Czech Republic: D8 tunnels Panenská and Libouchec completely closed from 2 to 8 October 2026
On one of the two main motorway connections between the Czech Republic and Germany, the D8 between Ústí nad Labem and the Petrovice/Breitenau border crossing, travellers must expect a complete full closure of the Panenská and Libouchec tunnels from 2 to 8 October 2026. Both directions of travel are affected, for the entire duration of around one week.
The reason is the third and final construction phase of the comprehensive renovation of both tunnel tubes: the Czech road authority ŘSD is replacing the remaining tunnel technology and data network. Once the work is completed, the permitted maximum speed in both tunnels is to be raised from 80 to 100 km/h.
Diversion during the closure
During the closure period, traffic will be completely diverted via roads 248 and 528 as well as the first-class road I/13, passing the towns of Petrovice, Libouchec and Varvažov. Anyone who regularly travels across the border between the Czech Republic and Germany should allow significantly more time for this week, as the alternative route runs along winding country roads and regularly tends to cause tailbacks.
The same diversion applies to trucks, buses and coaches as to cars and motorhomes – no exception is planned for individual vehicle classes. Anyone who would rather avoid one of the well-known toll roads in the Czech Republic anyway will find suitable alternative routes on our guide page.
Czechia toll at a glance
For cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross weight, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways (D-roads). It is a flat fee for a fixed period. Motorcycles and trikes are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks, buses and motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll applies instead, charged via the electronic, satellite-based toll system MYTO CZ with an on-board unit (OBU); the rates are based on distance, vehicle category, number of axles, and EURO and CO₂ class. Not relevant for most car travelers. There is no separate special toll in the Czech Republic.
All details on tolls in CzechiaThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
*Official Czech vignette fee (10-day vignette, category 1, as of 01/2026): 300 CZK (approx. 12.40 €), full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Plan your journey on the D8 in the first week of October 2026 in good time, so that you are not caught out by the full closure. You can find everything about the vignette requirement in the Czech Republic on our Czech Republic overview page. If you are also travelling towards Rozvadov, you will find further information in our article on the lane narrowing on the D5. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.
Frequently Asked Questions about the D8 Tunnel Closure
The most important answers about the complete closure of the Panenská and Libouchec tunnels.
Do I need to buy an additional vignette for the diversion route?
No. The Czech vignette is valid regardless of the route for all motorways subject to the vignette requirement (D-roads). No additional toll fee applies on the detour routes (roads 248 and 528 as well as the first-class road I/13) anyway.
Does the closure also apply to trucks and buses?
Yes, the full closure affects all vehicle classes equally – the same diversion applies to trucks, buses, and coaches as to cars and motorhomes.
What will change after the construction work is completed?
After the final construction phase, the maximum permitted speed in both tunnels is to be raised from the current 80 km/h to 100 km/h.
