The New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA)

The NRLA is a monumental achievement of Switzerland. This railway project brings the north and south of Switzerland and Europe closer together.

Ticino even closer


The Gotthard and Ceneri base tunnels have brought Ticino closer to the north and south. But that's not all: it is also easier to move around the territory and thanks to the Ticino Ticket the discovery of the territory is even more within reach.

What are you waiting for? Get in a carriage!

Portal South - Gotthard Base Tunnel
Ceneri Base Tunnel

Ceneri, here we come!


Now that the base tunnel of Ceneri has entered into operation it is easier to travel between Bellinzona, Locarno, Lugano and Mendrisio. The rest rest of Switzerland is even closer.

What's changed?


The Ceneri base tunnel leads to a time saving of about 15 minutes compared to the mountain line that climbs to Mount Ceneri.

  • Locarno–Lugano Approx. 30 minutes instead of 50 for the Locarno-Lugano route
  • Bellinzona–Lugano Approx. 15 minutes instead of 30 for the Bellinzona-Lugano route
  • Zurigo–Lugano Zurich-Lugano in less than two hours

Increased frequency and even more connections: thanks to the Ceneri base tunnel, the number of trains running through the Gotthard base tunnel will also increase from 50 to 60 per day.
What are you waiting for? Check the timetable and take your train.

DISCOVER THE TIMETABLE

A long journey


With 15.4 km, the Ceneri base tunnel is certainly less imposing than the Gotthard base tunnel, but the work has been equally long and intense. From December 2020, anyone who crosses this tunnel to travel, work or simply discover Ticino may not know what were the main steps that led to the construction of this important railway project. Let's discover them together.

STAGES OF THE PROJECT
9 December 2003

Award to the Alptransit project for innovation in road links in Europe.

2 June 2006

Official start of construction of the Ceneri Base Tunnel.

30 March 2015

Both galleries of the Ceneri Base Tunnel in a southerly direction have been excavated.

26 July 2017

Work begins on laying the railway technology.

March 2020

First train in the Ceneri base tunnel.

4 September 2020

Official opening of the Ceneri base tunnel.

12-13 December 2020

Entry into service of the base tunnel.

Summer 2021

Celebration in Bellinzona, Lugano and Locarno.

The tunnel of the records


Total length of tunnels

152 km

Maximum depth

2300 m

Excavated materials

28.2 m tons

Real cost

CHF 12 bn


After nearly twenty years of hard work, the world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel is finally ready: the Gotthard Base Tunnel has been officially opened on June 1, 2016 (scheduled trains are only running from the December 11, 2016). Trains are now able to reach peak speeds of up to 250 km/h along a 60 kilometer stretch of track right through the heart of the Alps.


Two single track tunnels, both 57 kilometers long, running between Bodio (Ticino) and Erstfeld (Uri) are at the heart of the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA): the Swiss masterpiece of the century. This ingenious shortcut established a direct route that allows traffic to cross the Alps at very high speed, with minimal gradients and gentle curves.


And it's not over here! Since 2020, the Monte Ceneri base tunnel reduces further Ticino's size. It takes only 30 minutes to travel from Locarno to Lugano, while a quarter of an hour for the Bellinzona-Lugano journey.


Train, bus, ski lifts, cycle paths and navigation: there's something for everyone.
Let's find out together what mobility in Ticino has to offer.

Explore Ticino


This sun filled part of Switzerland can be enjoyed at its best in combination with an exciting train journey. On arrival at Bellinzona, the Italian language and the relaxed atmosphere just invite you to explore the delights of Ticino.
Thanks to the Ceneri base tunnel, Ticino is smaller, you can move more easily and the Ticino Ticket puts everything at your fingertips.

Ticino Ticket

Free public transport and discounts on cable cars and navigation companies as well as on main tourist attractions.

DISCOVER
Funicolare Monte Brè, Lugano

Let yourself be inspired


Come and enjoy this unique experience. An experience to enjoy now! Ticino is ready to warmly welcome you.