Slovakia: D1 Branisko tunnel completely closed from 10 to 15 October 2026
The Slovak motorway D1 between Bratislava and Košice will be completely closed in both directions in the Branisko Tunnel from Saturday, 10 October 2026, 11 pm, until Thursday, 15 October, 10 pm. The section between Beharovce and Široké is affected. This is according to the maintenance schedule of the state motorway company NDS.
After the Višňové Tunnel, Branisko is one of the longest and technically most complex tunnels in the country, located on the central east-west connection between the capital and eastern Slovakia. Anyone travelling between Prešov and the High Tatras this week must therefore expect a diversion lasting five days.
Why is the tunnel being closed?
The NDS is carrying out the annual autumn maintenance: walls, walkways, the road surface and drainage are cleaned, along with inspections and maintenance of the tunnel technology. Due to the length of the tunnel, a multi-day full closure is required for this. Already in April 2026, the Branisko was closed for the same reason for five days. Additionally, on Thursday, 15 October, a rescue forces training exercise is planned in the tunnel during the day.
Diversion via the I/18
During the April closure, the NDS routed traffic in both directions via the I/18 road over the Branisko Pass, from the Beharovce junction to Branisko-East. This route is also expected in October; the NDS will announce the official signage shortly before the closure begins. Significantly more time should be allowed on the pass road than in the tunnel, especially for motorhomes and vehicles with trailers.
The D1 is one of the toll vignette-required routes in Slovakia. The I/18 country road is not part of the motorway network, so the vignette is not required on the diversion route, but it remains mandatory for the remaining motorway sections of the journey.
Further closures on the D1 in October
Directly after the Branisko follows the Šibenik Tunnel near Prešov: it will be closed from Friday, 16 October, 10 pm, until Sunday, 18 October, 6 am. Before that, the Prešov Tunnel was already closed in September. There will also be further night closures this autumn at the Sitina Tunnel on the D2 near Bratislava. In addition, the new D1 section with the Čebrať Tunnel opens on 5 October.
Slovakia toll at a glance
For cars (including with a trailer) and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways. It is a flat fee for a fixed period. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll via an on-board unit applies instead. Its amount depends on factors such as road category, distance driven and emission class. Motorhomes need only the vignette, regardless of weight. Slovakia has no separate special toll.
All details on tolls in SlovakiaThe 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 Slovak vignette fee (10-day vignette, as of 09/2026): 10.80 €, 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!
You can find all the essentials about the vignette requirement in Slovakia on our Slovakia guide page. Which motorway sections are affected is shown in the overview of vignette-required routes.
Frequently asked questions about the Branisko closure
The most important answers about the tunnel closure on the D1.
How long is the Branisko tunnel closed?
The full closure begins on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11 p.m. and lasts until Thursday, October 15, at 10 p.m. The D1 between Beharovce and Široké is closed in both directions.
What diversion applies during the closure?
During the April 2026 closure, the diversion in both directions ran via road I/18 and the Branisko Pass. The exact signage for October will be announced by the NDS shortly before it begins.
Do I need a vignette for the diversion route?
The diversion runs along a country road and not along the motorway. The vignette remains mandatory for the remaining motorway sections in Slovakia.
