Alternatives to the Brenner Motorway

Traffic restrictions on the Brenner Motorway

Over the next few years, traffic on the Brenner Motorway will be heavily restricted. However, there are alternative routes you can take instead.

If you're planning to quickly cross the Brenner towards Italy, this could become a problem. Since 1 January 2025, only single-lane traffic in both directions has been in effect on the Brenner Motorway. This marked the start of construction work that will continue until 2030 and could repeatedly cause traffic chaos. On many days during the main travel season, traffic is to be regulated using two lanes each way to better distribute the high traffic volume. Nevertheless, it's worth looking for alternative routes, as the Brenner has posed 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 one is the Brenner Road (B182). However, this is repeatedly closed to protect the surrounding communities from diverted traffic. In addition, according to the ADAC, it is often overloaded anyway whenever there is increased traffic on the motorway.

The best alternative routes towards Italy

Here you get 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. Restrictions may also occur in autumn 2025.

On the Tauern Motorway, a tunnel was renovated. The renovation has been completed since June. This route is therefore a good alternative.

The border pass Timmelsjoch offers some steep roads and can also be used. However, the pass is frequently closed – especially in winter – 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. Since September 2024, this route has been free-flowing.

Further alternative routes

For southern France or Italy, the Gotthard Tunnel is also a good option. Unlike the Gotthard Pass, this tunnel is open all year round. However, since March 2025, the tunnel has been closed on 34 dates per year from 8 or 10 pm.

Towards Croatia or Slovenia, you can use the Pyhrn Motorway. Construction work there is said to have been completed since November 2025. If you'd like 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 attractive. From East Tyrol, 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 take 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 driving.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Whether by car or train: each of these routes can serve you as an alternative to the Brenner Motorway. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, it's 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 relaxed.

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.