Gotthard Base Tunnel – open again from Sept 2024
A traveler started a discussion about the current situation with the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which has been closed for repairs after a freight train derailment. They need guidance on travel routes between Switzerland and Italy, specifically how to adjust their itinerary and use the Swiss Travel Pass due to delays in train schedules.
- Check the SBB timetable for up-to-date information on train services due to delays caused by the tunnel closure.
- Consider alternative routes such as the Gotthard Panorama Express or the Bernina Express if your itinerary changes due to train delays.
- If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you typically only need a ticket for the section from Chiasso to Venice, and you can stay on the train for the duration of the journey.
AI-generated summary-
Last updated: 02-09-2024
The Gotthard Base Tunnel has been partially closed for a long while due to the derailment of a freight train. As of September 2024, the tunnel is fully operational again, and the train schedule is back to normal.
For the time being, a lower maximum speed will be used in the tunnel. As a result, trains will arrive a bit later. Although this is still within the timetable’s margins, there will be slightly less leeway to catch connecting trains. Learn how the Swiss timetable works here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/.
My previous message about this can be found below.
Hi travelers,
Due to the derailment of a freight train in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in 2023, this tunnel is largely closed for passenger traffic. It’s expected to be repaired by September 2024. If all goes well, train schedules will then return to normal.
This affects, for example:
- transfers between Chiasso/Lugano and Zurich (extra travel time: 1 hour);
- transfers between Chiasso/Lugano and Basel (extra travel time: 1 hour);
- international routes to and from Italy via Lugano (extra travel time: 1 to 2 hours).
Alternatives:
- You can use trains on the Gotthard mountain route: either the regional trains ‘Treno Gottardo’ or the Gotthard Panorama Express (http://www.myswissalps.com/gotthardpanoramaexpress).
- If you travel between Italy and Switzerland, you can do so via Domodossola, Brig, Visp and the Lötschberg route (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/lotschberg-mountain-railway/) to Frutigen/Spiez instead. From Spiez, you can travel to Bern-Basel, Bern-Zurich and Interlaken-Lucerne-Zurich.
- If you travel between Italy and Switzerland, another option is the Bernina Express route via Tirano and Chur (http://www.myswissalps.com/berninaexpress).
The Swiss timetable shows up-to-date information and alternatives.
More info:
- Find all up-to-date options for your travel date and route in the Swiss timetable: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable.
- Read the official SBB announcement and FAQ: https://news.sbb.ch/artikel/124217/gotthard-base-tunnel-derailment-everything-you-need-to-know-for-your-trip
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Hi Annika,
Thanks for the heads-up on the tunnel closure.
Regards,
Danielsan
Thanks for the heads up. The re-opening date has moved out due to issues. This impacts tickets we already have in hand (September 5) once we cross the border back into Italy. We are going from Zurich to Milan and have a connection to catch in Milan to Florence. We have TrenItalia tickets from the Italian border (from Chiasso) into Milan and were going to use our Swiss Travel Pass to the Swiss\Italian border. So, do we simply count on the SBB train having enough seating (the SBB site simply says “limited seating”) and adjust our connection in Milan by by 2 hours? Or do we book explicit seats on the Gotthard Panorama Express or some other train on some other route?
Hi BALucas,
I think, if you need to have a guaranteed arrival and you have the possibility to change your itinerary a little. I would opt with one of the alternative options listed in the post provided earlier.
That’s myself personally.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Yolanda,
Thank you for your reply.
According to the SBB app, it says that “passenger trains will be diverted via the Panorama line until further notice. The journey time is extended by 60-120 minutes, the online timetable has not yet been adjusted. The seating and bicycle space capacities are limited.”
We were planning to use our Swiss Travel Pass to travel on the EuroCity 313 train from Zurich HB to Chiasso and then we purchased the EuroCity 313 Chiasso to Milan ticket and then a separate ticket from Milan to Florence. I just want to make sure I have the correct understanding that if the trains will be diverted via the Panorama line, we just board the EC 313 train in Zurich and the train automatically diverts and we just stay on but arrive the approximate 2 hours later in Milan? We would then adjust our Milan to Florence ticket to a later time.
I have tried looking at the other alternatives but it looks like our current route works out best, as long as I understand how the diverting works.
