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.
N → S (Göschenen)
S → N (Airolo)
Tunnel
openPass
closedCurrent situation at the Gotthard tunnel
Worst hours
08:00–13:00
Depart before
07:00
or after
14:00
Saturday morning is the critical moment for Pentecost weekend departures.
Worst hours
15:00–19:00
Depart before
11:00
or after
20:00
Returns from Ticino and Italy towards German-speaking Switzerland and Germany.
| Day | Direction | Risk | Best windows | Peak hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday (23 May) | ↓ Southbound | High | before 07:00 · after 14:00 | 08:00–13:00 |
| Sunday (24 May) | ↓ Southbound | Medium | 05:00–08:00 | 09:00–12:00 |
| Whit Monday (25 May) | ↑ Northbound | High | before 11:00 · after 20:00 | 15:00–19:00 |
Worst hours
08:00–13:00
Expected queue
~10 km
Saturday morning of Pentecost is the most critical time. Whit Monday sees heavy northbound returns.
Contraflow threshold: 8 km
When the southbound queue reaches 8 km, ASTRA activates the official diversion via the San Bernardino (A13) using variable signs on the A2. If the tunnel is closed, the diversion becomes mandatory.
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
Main alternative. The San Bernardino Pass is generally open at Pentecost.
The pass usually opens in late May. If open, it is a scenic alternative at Pentecost.