The Alps act as a natural barrier between the northern and southern regions, with mountains covering more than half of Switzerland's total area. As a result, travelers rely heavily on tunnels to traverse this challenging terrain.
These tunnels are vital not only for motorists but also for rail and freight transport, making them key components of Switzerland’s transportation infrastructure. In the following article, we will explore the Swiss Alpine passes and tunnels, providing essential information on what to expect and how to navigate them safely.
The Significance of Tunnels in Switzerland
A 2020 data analysis revealed that approximately six million cars and trucks pass through the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland each year. This figure underscores the vital role that the country’s road tunnels play. These underpasses are not only crucial for traffic flow but are also integral to the economy.
The oldest of these tunnels, the "Urnerloch," began construction as early as 1708. Since then, numerous other underpasses have been added, shaping Switzerland’s road network into what it is today.
In Swiss High German, these routes are often referred to simply as "Tunnels." They serve as critical connections between many regions and cities, making Switzerland justifiably known as the "Land of Tunnels." With around 1,200 tunnels across the country, most of them are in operation, while others are under construction or undergoing maintenance.
The map below illustrates the extensive network of underpasses that crisscross Switzerland. These tunnels not only connect various parts of the country but also link Switzerland to neighboring nations, such as Italy and France. Major cities like Geneva, Basel, St. Gallen, and Zurich often act as key hubs within this vast network.
As previously mentioned, Switzerland's tunnels serve not only motorists but also trains, including those for freight transport. When listing the tunnels, it’s important to distinguish between road and rail tunnels. Given the sheer number of tunnels, we’ll focus on those that stand out due to their impressive lengths.
Longest Road Tunnels:
- Gotthard Tunnel, A2 Motorway: 16.9 kilometers
- Seelisberg Tunnel, A2 Motorway: 9.2 kilometers
- San Bernardino Tunnel, A13 Motorway: 6.5 kilometers
- Great St. Bernard Tunnel, Border to Italy: 5.7 kilometers
- Kerenzerberg Tunnel, A3 Motorway: 5.7 kilometers
Longest Rail Tunnels:
- Gotthard Base Tunnel: 57.1 kilometers
- Lötschberg Base Tunnel: 34.6 kilometers
- Simplon Tunnel: 19.8 kilometers
- Vereina Tunnel: 19 kilometers
- Ceneri Base Tunnel: 15.4 kilometers
Switzerland's Alpine Passes and Tunnels
With numerous tunnels and passes, travelers in Switzerland are indeed spoiled for choice. Whether you opt to drive through the scenic motorways or take a train through one of the many rail tunnels, each offers a unique experience. The choice often comes down to the duration of travel and personal preference.
For example, if you're heading to Ticino—a popular vacation destination south of the Alps—from Lucerne, the journey by train takes about 2.5 hours. By car, the trip is slightly shorter, around 2 hours. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that road travel times can be significantly affected by factors such as traffic jams, road maintenance, or other unforeseen events.
The Gotthard Tunnel (German: Gotthardtunnel, Italian: Galleria del San Gottardo) is a historic 15-kilometer-long (9.3 miles) railway tunnel that represents a major engineering feat of the Gotthard Railway in Switzerland. Connecting Göschenen with Airolo, it was the first tunnel to traverse the Saint-Gotthard Massif, bypassing the St. Gotthard Pass. Constructed as a single-bore tunnel with a standard gauge double-track railway, it was the longest tunnel in the world when it opened in 1882.
The tunnel begins at the northern portal in Göschenen (1,106 meters or 3,629 feet) and reaches its highest point (1,151 meters or 3,776 feet) approximately eight kilometers (5 miles) in. After passing the border between the cantons of Uri and Ticino, it continues for another five kilometers (3 miles) to the southern portal near Airolo (1,142 meters or 3,747 feet). The journey through the tunnel takes about seven to eight minutes by train, with services operated by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
A Key Component of Switzerland’s Transport Network
The Gotthard Tunnel remains a crucial part of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the broader transportation system. It provides a significant connection to neighboring regions and plays a vital role in facilitating both passenger and freight transport.
The Longest Tunnel in Switzerland
Since its commissioning in 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel has held the title of the world's longest rail tunnel. Together with the Ceneri Base Tunnel, it forms a crucial Alpine transversal from north to south, greatly enhancing the speed and efficiency of travel across Switzerland.
The Gotthard Road Tunnel, extending nearly 17 kilometers, is currently undergoing expansion. A second parallel tube is being constructed to ensure continuous operation and accommodate future demand, with completion expected by 2029.
The Gotthard Tunnel is a vital route for travelers journeying from Switzerland to Italy, specifically connecting Basel to the neighboring city of Chiasso. This tunnel serves as a key link for vacationers heading south.
Alternatively, the San Bernardino Tunnel, located in eastern Switzerland, also provides a route into Italy. Both tunnels require a vignette for usage. The process of "Buying the Vignette for Switzerland in 3 minutes" is now conveniently available online.
When traveling through the mountainous tunnels of Switzerland, motorists must follow crucial safety guidelines to ensure a secure journey. The speed limit for passenger cars is set at 80 km/h.
Traffic regulations require maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and keeping dimmed headlights on at all times while in tunnels. Additionally, it's important to listen to traffic announcements on the radio for any updates.
Thanks to regular maintenance and upgrades, even the older tunnels in Switzerland are considered safe. With an investment of about 1.6 billion Swiss francs planned until 2025, these routes continue to be improved and modernized.