Posted by Due to the Alps and the Apennines, some of the longest tunnels in Europe
are located entirely or partly in Italy.
This article gives a clear overview of the longest tunnels in Italy,
including road and railway tunnels, with verified lengths and context.
The longest tunnel in Italy
The longest tunnel in Italy is the
Brenner Base Tunnel.
Once fully operational, it will have a total length of
64 kilometres, making it the longest underground railway tunnel
in the world.
The tunnel runs beneath the Alps, connecting northern Italy with Austria.
Large sections are already completed, while final commissioning is still ongoing.
Regionally, the tunnel mainly affects
Trentino–Alto Adige,
a key transit area between Italy and Central Europe.
Top 10 longest tunnels in Italy (overview)
| Tunnel | Type | Length | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brenner Base Tunnel | Rail | 64 km | Italy – Austria |
| Frejus Rail Tunnel | Rail | 13.7 km | Italy – France |
| Mont Blanc Tunnel | Road | 11.6 km | Italy – France |
| Gotthard Base Tunnel (comparison) | Rail | 57.1 km | Switzerland |
| Frejus Road Tunnel | Road | 12.9 km | Italy – France |
| Gran Sasso Tunnel | Road | 10.2 km | Apennines |
| Vigliano Tunnel | Road | 8.5 km | Northern Italy |
| Giovi Tunnel | Rail | 7.3 km | Liguria – Piedmont |
| Gattico Tunnel | Road | 6.9 km | Lombardy – Piedmont |
| Valico di Chiunzi Tunnel | Road | 6.1 km | Campania |
Rail tunnels vs road tunnels
Italy’s longest tunnels are primarily railway tunnels.
This is due to international freight traffic and the need to shift cargo
from road to rail across the Alps.
Road tunnels, while slightly shorter, are equally important for tourism
and daily traffic, especially between Italy and neighbouring countries
such as France, Austria and Switzerland.
Important tunnel regions in Italy
- Aosta Valley – Mont Blanc Tunnel
- Piedmont – Frejus Tunnel
- Trentino–Alto Adige – Brenner Base Tunnel
- Liguria – Giovi Tunnel
- Lombardy – Alpine road tunnels
Why tunnels are so important for Italy
Italy’s geography makes tunnels essential.
Without them, cross-border transport, tourism and trade would be
significantly slower and more expensive.
Projects like the Brenner Base Tunnel are also designed to reduce
environmental impact by shifting heavy freight traffic from roads
to railways.
Explore the Alps & Northern Italy
Many of Italy’s longest tunnels lead directly into spectacular Alpine regions.
Guided tours and excursions help you explore these areas safely and efficiently.
Hotels near major tunnels & Alpine routes
If you’re travelling through northern Italy, staying near major transit
routes can save time and reduce stress.
FAQ: Longest tunnels in Italy
What is the longest tunnel in Italy?
The Brenner Base Tunnel, with a total length of 64 km.
Is the Brenner Base Tunnel the longest in the world?
Yes. Once fully operational, it will be the world’s longest railway tunnel.
What is the longest road tunnel in Italy?
The Mont Blanc Tunnel, at 11.6 km.