Question 1

Do I need to pay a toll to use the Gotthard Tunnel?

Accepted Answer

No, the Gotthard Tunnel is toll-free. However, to use Swiss motorways you need a valid motorway vignette (CHF 40/year), which can be purchased at border crossings, petrol stations, or online.

Question 2

How long does it take to drive through the tunnel?

Accepted Answer

With free-flowing traffic, the drive through the 16.9 km tunnel takes approximately 12–15 minutes (speed limit 80 km/h). During traffic jams it can take several hours.

Question 3

What are the alternatives when there is a traffic jam?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives include the San Bernardino Tunnel (A13), the Simplon Pass, the Lötschberg car train (Kandersteg–Goppenstein), or the Furka car train (Oberwald–Realp).

Question 4

When is the worst traffic at the Gotthard?

Accepted Answer

The longest jams occur at Easter, Ascension, Whitsun, and on the first and last summer holiday weekends. Record queues have exceeded 20 km in length.

Question 5

What is the speed limit inside the tunnel?

Accepted Answer

The speed limit inside the Gotthard Tunnel is 80 km/h. Minimum distance between vehicles must be maintained, and overtaking is strictly prohibited.