When is the best time to depart at Easter?

Before 07:00 or after 15:00 on Friday. Saturday is usually quieter than Friday.

Is the tunnel open during Easter night?

Yes, the tunnel is open 24/7 except for maintenance closures. Check TCS notifications for any overnight works.

Is there a car train at Easter?

Yes, the car train from Göschenen to Airolo (BLS/SBB) runs during peak periods. Check SBB.ch for exact times and reservation requirements.

Can I use the Gotthard Pass at Easter?

No — the pass is closed in April. It typically opens in late May / early June depending on snow conditions.

Does ASTRA close lanes for Easter maintenance?

ASTRA tries to avoid maintenance during Easter. Night closures may still occur — check TCS notifications before departing.

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EVENTLIVEExtreme impact

Gotthard Traffic – Easter

Easter is one of the busiest periods at the Gotthard. Friday departures and Sunday returns cause queues exceeding 10 km.

Period: 2026-04-03 – 2026-04-06Last updated: 9 April 2026

Good Friday Fri, 3 April 2026Easter Saturday Sat, 4 April 2026Easter Sunday Sun, 5 April 2026Easter Monday Mon, 6 April 2026

🏔️ Pass closed (winter closure)

Recommended route

Use the A2 Gotthard only in the recommended windows; from 8 km queue, choose San Bernardino (A13) because the pass is closed.

Live traffic situation

LIVE

N → S (Göschenen): 0 km · S → N (Airolo): 2 km · Tunnel: open

N → S (Göschenen)

0 km

S → N (Airolo)

2 km

Tunnel

open

Pass

open

Data updated every 60 seconds during the Easter period

Webcam Live

View the real-time situation at the north and south portals

Webcam Gotthard North Portal Göschenen an der A2 Richtung south 20:43 — Current queue 0 km — **North Portal Göschenen** — 20:43Current queue: 0 km

Webcam Gotthard South Portal Airolo an der A2 Richtung north 20:43 — Current queue 2 km — **South Portal Airolo** — 20:43Current queue: 2 km (~20 min Wait time)

Preview webcams load on view without background polling.

Traffic windows

Good Friday, 3 Apr – southbound3 Apr 2026

↓ Southbound · ~12 km

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.

Easter Monday, 6 Apr – northbound6 Apr 2026

↑ Northbound · ~8 km

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).

Departure advice

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

Traffic forecast

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).

Official diversions

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 alternative routes

San Bernardino (A13)+25 min

Recommended route during Easter. Via San Bernardino Pass (open) or tunnel.

Simplon (A9/E62)+60 min

Western alternative for travellers heading to western Ticino or Lake Maggiore.

Official sources

TCS

Real-time traffic information from the Touring Club Switzerland, with forecasts for public holiday weekends.

Visit →

ASTRA / via.ch

Official Swiss road information portal managed by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA/FEDRO).

Visit →

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

When to avoid the Gotthard in 2026→