About the Gotthard Tunnel Toll
Gotthard Tunnel doesn’t require getting a Toll, as travel through it is free. You don’t need to purchase an additional permit and cover the fee.
However, do note that you must have a vignette on the Swiss motorways.
As the tunnel is a part of the A2 way for fast-moving traffic, you should buy a toll road authorization for vehicles with a total weight not exceeding 3.5 t (including cars and motorcycles) to cross it.
You can do it online within a few simple steps:
- Prepare a device with an internet connection.
- Enter the details in the form.
- Check the provided information twice before you send them.
- Cover the fee with one of the available methods.
- Wait for an email with confirmation and a Swiss e-vignette in PDF form.
The process won’t take much time, and you will obtain a vignette shortly after.
How to Pay for the Gotthard Tunnel Toll
There’s no paying for the toll for the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland, as no additional permit is necessary.
Just prepare a vignette, which is obligatory on Swiss paid roads for vehicles not heavier than 3.5 t, such as passenger cars and motorcycles.
To cover the costs, you need to have access to one of the available payment methods, including credit/debit card, PayPal, Klarna, American Express, and more.
Planning Your Journey Through the Gotthard Tunnel
Sometimes, the Gotthard Tunnel may be closed temporarily due to accidents or other problems. Be updated and check all the official information stated by the Swiss Confederation.
In case of closure, it’s recommended to find another route or change plans, as passage won’t be possible.
Besides, remember about the mandatory vignette on the motorways in Switzerland.
The tunnel goes through an A2 route, and a vignette is a must-have in this section. You can obtain it online.
Benefits of the Gotthard Tunnel Toll
The main benefit of the Gotthard Tunnel is the fact you can use it free without an additional permit.
Only a vignette necessary on Switzerland’s motorways and expressways is mandatory, as the tunnel is a part of it.
When purchasing a vignette online, you can enjoy:
- A simple process that can be completed from home;
- No need to search for the sales points;
- Data security;
- Fast procedures;
- Eco solution, as no paper is wasted;
- Safe payment methods.
Additional Information
The Gotthard Road Tunnel is a significant part of the A2 route in the southern center of Switzerland.
It connects Ticino and Uri cantons and is around 16.9 kilometers, making it one of the longest tunnels in the world.
The passageway below St. Gotthard Pass in the Alps runs through a very popular route, which means traffic jams often occur there, especially during peak holiday seasons. Inside the tunnel, the speed limit is 80 km/h.
Besides, plans to upgrade the tunnel are in progress and will be completed in 2029, according to the schedule.
If you want to use the Gotthard Tunnel, you don’t need an additional permit. You should only prepare a valid Swiss vignette, which is necessary for vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 t, as you will be driving through the A2 motorway.
History of the Gotthard Tunnel
The Swiss government decided to construct the Gotthard Road Tunnel in July 1969 as a response to the automobile boom.
Opened on 5 September 1980, the passageway, with a large ventilation system and side gallery, is a single-bore tunnel with one lane in each direction.
Now, it links southern Switzerland with the Swiss Plateau and northern to southern Europe.
The Gotthard Tunnel was built parallel to the old railway tunnel. Earlier, special car shuttle trains were used to transport cars in this section.
In 2021, a catastrophic fire broke out, which disturbed the route for a few weeks.
Also, the passage was closed on 11 September 2023 due to a crack in the ceiling and reopened on 14 September.
Note that the tunnel may be temporarily shut for some periods, so it is better to check all the news on the official website before the journey.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the cost of the Gotthard Tunnel toll?
The Gotthard Road Tunnel can be used by drivers who have a Swiss vignette. No additional fee is necessary. Note that tunnels in Switzerland may sometimes be closed. Check all the news to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Are there any exemptions for the Swiss toll?
A vignette on the motorways and expressways in Switzerland is required for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 t. However, there are some exceptions, such as emergency vehicles or certain tractors, but generally, all the drivers who use Swiss tollways must obtain a permit.
How can I cover the Swiss toll?
You can pay the Swiss toll using one of the available online methods, such as credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, American Express, and more. During the process of getting a vignette, pick the option you like. You don’t need to pay for the Gotthard Tunnel passage, as no additional permit is necessary there.
Can I prepay the toll before my journey to Switzerland?
You can select the starting date of a vignette during the process online and, thus, obtain it earlier. Thanks to that, you are prepared beforehand and can focus on your journey without problems related to the required permits.