What are the 5 longest road tunnels in Spain?
In a country as mountainous as Spain, tunnels are not just engineering feats; they are essential links that make travel possible. These massive structures allow drivers to cut through the heart of the Pyrenees or the Cantabrian Range, avoiding high mountain passes that are often blocked by snow or plagued by endless hairpins.
Based on data from the Ministry of Transport, these are the five longest road tunnels currently operating in Spain. Each one represents a victory of engineering over geography, significantly reducing travel times and fuel consumption.
| Top 5 Longest Road Tunnels in Spain | |
|---|---|
| 1. Somport Tunnel | 8.6 km (5.76 km in Spain) |
| 2. Vielha Tunnel (Juan Carlos I) | 5.23 km |
| 3. Cadí Tunnel | 5.02 km |
| 4. Bracons Tunnel | 4.95 km |
| 5. Negrón Tunnel | 4.1 km |
1. Somport Tunnel (N-330 / N-134)
Stretching for 8.6 kilometers (5.34 miles), Somport is the undisputed king of Spanish tunnels. It forms a vital part of the E-7 trans-European route, connecting Spain and France under the Pyrenees. Opened in 2003, it allows drivers to cross the border at 1,183 meters, completely bypassing the legendary Puerto de Somport (Col du Somport), which rises to 1,637m. This shortcut saves a massive amount of time and fuel, especially for heavy trucks.
2. Vielha Tunnel (N-230)
The Vielha tunnel is the gateway to the Aran Valley. While the original 1948 tunnel was a pioneer of its time, the modern "Juan Carlos I" tube (opened in 2007) is 5.23 kilometers (3.25 miles) long. It cuts through the Maladeta massif at 1,605 meters. Before this tunnel existed, the only way into the valley was over the high mountain pass at 2,407 meters—a drive that was virtually impossible during the harsh winter months.
3. Cadí Tunnel (C-16)
Opened in 1984, the Cadí tunnel was Spain’s first major toll tunnel. With a length of 5.02 kilometers (3.12 miles), it pierces the Cadí range in the Pre-Pyrenees. It is a game-changer for those traveling from Barcelona to the Cerdanya region, as it allows you to avoid the tortuous Collada de Toses (1,800m). It provides fast access to the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park at a much more manageable elevation of 1,215 meters.
4. Bracons Tunnel (C-37)
Located in the heart of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, the Bracons tunnel is 4.95 kilometers (3.07 miles) long. It connects the regions of Osona and La Garrotxa, cutting through the Bracons range. Since its inauguration in 2009, it has replaced the old, winding road to the Collada de Bracons (1,136m). The tunnel makes the journey through the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa much smoother and safer for daily commuters.
5. Negrón Tunnel (AP-66)
The Negrón tunnel is the key link between the plateau of León and the green valleys of Asturias. It is 4.1 kilometers (2.55 miles) long and forms part of the "Autopista del Huerna" (AP-66). Crossing the Cantabrian mountain range at 1,040 meters, it allows drivers to skip the climb to the Pajares pass (1,570m). This tunnel is famous among drivers for the "climatic shock" it often provides: you can enter in the bright sun of the south and exit into the typical Asturian fog and rain.