Traffic jam at the Gotthard Tunnel – current traffic situation and traffic jam alerts at a glance (July 25, 2025)

Whether on the way to Italy or back to Germany, the Gotthard Road Tunnel is one of Europe's most important Alpine connections. Especially during holiday seasons, traffic jams regularly build up here for several kilometers.

To help you plan your journey, this article provides a current overview of the traffic situation on the Gotthard , typical traffic jam times, possible alternative routes and helpful information on the importance of the route.

What's the current situation on the north-south axis through the Alps? The following overview shows you in real time whether you have clear access or whether you'll have to expect delays at the Gotthard Tunnel. The data is updated automatically – ideal for adjusting your journey in good time.

The Gotthard Road Tunnel connects Göschenen in Switzerland in the north with Airolo in the south – making it one of the central north-south connections through the Alps. Especially during holiday seasons, the tunnel is a busy route for vacationers and travelers on their way to Italy or back to Germany.

In addition, the tunnel is over 17 kilometers long – and for safety reasons, traffic is only allowed to flow in one lane in each direction . During periods of high traffic volume, traffic is controlled to avoid dangerous situations in the tunnel. This so-called "control" quickly leads to traffic jams – even if there is no disruption in the tunnel itself.

Construction sites , maintenance work , weather conditions , and seasonal truck bans also cause further bottlenecks. In short, it doesn't take much to cause congestion around the Gotthard – especially during rush hour.

There are certain days and times at the Gotthard Tunnel when traffic is almost traditionally at a standstill. If you plan your trip cleverly, you can often avoid the worst traffic jams.

These are the classic traffic jam times around the Gotthard:

• Friday and Saturday mornings (North-South): Many people start their vacation, especially at the beginning of the school holidays in Germany or Switzerland.
• Sunday afternoon (south-north): Return traffic from Italy or Ticino – often kilometer-long traffic jams heading north.
• Public holidays and long weekends: This also leads to increased traffic volumes outside of school holidays.
• Start and end of holidays: This is particularly critical when several countries start or end their holidays at the same time – such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Switzerland.
• Bad weather periods in summer: Many travelers spontaneously head to Ticino or the Mediterranean when the weather is bad.

Tip: The chances of getting a free ride are highest early in the morning or late in the evening – especially if you’re traveling during the week.

When traffic is backed up at the Gotthard Pass, the question quickly arises: Is there even a sensible alternative route? The answer: Yes – but each option has its own pitfalls.

These are possible alternatives:

• Gotthard Pass: In summer, you can bypass the tunnel via the historic Gotthard Pass. The route is scenic, but winding and only recommended in good weather—not suitable for caravans.
• San Bernardino Route (A13): If you plan early enough, you can avoid the Gotthard route altogether and instead drive south via Chur and the San Bernardino Tunnel. The route is somewhat longer, but often less congested—especially during long traffic jams at the Gotthard.
• Simplon Pass or Lötschberg Car Transfer: Those coming from the west can travel to Italy via Brig and the Simplon Pass or take the car train through the Lötschberg. However, these options are only suitable for departure points in western Switzerland or southern Germany.

Important: Many of these alternatives are weather-dependent, open seasonally, or lead through mountainous regions with limited overtaking opportunities. So be sure to check the traffic and weather conditions beforehand.

The Gotthard Tunnel is far more than just a road tunnel—it is a symbol of Europe's north-south connection. The route connects Germany, Switzerland, and Italy and plays a central role for both tourism and freight transport.

Tens of thousands of vehicles travel through the Alps every day – from vacationers on their way to Lake Garda to trucks bound for Milan. The combination of leisure and transit traffic makes the Gotthard one of the busiest Alpine tunnels – with all the well-known consequences: traffic jams, pollution for people and the environment, and limited alternative routes.

To improve the situation in the long term, a second tunnel tube is currently being built and is expected to open in 2029. Until then, the single-lane system will remain in place – making the Gotthard one of the most sensitive points in European road traffic.

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