Escaping Travel Mishaps in Switzerland during Christmas: A Guide

During holiday seasons, transportation – whether by road, train, or air – becomes more congested. However, you can smooth out your travel within Switzerland, even during peak times, to ensure a more relaxing journey.

, and Administrator

2025 May 6 . 1:23 AM

2 min read

Escaping Travel Mishaps in Switzerland during Christmas: A Guide

Holiday season travel in Switzerland can be a hassle, especially when it comes to the roads. If you're planning to hit the highways to reach your Christmas and New Year destination, brace yourself for major disruptions and traffic jams, especially on routes leading to winter sports resorts.

According to the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), traffic nightmares await travelers on motorways like A1, A2, A3, A9, A13, A28, and main roads such as Spiez-Kandersteg, Gampel-Goppenstein, Brunnen-Flüelen, Göschenen-Andermatt, Raron-Brig, Bellinzona-Locarno, and various routes in the Bernese Oberland, Grisons, and Valais' side valleys.

The start of the school holidays on December 21st will make the A1, A2, A3, A9, and A13 motorways, and the regions of Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, and Lugano particularly congested, with traffic jams expected on the Gotthard Tunnel area, San Bernardino road between Sargans and Rothenbrunnen, and on sections towards the Bernese Oberland and Valais.

To avoid the worst of the traffic, consider setting off late at night or very early in the morning. The roads might be less busy then, but remember, you won't be alone – many other drivers will likely have the same idea. Alternatively, you could explore public transport options to help you beat the traffic.

Swiss national rail company, SBB, has a new 2025 timetable in effect during Christmas and New Year. If you're traveling abroad during this busy time, it's essential to book your train tickets well in advance. Special trains are available for winter sports enthusiasts, including The Verbier Express and the VosAlpes Express, offering discounted tickets and reduced daily ski passes for the Verbier ski area.

And if flying is more your style, take note: Zurich, Geneva, and Basel EuroAirports will be busy over the holidays. Long lines and long wait times at check-in counters and security are expected, so arrive well ahead of time. To secure a parking spot, book one in advance.

Carpooling apps, mountain railways, preplanned routes, and early travel are some other options to consider to help you avoid traffic congestion. planning your route with apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid crowded areas and staying in towns near your destination can also be helpful.

If you're seeking a quieter, less touristy holiday experience, consider exploring less crowded regions or attractions in Switzerland. Happy travels!

Travelers should be prepared for traffic nightmares on motorways like A1, A2, A3, A9, A13, A28, and main roads such as Gampel-Goppenstein during the holiday season, according to FEDRO.
Avoiding the worst of the traffic on motorways can be achieved by setting off late at night or very early in the morning, or exploring public transport options like the Swiss national rail company, SBB, which has a new 2025 timetable in effect during Christmas and New Year.
If you're traveling during the holiday season, booking your train tickets well in advance is essential, especially for special trains like The Verbier Express and the VosAlpes Express, offering discounted tickets and reduced daily ski passes for the Verbier ski area.
Long lines and wait times at check-in counters and security are expected at Zurich, Geneva, and Basel EuroAirports during the holiday season, so arriving well ahead of time is recommended to secure a parking spot.
To secure a quieter, less touristy holiday experience, consider exploring less crowded regions or attractions in Switzerland, such as towns near your destination or smaller attractions, to help you avoid traffic congestion.