Gotthard Base Tunnel: Full steam ahead from September 2024
After more than a year, all passenger trains will once again travel through the Gotthard Base Tunnel from the beginning of September. At the same time, the frequency of connections between Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland will be increased. The benefits will not only be enjoyed by people in Switzerland – the journey to Switzerland will also be even more comfortable for our international guests from Italy.
Great news! SBB expects the Gotthard Base Tunnel to be fully operational for passenger traffic as early as September 2024. The half-hourly service between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino will finally be introduced, giving travellers even more connections to choose from. Moreover, travel times will be greatly reduced. Direct trains from Switzerland to Bologna and Genoa, as well as the Eurocity Basel-Lucerne-Milan and the train Frankfurt-Zurich-Milan, will also resume regular operations. With the direct connection and shorter travel times, cross-border train journeys from Italy will become even more attractive. From 2 September 2024, the travel time from Milan to Zurich will be only 3 hours and 17 minutes. Guests will travel faster than ever before between the two economic centres.
Significant damage
The restricted rail traffic through the Gotthard Base Tunnel was due to a derailed freight train in August 2023. The damage to the world’s longest railway tunnel was so severe that extensive repairs were necessary, lasting until September 2024. Until the work is completed, most passenger trains will continue to be diverted via the historic Gotthard Panorama Route. Even after the full reopening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, travellers will still have the opportunity to experience the historically significant mountain route over the Gotthard. The Gotthard Panorama Express will continue to run on the route until 20 October 2024. Those who just missed the season will have the opportunity again next spring at the latest.
