San Bernardino (A13): Live Traffic & Comparison with the Gotthard
The San Bernardino Tunnel (A13, 6.6 km) is the main alternative to the Gotthard — open year-round, usually queue-free. It beats the Gotthard when the queue exceeds 3 km. Data updated every 30 seconds.
03:00
Live comparison: Gotthard vs San Bernardino
Source: TCS / ASTRA · 03:00
| Route | Tunnel | Normal time | Current queue | Current wait | Est. now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gotthard A2 | 17 km | 25 min | 0 km | 0 min | 25 min |
| San Bernardino A13 | 6.6 km | 50 min | Clear | 0 min | 50 min |
| Route | Tunnel | Normal time | Current queue | Current wait | Est. now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gotthard A2 | 17 km | 25 min | 0 km | 0 min | 25 min |
| San Bernardino A13 | 6.6 km | 50 min | Clear | 0 min | 50 min |
When is San Bernardino the better choice?
Stay on Gotthard
No queue — Gotthard is faster by about 25 minutes compared to the A13.
Consider A13
Moderate queue. San Bernardino becomes comparable and may save up to 20 min.
Take the A13
With 4+ km queue (40–60 min wait), San Bernardino saves 20–40 minutes.
A13 is the only option
Extreme queue: 80+ min wait at Gotthard. Take the A13 without hesitation.
Webcam A13 — San Bernardino Tunnel
Official San Bernardino Tunnel webcams are available on via.ch, the ASTRA portal for Swiss traffic. Click to view live images from the A13.
San Bernardino (A13) — FAQ
Is the San Bernardino Tunnel open year-round?
Yes. The San Bernardino Tunnel (6.6 km, A13) is open 365 days a year with no seasonal closures. Unlike the San Bernardino mountain pass (which closes in winter), the tunnel is always accessible.
How much longer is the A13 route compared to the Gotthard?
From Zurich to Lugano, the route via San Bernardino (A13) is about 16 km longer than the A2 via Gotthard. In normal conditions this adds around 25 minutes. With Gotthard queues above 3 km, the Bernardino becomes faster overall.
Are there queues on the A13 San Bernardino?
Rarely. The San Bernardino carries far less traffic than the Gotthard on summer weekends and holidays. In exceptional cases when the Gotthard queue exceeds 10 km, some traffic shifts to the A13, but it is normally queue-free.
Are there other alternatives to the Gotthard besides San Bernardino?
Yes: the Simplon Pass (A26/A9, open year-round but +60 min approx.), the Gotthard mountain pass (summer only, scenic but slow) and car-on-train from Göschenen to Airolo (AutoCarCarrico, available year-round).
Source: TCS / ASTRA