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: 2026-04-03 – 2026-04-06
Read the guide →The Ascension long weekend (Thursday holiday + Friday bridge day) creates heavy traffic towards Ticino and Italy.
Period: 2026-05-14 – 2026-05-17
Read the guide →The Pentecost weekend (50 days after Easter) is traditionally one of the busiest of the year heading south, with already summer-like temperatures in Ticino.
Period: 2026-05-23 – 2026-05-25
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: June – August, every weekend
Read the guide →August 1st 2026 falls on a Saturday, creating a double peak: National Day traffic plus normal summer weekend. Queues can reach 12 km. The Gotthard Pass is open.
Period: 2026-07-31 – 2026-08-02
Read the guide →Ferragosto (15 August) is the main Italian summer holiday. Italian motorways are jammed and the return wave of Italians from Switzerland reaches the Gotthard.
Period: 2026-08-14 – 2026-08-17
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 (altitude 2106 m) generally opens between late May and early June. The opening depends on snow conditions and FEDRO clearing operations.
Period: Opening: late May / early June — Closure: November
Read the guide →ASTRA construction project on the A2 between the Varenzo junction and the Airolo exit (~9 km). CUPRA creates a preferential bypass lane around the Stalvedro service area for northbound traffic. Expected opening summer 2026.
Period: 2025-01-01 – 2026-11-30
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