In a 4 May press release the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA/USTRA) forecast heavy traffic on Switzerland’s north-south corridors during the Ascension (14-17 May) and Pentecost (22-25 May) long weekends, as well as Corpus Christi (4-7 June). Congestion is expected primarily on the A2 through the Gotthard tunnel and the A13 over the San Bernardino, with spill-overs at cross-border points in Chiasso and Basel. ASTRA advises motorists—including cross-border freight operators—to remain on the motorway even in slow-moving traffic, warning that diversions onto secondary roads can paralyse local public transport and increase accident risk. Alternative routes include the Simplon and Great-St-Bernard tunnels or car-shuttle trains via Lötschberg and Simplon.
![Federal roads office warns of Ascension and Pentecost gridlock, urges travellers to stay on motorways]()
For travellers who decide to brave the roads—or pivot to rail or air connections—VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork side of the journey. Whether you need a last-minute entry visa for an onward trip beyond Switzerland or simply want clarity on the latest residence-permit rules, the platform’s Swiss portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/) offers quick eligibility checks, document checklists and courier submission options, freeing up time to focus on re-routing and accommodation.
For international mobility managers the notice is timely: airport transfer times between Zurich/Geneva and Alpine resorts could double, and companies planning project mobilisations in Ticino or northern Italy should build extra lead time for ground logistics. ASTRA’s guidance dovetails with the Swiss Federal Railways’ plan to lay on 58 extra trains and 130,000 additional seats through the Gotthard base tunnel over the same weekends. Seat reservations for bicycles remain compulsory until 31 October, which affects tourists and cross-border commuters alike. Employers running holiday shuttle buses or staff relocation moves during the peak windows should secure permits early and consider overnight driving to avoid the worst bottlenecks.
For travellers who decide to brave the roads—or pivot to rail or air connections—VisaHQ can streamline the paperwork side of the journey. Whether you need a last-minute entry visa for an onward trip beyond Switzerland or simply want clarity on the latest residence-permit rules, the platform’s Swiss portal (https://www.visahq.com/switzerland/) offers quick eligibility checks, document checklists and courier submission options, freeing up time to focus on re-routing and accommodation.
For international mobility managers the notice is timely: airport transfer times between Zurich/Geneva and Alpine resorts could double, and companies planning project mobilisations in Ticino or northern Italy should build extra lead time for ground logistics. ASTRA’s guidance dovetails with the Swiss Federal Railways’ plan to lay on 58 extra trains and 130,000 additional seats through the Gotthard base tunnel over the same weekends. Seat reservations for bicycles remain compulsory until 31 October, which affects tourists and cross-border commuters alike. Employers running holiday shuttle buses or staff relocation moves during the peak windows should secure permits early and consider overnight driving to avoid the worst bottlenecks.
