Easter is one of the busiest periods at the Gotthard. Friday departures and Sunday returns cause queues exceeding 10 km.
N → S (Göschenen)
S → N (Airolo)
Tunnel
openPass
closedData updated every 60 seconds during the Easter period
Worst hours
09:00–14:00
Depart before
07:00
or after
16:00
Maximum peak of the entire Easter weekend. Departing by 07:00 is essential.
Worst hours
14:00–19:00
Depart before
10:00
or after
20:00
Returns from Italy towards German-speaking Switzerland and Germany. Queue on the north side (Göschenen).
| Day | Direction | Risk | Best windows | Peak hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday (3 Apr) | ↓ Southbound | Extreme | before 07:00 · after 16:00 | 09:00–14:00 |
| Easter Saturday (4 Apr) Usually quieter than Friday — most travellers have already departed. | ↓ Southbound | Medium | 05:00–10:00 | 10:00–14:00 |
| Easter Sunday (5 Apr) | ↑ Northbound | High | before 09:00 · after 19:00 | 12:00–18:00 |
| Easter Monday (6 Apr) | ↑ Northbound | Extreme | before 10:00 · after 20:00 | 14:00–19:00 |
Worst hours
08:00–14:00
Expected queue
~12 km
The maximum peak typically occurs on Good Friday between 9:00 and 13:00. Easter Monday sees heavy queues northbound (returns from Italy).
Contraflow threshold: 8 km
When the southbound queue exceeds 8 km, ASTRA activates the official diversion via the San Bernardino (A13) using variable signs on the A2. If the tunnel is fully closed, the San Bernardino becomes the mandatory route.
Queue ≥ 8 km southbound
Official ASTRA signage to A13 San Bernardino activated
Tunnel closed (maintenance or incident)
Mandatory route via San Bernardino (A13) — follow motorway signs
Recommended route during Easter. Via San Bernardino Pass (open) or tunnel.
Western alternative for travellers heading to western Ticino or Lake Maggiore.