Gotthard Tunnel Night Closures 2026 - All Dates
The Gotthard Tunnel is one of the busiest Alpine crossings in all of Europe. To keep it safe and reliable, regular maintenance and cleaning work is essential. The official dates for 2026 have now been confirmed.
Night Closures in the Gotthard Tunnel: 2026 Schedule
The 2026 night closures follow a similar pattern to previous years. In total, the tunnel will be closed for 34 nights – spread across March, June, September, and early October. Weekends are exempt from closures.
| Dates | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| March 23 to 27 | 4 nights | 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| June 8 to 12 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| June 15 to 19 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| June 22 to 26 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| September 7 to 11 | 4 nights | 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| September 14 to 18 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| September 21 to 25 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| September 28 to October 2 | 4 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| October 5 to 7 | 2 nights | 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
The closures are deliberately scheduled outside peak travel periods such as Easter and Whitsun.
In addition to this scheduled maintenance, the tunnel will also be closed once a week for a few hours in 2026, usually from Wednesday to Thursday between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. These short closures are for special transports.
What Alternatives Are Available?
If you need to cross the Alps at night when the Gotthard is closed, you have several options:
1. San Bernardino Tunnel (A13)
The route via the A13 from Chur to Bellinzona is the most common alternative. Truck drivers in particular know this route well. However, expect somewhat heavier traffic when the Gotthard is closed.
2. Gotthard Pass Road
When weather permits and the road is open, you can drive over the Gotthard Pass. The route offers stunning scenery but takes considerably longer. Important note: It's tight for vehicles with trailers or caravans, and the pass is closed in winter anyway. For the October night closures, it should still be available as an alternative route.
3. Simplon Route
Depending on your destination, the Simplon Pass can also be a sensible alternative, especially when other routes are congested.
Stay Informed
Please plan your journey accordingly and check current traffic conditions before you travel. You can find up-to-date information on our website: