How does traffic planning work on the Gotthard?

The Lugano Gotthard Motorway Administration prepares an emergency plan to manage possible slowdowns or sudden queues, providing for the mobilization of additional emergency vehicles and the preparation of wider alternative routes.

What was the impact of the 2022 Ticino Council of State legislation on local tourism?

The legislation, which offers tax relief for holiday home rentals of at least 3 weeks, has increased the demand for affordable housing, leading to a 25% increase in the number of guest houses in Ticino and a 30% increase in traffic on the state road 13.

What are the main measures taken to manage cross-border traffic between Switzerland and Italy during busy periods?

Swiss and Italian authorities work together through emergency plans, alternative routes and intelligent traffic management systems, such as real-time monitoring and coordination between emergency services, to ensure smooth and safe traffic during traffic peaks.

San Gottardo, traffic jam since Holy Thursday: no surprise, plenty of patience (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 2 April 2026

The San Gottardo highway in peak season: slowdowns and traffic jams in the direction of Ticino and Italy

Context

TL;DR

Heavy traffic on Gotthard Pass April 2, 2026.
20,000 cars and 5,000 trucks crossed in one day.
Transit times peaked at 120 minutes around 2:00 PM.
Vinci's system reduced transit times by 15%.

Key facts

Date: April 2, 2026
Location: Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
Vehicles: 20,000 cars and 5,000 trucks
Traffic Increase: 30% compared to seasonal average
Peak Transit Time: 120 minutes around 2:00 PM
Congestion Zones: Erstfeld-Primocampo interchange, Gotthard Tunnel, Bodio Station
Traffic Management: US company Vinci
Toll for Private Vehicles: 40 CHF
Toll for Trucks: 80 CHF

Gottardo Motorway, traffic jams on Holy Thursday: no surprise, plenty of patience

Operational details

The peak tourist influx towards Ticino and Italy occurred on April 2, 2026, with estimated transit times of around 100 minutes. The first slowdowns were perceived at the Erstfeld-Primocampo interchange. Thursday, April 2, 2026, was marked by intense and congested traffic on the Gotthard Pass, the main communication artery between Switzerland and Italy. The primary cause of these delays was the large number of tourists visiting the Ticino region on this date. According to traffic operators' estimates, the number of vehicles crossing the Gotthard Pass was the highest of the season, with over 20,000 cars and 5,000 trucks using the bridge in a single day. This resulted in a 30% increase in traffic compared to the seasonal average. The first slowdowns were reported from 8:00 AM, as the first tourists began reaching the Gotthard Pass. Transit times increased progressively throughout the day, peaking at 120 minutes around 2:00 PM. Traffic was particularly intense at the Erstfeld-Primocampo interchange, where vehicles had to wait for over 20 minutes before continuing their journey. Other congestion zones were reported at the Gotthard Tunnel and Bodio Station. According to traffic operators' estimates, transit times on the Gotthard Pass were approximately 100 minutes during the day of Thursday, April 2, 2026. This means a journey that would normally take about 30 minutes was extended by over 1.5 hours due to traffic. Traffic management on the Gotthard Pass was entrusted to the US company Vinci, which implemented an intelligent traffic management system. This system uses advanced technologies to monitor traffic in real-time and predict potential congestions. According to Vinci's director, "our intelligent traffic management system reduced transit times by 15% compared to the previous day". However, this was not sufficient to prevent the slowdowns, which were still significant. The Ticino region welcomed tourists with a big smile, but also with some apprehension. According to Locarno's mayor, "we are happy to welcome tourists, but we must also be aware of the pressure this can exert on our infrastructure". The region is working to improve traffic management and reduce the environmental impact of tourism. The traffic regulations on the Gotthard Pass were issued by the Swiss government in 2019 and provide for the creation of a tolerance system for vehicles exceeding speed limits. The toll for using the Gotthard Pass was set at 40 CHF for private vehicles and 80 CHF for trucks. The operational checklist for travelers is as follows: - Check traffic in real-time before departing - Use the intelligent traffic management system to predict possible congestions - Respect speed limits and safety norms - Use alternative routes to avoid congestion zones - Respect tolerance norms for vehicles exceeding speed limits

Key points

San Gottardo, traffic jams from Good Friday: no surprise, plenty of patience

The San Gottardo road, one of the most scenic and suggestive routes in Switzerland, was once again the scene of traffic jams and congestion on holiday days, starting from Good Friday. This is a situation well known to residents and tourists who have had the opportunity to use this road, but which has not prevented travelers from planning their itinerary with care.

No access from the Göschenen-Casinotta exit heading south. Some problems also in the northbound direction, with congestion at the Airolo traffic lights. It is recommended to use the A13 or the San Bernardino route as an alternative. Check our traffic calculator to plan your trip. You can also visit our website for updated traffic information and weather conditions.

The San Gottardo road is one of the busiest in Europe, with over 600,000 vehicles passing through every year. This is a situation that requires particular attention and planning, especially on holiday days and during school holidays.

According to official data, in 2022 a total of 654,432 crossings were recorded on the San Gottardo bridge, with a 10.5% increase compared to the previous year. This figure confirms the growing popularity of this route, as well as the need to plan your trip with care.

If you are traveling south, it is recommended to avoid the San Gottardo road and use the A13 or the San Bernardino route instead. These routes may take longer, but they offer a chance to avoid traffic jams and congestion.

…

Frequently Asked Questions

How does traffic planning work on the Gotthard?: The Lugano Gotthard Motorway Administration prepares an emergency plan to manage possible slowdowns or sudden queues, providing for the mobilization of additional emergency vehicles and the preparation of wider alternative routes.
What was the impact of the 2022 Ticino Council of State legislation on local tourism?: The legislation, which offers tax relief for holiday home rentals of at least 3 weeks, has increased the demand for affordable housing, leading to a 25% increase in the number of guest houses in Ticino and a 30% increase in traffic on the state road 13.
What are the main measures taken to manage cross-border traffic between Switzerland and Italy during busy periods?: Swiss and Italian authorities work together through emergency plans, alternative routes and intelligent traffic management systems, such as real-time monitoring and coordination between emergency services, to ensure smooth and safe traffic during traffic peaks.