San Bernardino Tunnel is part of the motorway infrastructure in Switzerland. Hundreds of drivers pass it daily for a safe and quick passage through the Swiss Alps.
Make sure that you have paid the toll for using this route to avoid any trouble on the road. A good idea is to buy a Swiss vignette online.
Swiss Toll System and San Bernardino Tunnel
Traveling to Switzerland by a vehicle under 3.5 tons, you are required to have a valid Swiss motorway vignette. Without the permit, you will not be allowed to use the national toll roads.
You can cover the mandatory road tax by buying a vignette sticker at a gas station. It may also be purchased online.
Thousands of drivers use the Swiss motorway network daily, and its construction is prone to damage.
The toll system with vignettes provides a method to collect money that will fund the maintenance of the entire Swiss road network.
This way, highways in Switzerland remain safe for their users.
The San Bernardino Tunnel is exempt from extra payment. It’s enough that the driver has a valid vignette.
You must pay additional tolls to drive via the Munt La Schera and Great Saint Bernard Tunnel.
Driving through the San Bernardino Pass, you must follow the speed limit of up to 80km/h. As the tunnel has only two lanes facing opposite directions, overtaking other vehicles is not allowed.
For colder months, install winter tires. Non-compliance will be reported and punished.
Bernardino Tunnel Toll Payment
To drive freely on the Swiss motorways and expressways, each driver is obliged to pay the road tax. You can buy a toll sticker at petrol stations throughout the country.
The Swiss vignette is also easily accessible online. The electronic toll system is intuitive and convenient.
To pay for the passage through the toll roads of Switzerland, buy a vignette online:
- Provide information about your vehicle (license plate number, registration country).
- Choose the starting date of your vignette (it will automatically be an annual toll).
- Give your contact information (e-mail address, phone number).
- Use a credit card or debit card to cover the obligatory payment (58.00 EUR).
Purchase confirmation will be sent to you online. To limit the hassle for drivers, there is no need to print it out.
All the data about your vehicle will be stored in the electronic system of the Swiss toll.
Benefits of the Using the San Bernardino Tunnel
Although you can choose another route, there are plenty of benefits to using the San Bernardino Tunnel:
- Efficiency: The tunnel provides a direct passage through the Swiss Alps, saving much of your precious time compared to navigating steep mountain roads.
- Accessibility: The tunnel remains accessible in various weather conditions, and it’s open 24/7, being a reliable option for travelers throughout the year.
- Safety: With well-maintained infrastructure and modern safety features in mind, the tunnel offers a safer driving experience compared to alternative routes.
- Landscape: While the tunnel itself may not offer scenic views, the region of San Bernardino Valley and the Swiss Alps ensures picturesque views to enjoy.
Importance of the San Bernardino Tunnel
The San Bernardino Tunnel was built in 1967 as part of the San Bernardino Pass and the A13 toll road.
This passage of over 6,600 meters is located 2,000 meters above sea level and ensures an easy way to cross the Alps.
It connects Thusis (Graubünden) with Bellinzona (Ticino) on the Swiss side, running next to the Italian border.
The main goal of the San Bernardino Tunnel was to create a connection for tourists traveling through Eastern Switzerland. It also plays a vital role in providing a commerce route between the two regions.
The tunnel may be used by passenger cars, motorcycles, caravans, and trailers. It is open all year round.
To meet safety requirements, the tunnel had to undergo two major renovations in 1991 and 2006. It provided a modern drainage system, new electromechanical equipment, and renewed fire ventilation.
It also operates a live camera system so that drivers can check the congestion on the route.
The names are similar but don’t confuse the San Bernardino Tunnel with the Great Saint Bernard Tunnel.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the cost of the San Bernardino Tunnel toll?
There is no toll for the San Bernardino Tunnel only. The passage is a part of the A13 route, so you need a Swiss motorway vignette to use it freely. The road tax payment is 58.00 0EUR.
How long is the San Bernardino tunnel in Switzerland?
The San Bernardino Tunnel is one of the longest passages in Switzerland, being over 6,000 meters long.
How can I pay the San Bernardino Tunnel toll?
Buy a vignette for Switzerland online via our website or get a standard toll sticker at a gas station on the road. With the permit, you can use the San Bernardino Tunnel and national motorways.
Can I prepay the toll before my journey through the San Bernardino Tunnel?
It’s possible to pay the toll for using Swiss motorways before your journey. You can easily buy a vignette via our website. The process is very simple – fill out the registration form and cover the fee.