A total of 12.3 million tonnes of goods crossed the Swiss Alps by rail in the first half of 2026. This equates to +3.1% growth compared with H1 2025. There could have been more growth, said the Swiss Federal Office for Transport (FOT), but infrastructure works limited positive developments.
Freight volumes on the Gotthard axis increased by 8.4%, or around 780,000 tonnes. By contrast, the Lötschberg-Simplon axis recorded a decline of 15.3%, or around 410,000 tonnes.
There was growth in both the single wagonload (SWL) and unaccompanied combined transport (CT) segments on the transalpine route. SWL volumes increased by 9.9% compared with H1 2025. In unaccompanied CT, the volume increased by 7.1%, or around 630,000 tonnes.
Despite these developments being positive, there was potential for more. FOT said that there could have been stronger growth. Reduced infrastructure availability and poor reliability of long-distance transalpine rail freight prevented bigger gains.
Infrastructural disruptions also reduced the share of freight passing through the Simplon axis (18.6%, a reduction of 4% compared to H1 2025). By contrast, the Gotthard axis expanded its share by 4% for a total of 81.4%.
German easing, but for how long?
Among the infrastructure disruptions was the Lötschberg-Simplon axis closure from 29 May to 27 July 2026. Additional closure periods totalling 80 days are scheduled throughout 2026. Moreover, renovation work in the Simplon Tunnel between Brig and Domodossola has reduced capacity for freight traffic on the Simplon axis.
On the flipside, the situation in Germany eased slightly. This has contributed to the growth in unaccompanied CT across the Alps, the FOT says based on stakeholder feedback. At the same time, the expected positive economic development in Europe and Switzerland stabilised the situation, FOT added.
“As freight transport also carries a large share of the intermediate goods used in industrial production, this is expected to result in modest growth in rail freight volumes.” Still, FOT warned that the disruption easing could be undone by planned infrastructure works in Germany.
Market shares
Rail freight operators on the transalpine route through Switzerland performed differently. The market shares in H1 2026 changed compared with H1 2025.
SBB Cargo International gained 7.2%. It remained the market leader with a share of 44.1%. By contrast, the domestic branch SBB Cargo lost significantly (-10.2%) and now occupies a market share of only 7.1%.
BLS Cargo is the second-largest operator with a market share of 20.6%. Despite retaining second place, the company lost 6.1%. The German national rail freight operator DB Cargo moved into third place with a share of 16.4%, an increase of 11.6%.