San Bernardino - Pass vs. Tunnel

Transportation, Travel and Trips
1
We're heading back from the south of France next weekend and want to avoid the long queues at the Gotthard tunnel, which I suspect will stretch far enough back to make the Gotthard pass a poor option as well.

So right now we're focused on heading home via the San Bernadino route. I've done a search, but can't seem to find a good answer to my question. Assuming a reasonably powerful car, how much longer does it take to go over the San Bernadino pass vs. crossing via the tunnel?

Given the wonderful things I've read about the pass as being one of the best driving roads in the world, I'm inclined to try the pass if it doesn't add significant time to the journey.

Any experience?

2
About 1/2 hour on a bike, more with a car.

But, from southern France to Basel, I'd take the Grand St. bernard.

Tom

3
Actually I find the St. Bernadino a *Ahem!* pass for pussies, if you want something challenging with fantastic scenery try the neighboring Splügen, that one will give you things to talk about for years to come.

4
Great restaurant before the top of the Italian side, too.

Tom

5
Thanks everyone for the advice. I decided to take the Grand St Bernard Pass and it was just as promised. Despite a very busy traffic weekend (with waits of 2+ hours at St. Gotthard) I managed to stay in free-flowing traffic nearly the entire journey.

Living up to my name, I did neglect to check my fuel gauge before heading up the pass, and climbing the mountain with a fully-loaded car drinks the petrol awfully quickly. I could have done without the added adreneline that comes from watching the 'reserve' light come on halfway up the pass.

I was also amazed at the difference in the standard of the road on the Italian vs. Swiss sides. The Italian side has security barriers along the entire route and seems very safe; on the Swiss side, the edge of the road is occasionally marked by pebbles and presumably you're on your own if you overshoot the curve!

6
So you wimped out on us with the Splügen then?

7
Read the posts too late.

Next time.

With a full tank of petrol.