Switzerland is opening the world’s longest train tunnel, allowing passengers to travel beneath the Alps in about 17 minutes. The Gotthard Base Tunnel, developed by Swiss Federal Railways, is a twin-track rail link designed to bring northern and southern Switzerland closer together and reduce travel times to neighboring countries.
Already home to one of the densest public transport networks worldwide, Switzerland now adds this engineering landmark: the tunnel stretches roughly 57 kilometers and runs as deep as 2,300 meters beneath the Gotthard massif. That depth and length make it both the deepest and the longest rail tunnel in the world. Construction took 17 years from groundbreaking to completion.
By enabling faster, more direct journeys under the Alps, the Gotthard Base Tunnel increases rail capacity and reliability while cutting travel times for commuters and long-distance travelers alike. The project supports more efficient cross-border connections and encourages modal shift from road to rail, helping to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions on transalpine routes.
Passengers traveling through the tunnel can expect smooth, high-speed service on modern tracks built to handle frequent intercity and freight trains. The design includes state-of-the-art safety systems, ventilation, and emergency access points to ensure secure operation across the entire route. Freight operators benefit from a flatter, faster corridor that accommodates longer and heavier trains compared with the older mountain routes.
Beyond its transport advantages, the tunnel contributes to regional development by improving links between urban centers and rural communities on both sides of the Alps. Shorter travel times make day trips and cross-border commuting more practical, supporting tourism and local economies while preserving the scenic landscapes that draw visitors to Switzerland and its neighbors.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is an example of long-term infrastructure investment that balances engineering ambition with practical benefits: greater capacity for passengers and freight, improved environmental performance through reduced road traffic, and stronger connections across Europe’s central transport axis. Its completion marks a milestone in Alpine transportation and sets a new standard for modern rail tunnels worldwide.