Driving from Lake Como to Interlaken in May

Short summary – read this first

Drewryu is planning a road trip from Lake Como in northern Italy to Interlaken around May 20. They are looking for advice on the best route to take, considering possible road closures and the comfort of traveling with two elderly parents.

Key takeaways:
  • The Gotthard Pass is likely to be the only open pass in mid-May, so it’s a good choice for the trip.
  • If the high passes are closed, using the motorway with scenic pit stops along Lake Lucerne is recommended.
  • Check the traffic conditions before your trip to stay updated on pass accessibility.
  • Consider using car trains if necessary, but note they aren't available everywhere.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    21 August 2023 at 14:30:44 #830571

    I am planning a road trip from northern Italy (Lake Como) to Interlaken between mid and end of May (probably around May 20) next year. Which route do you think I should take? Option #1 – take A2 (Gotthard pass along the way) all the way to Lake Lucerne and then take A8 to Interlaken, Option #2 – A2 (Gotthard pass along the way) and to 19 (Furka and Grimsel passes along the way) and 6 to Interlaken, Option #3 – A1 (Gotthard along the way) and to 11 (Susten pass along the way) and to 6 to Interlaken. Considering the time of the year, the only pass which may be open would be Gotthard pass. I think all other passes will be closed at that time of the year. If I would have to bypass all the passes due to closure, which route do you think I should take, taking the road condition, travel time, and sceneries into account? If the passes are closed, there are always car trains onto which I can board my car? I will be travelling with my wife and two old parents (in their late 70s). Appreciate your input and wish you all the best.

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  • Anna
    Moderator
    7727 posts
    Reply 1 of 3 • 22 August 2023 at 7:12:26 #957546

    Hi Drewryu,

    If you are planning a road trip from Como to Interlaken, the fastest route would be to drive via the Gotthard Pass. There are 2 scenic options:

    Option 1: Como – Airolo – Gotthardpass – Hospental – Furkapass – Grimselpass

    Option 2: Como- Airolo – Gotthardpass – Andermatt – Wassen – Sustenpass

    But early May might be a little to early as some of these passes might still be closed to vehicles. You can check the traffic condition here: http://www.myswissalps.com/car/trafficinfo

    A safer option would be to stick with the motorways and you can make pit stops along the way. Direction to Interlaken are well signposted.

    Hope this helps.

    Regards,

    Anna

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    Swiss_Sights
    Participant
    100 posts
    Reply 2 of 3 • 22 August 2023 at 12:34:44 #957547

    Hi Drewryu,

    At this time in May, the Alpine passes may still be closed. If they are open and you like to ride a lot of curves then option #2 is certainly a great thing. If the passes are still closed, I would leave the motorway in Flüelen and drive along the Vierwaldstättersee to Luzern and only continue on the motorway to Interlaken in Alpnach.

    Have a great drive!

    Martin

    Arno
    Moderator
    15730 posts
    Reply 3 of 3 • 23 August 2023 at 4:42:07 #957548

    Hello Drewryu,

    There are car trains, but not everywhere. You’ll find them here: http://www.myswissalps.com/car/cartrains

  • The thread ‘Driving from Lake Como to Interlaken in May’ is closed to new replies.

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