Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has announced significant improvements to services through the Gotthard Base Tunnel from March 2024. The initiative aims to meet the growing demand for passenger and freight transport between the north and south of Switzerland, in particular, to make the journey easier for commuters from Ticino to German-speaking Switzerland and to facilitate increased freight train operations.
From 2 March 2024, the number of passenger trains through the Gotthard Base Tunnel on weekends will increase from 31 to 38, providing an additional 4,300 seats for travelers to and from Ticino. This expansion will meet seasonal peaks in demand and ensure more accessible and comfortable travel through one of Europe's most important rail corridors.
Freight transport will receive a significant boost with the ability to run more freight trains through the tunnel, facilitated by the operational use of the undamaged northern third of the west tunnel. This strategic shift aims to optimize freight routes, which are particularly important during the summer months when alternative routes are closed due to construction work.
Easter travelers to Ticino and Italy will benefit from special timetables, with 49 extra trains and around 49,000 extra seats from Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday. The increased passenger capacity is a result of diverting freight traffic via alternative routes, enabling more passenger trains to operate through the scenic and swift Gotthard Base Tunnel.
