Switzerland’s Gotthard Base Tunnel now open

This month saw the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, which – at 57 kilometres in length – is now the longest train tunnel in the world.

With trains that travelling through at speeds of up to 250 km/h (it takes approximately 17 minutes to travel through the tunnel), the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel shaves an estimated 30 minutes off regular travel times between such cities as Zurich and Milan (now 3.5 hours instead of 4), and Lucerne and Bellinzona (1.5 hours instead of 2).

According to representatives at Swiss Travel System AG, because of the reduction of travel time, the tunnel enables visitors to the country to see more places in one trip. For example, those staying in Lucerne can easily spend the day in Bellinzona or Lugano, or if they are staying in Lugano, they can easily do a day trip into Zurich.

Excursions around the Gotthard area include the Schöllenen Gorge, home of the Suvorov Monument, Tell’s Chapel, and the Lorelei bathing islands.

Travellers can choose between two options on the Gotthard route – the newly-opened tunnel or the Gotthard panoramic route. The ticket price is the same and both are also included in the Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail.

The Swiss Travel Pass covers some 29,000 kilometres of train, bus and boat lines throughout Switzerland. It allows for unlimited travel through the system, including free travel most panorama routes and on public transportation systems in over 90 towns and cities, along with free admission to more than 500 museums and up to 50 per cent off on other mountain railways. What’s more, excursions to Pilatus, Rigi and Schynige Platte Mountain are also included with the pass and kids under the age of 16, who are accompanied by at least one parent holding a complimentary Swiss Family Card, travel free of charge.

For more information about the Gotthard Base Tunnel, click here.