The longest queue at the Gotthard in the last 4 years (cross-border guide)
On July 18, 2026, the peak of 20 km of tail is reached towards the south. Implications for border workers and full schedule of night closures September-October.
Context
In a nutshell
- 20 km of tail on 18 July 2026: the longest since 2022
- North portal: 8 days with queues >10 km (vs 11 in 2025)
- Night closures from 7 September to 7 October
Key facts
- What: Maximum queue at the Gotthard in the summer season
- When: Saturday 18 July 2026
- Where: Gotthard motorway tunnel, north portal
- Who: Border workers and commuters Ticino-Italy
- Length: 20 kilometres
- Comparison: Not reached since 2022
On 18 July, a full summer season Saturday, the Gotthard motorway tunnel recorded a 20-kilometre tail to the south. It is the longest peak since 2022, when the same length was reached at the end of July. For those who regularly cross that crossing between Ticino and northern Italy, it means an additional wait of 40-60 minutes beyond the average transit time.
The hot summer of 2026 did not discourage tourist migration to the south. During July and August, the Alpine tunnel was among the busiest cross-border corridors in Central Europe, with recurring queues every weekend. Overall in the summer, however, the north portal registered less critical situations compared to 2025: eight days with queues of more than 10 kilometres against eleven the previous year. Signal that the distribution of flows has been slightly better, although the single event of July 18 remains impactful.
The historical context of the peaks
20-kilometer queues had occurred
Operational details
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Useful tools for your case
To verify your within/over 20 km tax scenario, use the net salary calculator and the tax return guide.
Key points
Night closures September-October: the operational schedule
Starting in September, the San Gottardo will undergo a cycle of night closures for maintenance work. Frontalieri and commuters traveling in the evening or at night must plan differently. Closures do not affect weekends (Saturday-Sunday), but impact weekday transit.
Full closure schedule:
| Period | Nights | Closure times | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 7–11 | 4 | 22:00–05:00 | Mon-Fri |
| Sep 14–18 | 4 | 20:00–05:00 | Mon-Fri |
| Sep 21–25 | 4 | 20:00–05:00 | Mon-Fri |
| Sep 28 – Oct 2 | 4 | 20:00–05:00 | Mon-Fri |
| Oct 5–7 | 2 | 20:00–05:00 | Mon-Wed |
Total: 18 night closure nights spread over 6 weeks.
What changes in critical hours
The first week (Sep 7–11) closes at 22:00, still allowing evening transit. Starting Sep 14, times shift to 20:00 — critical for those who finish work at 17:30‑18:00 and cross the Gotthard around 19:00. The margin narrows to 40 minutes before closure; delayed traffic or incidents could block transit.
Concrete actions for the frontalier
1. Download the calendar and enter the data into your phone or digital calendar. Setting a reminder for Monday Sep 14 (time change) is essential.
2. Evaluate your return time: if you finish after 18:30, consider two options:
- Shorten the workday on critical days (agreement with employer)
- Delay return until after 05:00 (overnight in Switzerland)
3. Alternative routes: if timing is critical, consider the secondary San Gottardo Pass road or Lukmanier. Longer, but still usable if the tunnel is closed.
4. Inform your employer: communicate the closures to your manager. Smart working or flexible hours might be affected; consider negotiating reduced hours for September.
Additional costs to anticipate
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the queue record at the Gotthard during the summer?
- The record dates back to July 2009, when the tail reached 24 kilometers. The cause was a snowfall on the Gotthard Pass that slowed traffic on the road. In 2026, the July 18, 20-km peak ranks second in length in the last few decades of available data.
- How has traffic changed between 2025 and 2026?
- At the north portal (southbound traffic), summer 2026 was less congested: 8 days with queues longer than 10 km, compared to 11 days in 2025. At the south portal (return to the north), the peak went from 13 km in 2025 to 11 km in 2026. However, the single most critical event of 2026 (20 km on 18 July) remains impactful.
- What are the exact dates of the night closures?
- Closures start on September 7 (hours 22:00–05:00). From 14 September the hours change to 20:00–05:00. The calendar continues until October 7th with a total of 18 nights of closure. All closures are Monday-Friday; Saturdays and Sundays remain open.
- How do I plan my trip during closures?
- If you finish work between 17:30-18:00 and transit after 19:00, you risk closing from 14 September onwards (hours 20:00-05:00). You can shorten the day, postpone your return after 05:00, or use alternative routes (Lukmanier, Gotthard Pass road). Communicate with the employer for any flexible arrangements.
- Was 2026 a “good” summer for traffic on the Gotthard?
- Relatively yes to the north portal: fewer critical days (8 vs 11). However, the 20 km peak remains significant. Those who travel regularly know that even a single Saturday of 20 km generates stress and additional costs of fuel and time.