Alternatives to the Brenner Motorway
Traffic restrictions on the Brenner motorway
In the coming years, traffic on the Brenner motorway will be severely restricted. However, there are alternative routes you can take instead.
If you're planning to quickly cross over the Brenner towards Italy, this could become a problem. Since 1 January 2025, the Brenner motorway has had only single-lane traffic in both directions. This marked the start of construction works that will continue until 2030 and could repeatedly cause traffic chaos. On many days during the main travel season, traffic is to be managed through two lanes in each direction to better distribute the high traffic volume. Nevertheless, it is worth looking for alternative routes, as the Brenner has had an increased potential for heavy traffic for over a year now.
Brenner alternatives
Fortunately, there are several sensible alternative routes to the Brenner motorway. The most obvious is the Brenner road (B182). However, this is repeatedly closed to protect the surrounding municipalities from diverted traffic. According to ADAC, it is also frequently congested whenever traffic volumes increase on the motorway.
The best alternative routes towards Italy
Here you'll find an overview of the best alternative routes:
Brenner road (B182)
Reschen Pass
Tauern Tunnel
Timmelsjoch
Plöcken Pass / Felbertauern
San Bernardino Tunnel
The Reschen Pass is a toll-free alternative, although it is regularly closed due to construction work. There will also be closure periods in autumn 2026.
A tunnel on the Tauern motorway has been renovated. The renovation has been completed since June. This route therefore represents a good alternative.
The border pass Timmelsjoch offers some steep roads and can also be used. However, the pass is only open from roughly early June to late October, as it reaches an altitude of 2,474 metres.
The Plöcken Pass can also be chosen, although closures occur there regularly and must be taken into account.
A classic and reliable route to Italy is the San Bernardino Tunnel. Coming from Germany, you can reach it via the A96 or A7 towards Milan or Ticino. Following the storm damage in summer 2024, the A13 is once again passable throughout, but occasional night-time closures for maintenance work are to be expected.
Further alternative routes
Towards southern France or Italy, the Gotthard Tunnel is also a good option. Unlike the Gotthard Pass, this is open to traffic all year round. However, the tunnel is closed at night in several phases every year for maintenance work, usually during the week. Check the current dates with ASTRA before setting off.
Towards Croatia or Slovenia, you can use the Pyhrn motorway. North of Graz, renovation work is being carried out in two phases: the first phase between the two Gratkorn tunnels ran until December 2025, with work continuing in 2026 up to the Deutschfeistritz junction. If you'd prefer to avoid motorways, you can also choose the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The impressive views – including of Austria's highest mountain – make this route particularly appealing. From Heiligenblut (Carinthia), the route towards the Adriatic can be continued via Villach and Lake Wörthersee.
Train as an alternative
If you want to avoid the traffic chaos, you can use the Brenner railway. It runs from Innsbruck over the Brenner Pass to Bolzano and Verona. With the completion of the Brenner Base Tunnel in 2032, trains are expected to travel from Innsbruck to South Tyrol in just 25 minutes – an even more attractive alternative to the car.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Whether by car or train: each of these routes can serve as an alternative to the Brenner motorway. To ensure your journey runs smoothly, it is advisable to book the digital vignette and any necessary special toll routes in advance. This way, you save time, avoid stress, and can set off with peace of mind.
Now secure your digital vignette for Austria and discover Austria's most beautiful routes. Our route planner shows you the right toll products in just a few clicks.
