It forms part of the Swiss Federal Railways Gotthard line, between Giubiasco and Rivera-Bironico stations.
The first bore, sometimes known as Monte Ceneri I, was opened on 10 April 1882 and is 1,675 metres (5,495 ft) in length.
The second bore, Monte Ceneri II, was opened on 18 October 1933 and is 1,692 metres (5,551 ft) in length.
Both bores carry a single standard gauge (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) track electrified at 15 kV AC 16 2/3 Hz using overhead catenary.
The Ceneri Base Tunnel has recently been completed beneath the pass at a much lower level.