Turin to Sion Road Trip: Alps, Lakes & Wine

The Turin–Sion route is a 230‑km dash from Piedmont’s baroque elegance to the heart of Valais’s terraced vineyards, crossing the highest all‑year Alpine pass – the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel (1,924 m).

This concrete corridor, opened in 1964, connects the A5 in Italy to the E27 in Switzerland, shaving two hours off the old mountain road. The drive itself takes about 2 hours 30 minutes in optimal conditions.

Yet the real question is how long to drive Turin to Sion if you stop for the views, the Roman ruins, and the cheese – and the answer is: plan at least 4 hours to do it justice.

Whether you wonder is it worth driving Turin to Sion, the answer is a definite yes: the route delivers glaciated peaks, Roman arches, and some of Europe’s finest alpine wines. The best stops Turin to Sion include Aosta’s Roman theatre, the Forte di Bard, and the medieval village of Saint‑Pierre.

To uncover hidden gems, check out our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Leaving Turin, the Po plain gives way to the Susa Valley, where the Alps begin. The A5 snakes through steep gorges, with Mont Blanc (4,808 m) visible on clear days.

• Val d’Aosta: a Roman‑influenced region with castles like Fénis and Issogne.
• Grand Saint Bernard Pass (landscape): above treeline, rocky and barren, home to the famous Saint Bernard dogs.
• Swiss Valais: the vineyard terraces of Lavaux (a UNESCO site) and the iconic Matterhorn view from Sion.

Local commerce is distinct. In Italy, try fontina cheese and lardo di Arnad. In Switzerland, pick up a wheel of Raclette or a bottle of Fendant wine. Aosta’s covered market (Sat mornings) sells local honey and cured meats.

Road quality is excellent on the A5 and E27, but the tunnel approach can be narrow and dark. Use low beams inside the tunnel. Snow chains are mandatory in winter (Nov–Apr) on the approach roads.

• Fatigue management: break every 90 minutes. Good rest stops: Ivrea (Autogrill), Aosta Est service area, and tunnel parking before the Swiss exit.
• Family stops: Aosta’s Archaeological Area (Roman theatre) is fascinating for kids; the Forte di Bard has a museum of the Alps with interactive exhibits.

Pet‑friendly framework: Pets are allowed in the tunnel with a muzzle/leash. Many restaurants in Aosta and Sion have outdoor terraces that welcome dogs. The Valais vineyards allow leashed dogs.

For hidden off‑route spots, take the old road over the Col du Grand Saint Bernard (summer only) – a winding, panoramic route with alpine meadows and a lake. Discover more hidden gems with our guide to finding secret stops.

The journey starts from Turin’s ring road (RA10) merging onto the A5 motorway west towards Aosta. The A5 is a well‑maintained dual carriageway with a speed limit of 130 km/h except near tunnels and viaducts.

• Fuel stations are frequent every 30–50 km on the A5, with 24h self‑service pumps and restaurants. Fill up before the tunnel, as Swiss fuel is 15–20% more expensive.
• Tolls: The A5 from Turin to the Grand Saint Bernard tunnel costs around €6.00. The tunnel itself is CHF 32.00 (cash or card).
• After the tunnel, you descend on the Swiss side via the E27 into the Rhône valley. The final stretch runs alongside the Rhône River to Sion.

Border crossing: Italy‑Switzerland at the Grand Saint Bernard. No customs for Swiss‑type traffic, but have your passport ready. The Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40) is required – buy at the tunnel or in advance.

Tunnel operating hours: open 24/7, year‑round, but closed for 2 weeks in spring for maintenance (usually late April). Check the official site before departure.