Traveling in Switzerland During Christmas: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel around Switzerland during Christmas, it’s important to be prepared. In this guide, we’ll provide information about potential traffic jams, airport disruptions, and the status of public transport to help make your journey smoother.

1. Traffic Situation in Switzerland During Christmas

According to the latest Traffic Forecast from the Federal Roads Office (Astra) in Switzerland, long traffic jams are expected during the Christmas holidays. This includes congestion in and around Swiss cities and on routes leading to mountain ski resorts.

Major traffic jams are anticipated on specific roads and motorways, including but not limited to:

• A1 in and around Zurich
• A1 between Härkingen and Wangen am Albis
• A1 and A6 in Bern
• A1 in and around Lausanne
• A2 near Basel
• A2 and A14 between Lucerne and Stans-Nord
• A3 between Walenstadt and Reichenburg
• A8 between Spiez and Interlaken
• A8 between Sarnen and the Lopper junction
• A13 between Sarganserland and Rothenbrunnen
• A28 between Landquart and Klosters

Expect delays on the Gotthard Road Tunnel, San Bernadino Pass, passes between Canton Bern and Valais, and other mountain axes. Traffic on mountain passes will be heaviest heading south around Christmas and north between January 1 and 7.

2. Government Advice: Stay on the Motorway

To manage disruptions, the Swiss government advises drivers not to divert onto smaller roads through towns and villages to avoid traffic jams. Leaving the motorway increases the risk of accidents, harms local economies, and hinders public transport. Travelers are urged to stay on the motorway even in case of traffic jams.

3. Geneva Airport: Potential Strike Action

Travellers flying into or out of Geneva may face disruptions due to strike action by Dnata workers during the week of December 18. This could significantly impact flight operations for over eight different airlines.

If you’re using Geneva Airport during the two weeks around Christmas, stay updated with regular information from the airport and your airline. Zurich Airport is expected to be busy but will not be affected by industrial action.

4. Public Transport in Switzerland: Expect Busyness

During the Christmas period, Intercity and Interregional services between Swiss cities and abroad are anticipated to be very busy. To ease your journey, consider traveling during off-peak times, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.