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

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

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

Contesto

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

Dettagli operativi

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 prev...

Punti chiave

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. If you are forced to use the San Gottardo road, it is essential to be prepared for possible traffic jams and delays. Make sure you have enough fuel, water, and food, as well as a functioning air conditioning system. It is also recommended to use a mobile pho...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How does traffic planning work on the Gotthard?","a":"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."},{"q":"What was the impact of the 2022 Ticino Council of State legislation on local tourism?","a":"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."},{"q":"What are the main measures taken to manage cross-border traffic between Switzerland and Italy during busy periods?","a":"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."}]

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.

Related articles