Thanks,
Beth
Hello again Beth,
Yes, that would be my understanding too. Due to the diversion, the journey time would be extended.
So, yes, as a result, you’d need to change your departure for Milan to Florence.
In case you needed any information on travel to/from Italy, here’s our handy link but it sounds like you have everything in hand 🙂
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Just to add Beth,
I’d keep tabs on the timetable prior your actual departure, just in case there are any further developments or changes.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you, Yolanda. I appreciate your post and confirming my understanding. We leave in a week and want to be sure we have everything ready to go.
Beth
Yes, we will certainly do that. I appreciate your help.
Beth
Another issue I found out for those trying to go to Milan. There’s engineering work at the domosodolla to Milan route so they’re diverting people to mutilple bus transfers. Not sure if it would be worth it sadly.
Hi- looking for a bit of information as regards the closing of this tunnel. We will be travelling to Bellagio in Italy from Luzern on 28 September, and I had read that the easiest way would be via a direct train 12:18, then ferry/bus to Bellagio. I’ve been looking on the SBB website and now cannot locate any direct train- presuming this may be something to do with the tunnel being closed? What would you suggest as easiest way to travel – the least possible changes? We have the Swiss Travel Pass. Would we best to book- our date is set as we have accommodation booked. I would appreciate any advice! Thank you
Hi Bess,
Thanks for the heads-up! Yes, there are replacement buses between Domodossola and Locarno. Alternatively, you could use train connections Domodossola-Milan via Arona/Novara. Or you could ride the Centovalli line from Domodossola to Locarno, and continue to Milan from there. That’s quite a detour, but a pretty one: https://www.myswissalps.com/centovalli.
Wow. Thankfully no one was injured (according to the BBC article I read).
Quick question. I think we are okay for our original plan for Friday, Sept 15 (via boat from Lucerne to Fluelen) and then via the ‘Treno Gottardo’ from Fluelen to Lugano (with a stop at Bellinzona Castles). I’m assuming we won’t need to make any other arrangements. Other than an expectation that it may be busier and longer time wise? Thank you.
Also, a little reminder to all travelers to remain patient and courteous to everyone who make Swiss Train Travel the best train experience in the World.
Hi Art2164,
That’s right. You have nothing to worry about as your connection doesn’t include travel through the Gotthard Tunnel. However there may be delays due to increased passenger traffic on the Gotthard panorama route as a result of the tunnel closure. Be sure to check the SBB timetable for updated schedules: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable
Regards,
Anna
Hi,
Myself and My wife are planning to take a direct train from Zurich to Venice on Sept 16th. we have swiss pass. I have heard from my travel agency that there is no direct train but both Sbb and Trenitalia show this train EC 311 available.
Can we go ahead and buy this ticket ?
thanks
Ramesh
Hi Ramesh,
Welcome to MySwissAlps! Yes, that direct train is still scheduled to operate, but the trip will take about an hour longer than usual because of the closed tunnel. You’ll find tickets here: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/italy/price
Great, thanks Arno. very conveneient link with several options to book the ticket.
Given I have swiss pass, I tried to book the ticket from chiasso or lugano to Venice. But that train donot show up. If I change it to start from Zurich, it shows up. Is there a way I can leverage my swiss pass and save the ticket cost up to Chiasso. I believe, this is what some of the threads in this forum indicated. Please guide me how to go about making this booking.
thanks
Ramesh
Sorry, my mistake. it does show up fine if I select Lugano but not chiasso. So, given I have swiss pass, should I go ahead and book my ticket from lugano to venice ? And if I do this, assume I can board at Zurich and donot have to change any train till venice ?
thanks again
Ramesh
Hi Ramesh,
With a Swiss Travel Pass, you would only need to purchase a ticket from Chiasso onwards to Venice. It should display as an option?
There is no need to change trains unless the SBB timetable schedule requires you to do so. So if the train is a direct journey, just stay on board and enjoy (from Zurich to Venice).
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you. For some reason, if I select chiasso, it is not showing EC311 as an option with Trenitalia, Omia, Trainline etc. Only SBB site is giving me that option. Let me go ahead and do that.
thank you.
Ramesh
No problem Ramesh,
Just for your information, I just carried out a quick search on Trainline (http://www.thetrainline.com). I found a direct train from Chiasso to Venice, departing at 11.02 from Chiasso.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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