Avoiding the Gothard Tunnel

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
Two years ago, my family and I went on holiday in Italy. We traveled through the Gothard Tunnel both ways. On the way down, we waited for 3 hours in the queue. On the way back (tuesday) we were stuck for 6 hours. We want to travel down to Verona and Venice over the four day weekend of May 17th-20th. Is there a way to get down there to avoid the Gothard? I know there is the pass above the tunnel, but if it is closed, is there another way to go? I realize that it may be a busy weekend due to Acension. Any suggestions?

2
It will be busy that weekend. Inform yourself before on here

http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/auto/verkehr/ or search for "Staumelder".

Alternative route is the San Bernardino (Autobahn A13 via Chur).

3
Much longer in distance, but probably shorter in time - and suitable for that area of Italy - go into Austria, via Innsbrück and south using the Brenner Pass through The Dolomites.

4
San Bernadino is the simplest option - just stay out of my way. On the Ticino side - if you're not going quickly stick to the right side of the lane.

(You'll know what I'm talking about when you get to the section)

(Going south of the Alps on a bank holiday weekend is something we specifically avoid doing)

5
For traveling long distances, I usually choose a time of day/night where there is the least amount of traffic. I don't know if that is an option for you to leave really early in the morning or leave really late at night. Just an idea

6
Another alternative is to take the Kandersteg-Brig-Domodossola (I think) train. You can load your car on it all the way to Italy. It would entail a lengthy drive to the Berner Oberland, but you end up right next to Lago Maggiore.

7
Well, he already has a head start.

8
Lukmanier Pass - the nicest way to go.

9
Damn, that's supposed to be a secret!

10
I live only 30 minutes from Brig. Would this be a better option than San Bernadino? I understand going at odd hours, but we can through the tunnel on a Tuesday night (hit the jam at 21:30) and didn't get back until after 3 am. Both my wife and I have vowed never to take a chance again because there was no way to turn around or go elsewhere.

11
I've honestly never been through the Gotthard tunnel. I usually just hear the horror of it on the radio and shake my head wondering why anyone would ever use it *lol* OMG I can't believe you tried at 9:30pm and it still wasn't better. That's just insane!!!

12
or go by train all the way?

13
It also sometimes is a bit of luck/ bad luck.

Last weekend we went to Lake Como using the Gotthard tunnel, but we left Zurich on Friday morning 9-ish. Waited 5 minutes for the traffic lights at the beginning of the tunnel (we passed it around 10:30am), on the way back 10 minutes traffic light delay before the tunnel (1.30pm).

14
I thought Goldiwil was way over there -------->

15
I believe it's near Thun.

16
Aha, because Thun is only there -->

17
Just go through the tunnel when I am going there.

I've been a total of 5 times through the tunnel and I have not had to wait 1 minute.

Always hearing about what a nightmare it can be, I must be really Gottardlucky

18
There is no "Ticino side" to the San Bernardino.

Tom

19
They why would you even think of taking the Gottardo?

The Simplon pass is open all year, the Novena being the other (and, to Lugano, quicker) option from Brig.

Tom

20
It's also a really nice drive over the Simplon with fantastic views (if you choose not to take the train to Domodossola), followed by a nice little jaunt down the Centovalli towards Losone and Ascona.

Since you live near Thun (as I have been informed ), going via Brig is a no-brainer IMHO.