an exit for Airolo or the pass, not a shortcut to the tunnel.
Period: 🟢 Open since 13 May 2026 when signposted
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