Since driving is a popular topic today...
I'm moving from Basel to Ticino on Thursday, July 14th. I've hired removalists, so they will be packing / trucking my stuff down that day.
I am in two minds about whether to hire a car for a few days to drive myself & the pup down to the new home. Part of me is thinking it will be handy to have a car to get to know my new surrounds. However, I have heard nothing but nightmares about the Gotthard Pass, and I don't want to be stuck in a car with a nervous dog for any longer than is necessary.
Is the Gotthard Pass really that bad?
My other option of course is to wave the removalists goodbye, and then jump on a train. Possibly beating them to Ticino!
Thoughts or advice please?
The pass can be lovely, very scenic. I wouldn't recommend it for someone not confident in driving a car though. Completely possible, but there could be bikers and more aggressive drivers zooming past. Then again you could be stuck behind a camper van.
The tunnel is the simple and direct option, and on a Thursday heading South should not be an issue.
On a thursday it should not be a problem. Perhaps a 20 min queue before the tunnel, but certianly not 1 hour + like on weekends. The very scenic gotthard pass is also a good option.
Fri 15 July is the last day of school. So avoid that...
When you say bad, I think you are talking about the tunnel not the pass, right?
Pass is fine, but windey, wouldn’t do it with my car sick doggo. The tunnel can be fine or absolute hell depending on the day, if it’s mid-week it’s probably ok, although you will be in school holidays.
I agree with the above. We went there only once and it was june. I think it is nice, scenic in summer months but I wouldn't dare it in colder months. May-September maybe.
You do understand that there is another option: You dont need to drive the pass... there is a tunnel to drive to as well ;-)
Pretty sure she meant the tunnel and the traffic jams.
Has the pup been on a train? Are they used to the noises (and bladder control?)
The pass is amazing - very beautiful and a worthwhile drive. Also has the advantage that you can stop and let the pup out in several places.
The tunnel is efficient - when there's not a 2-3hr tailback. Sadly, it's a bit of a gamble...
in that case, take the tunnel.
I would take the train, far less stressful for everybody and rent a car in Ticino as there maybe fees to pay if you return elsewhere than where you picked the car up
You may find you don't even need a car, public transport here is very good usually
School holidays differ by Canton. This year GE/VD are 4 Jul - 19 Aug.
yep, but by far the biggest crowd will be from Zurich and their last day of school is 15 July.
You guys are the best, thanks for all the info & advice
So to clear up any confusion and because I obviously still have a lot to learn about Switzerland I actually didn't realise there was a tunnel which would negate the need to take the pass!
If I drive, it would be the tunnel - I figure I can do the scenery & sightseeing another time, but on moving day I will be be pretty focused on simply getting to the new house and keeping the pup happy.
Tunnel is easy - if there are no traffic jams.
And if there are (check Waze), take the pass
What time do your movers expect to arrive at the new place in Ticino? Does your dog travel well in the car? Has your dog been on the train for that length of time? Moving is stressful enough for both people and their pets that I recommend considering the least stressful option.
Exactly, timing is the key. Avoid holiday weekends, beg and end of school holidays- and you will be fine. And take the pass, not the Tunnel, if the weather is good.
So many journeys are dependent on timing. From us, it is 55 minutes to centre of Lausanne if we avoid frontalier commute- otherwise you can add 15 to 20 minutes, and frustration.
As the OP wants to get from A to B very quickly, the pass is not the answer. It’s windy and if you end up behind cyclists or other sightseeers who are taking the pass at a leisurely pace, then you are stuffed. The pass is for a day when there is no pressure.
Tunnel is the best bet, except for the times you pointed out. In summer, it’s not just holiday weekends, but pretty much any weekend that traffic gets bad. You can keep your eye on the traffic jams at the tunnel using the TCS app or even google maps.
Good luck to the OP and welcome to our neck of the woods.
Yes, got that now. For another time. Timing for the Tunnel is however the key.
If one can't drive the Gotthard then one should simply not be driving.