Traffic jams on the third holiday weekend: traffic forecast for Austria
Over the weekend (17.07-19.07), traffic volume on the southbound transit routes will continue to increase. The start of the school holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous federal state, and in parts of the Netherlands coincides with the second wave of holidaymakers from western Austria. The ÖAMTC therefore expects heavy congestion on the north-south routes. Traffic jams are forming primarily in front of roadworks, toll stations and border crossings. In fine weather, excursion routes around lakes and hiking areas add to the congestion.
In addition, exit bans and driving restrictions for evasive traffic continue to apply in Salzburg and Tyrol. Anyone wanting to avoid traffic jams using their sat nav should be sure to observe these rules. Details on the exit closures on the Tauern motorway can be found in our article on the exit bans in Salzburg for this summer.
Why the weekend will be especially congested
The third holiday weekend brings together several waves of traffic. Travellers from North Rhine-Westphalia and the Netherlands are setting off towards the Alps, Italy, Slovenia or Croatia. At the same time, holidaymakers from western Austria are already on the road. The ÖAMTC expects traffic to build up especially on the classic transit routes, with delays before tunnels, toll stations and roadworks being particularly noticeable.
The start of the return traffic heading north traditionally begins around Saturday afternoon and continues on Sunday. This will be especially tight at the border crossings as well as on the Fernpass road (B 179) and the Tauern motorway (A 10).
Congestion hotspots: where it will be especially critical
On the A 4 Ost motorway, delays are expected between the Prater junction and Neusiedl. In the greater Linz area, this affects the A 1 West motorway and the A 7 Mühlkreis motorway. On the A 9 Pyhrn motorway, the Klaus tunnel chain, the Bosruck and Gleinalm tunnels, the sections from Mautern to Traboch, Deutschfeistritz to Gratkorn, Graz-Webling to Schwarzlsee, as well as the Spielfeld border crossing, are all at risk of congestion. On the A 2 Süd motorway, delays are expected in the roadworks area of the Packabschnitt, and on the A 11 Karawanken motorway before the Karawanken tunnel.
In the west and on the classic Alpine routes, the situation remains tense. Traffic jams are expected between Walserberg and Thalgau on the A 1, in sections along the entire A 10 Tauern motorway, and especially before the tunnel sections as well as before the roadworks at the Spittal-Millstätter See junction. The B 311 Pinzgauer Straße between Zell am See and Lend is also considered critical. In Tyrol, the forecasts concern the A 12 Inntal motorway between Kufstein and Innsbruck, the A 13 Brenner motorway in the area of the Luegbrücke and the Schönberg toll station, the B 169 Zillertal road before the Brettfall tunnel, as well as the entire B 179 Fernpass road. On the S 16 Arlberg expressway, congestion is expected before the tunnel sections, on the A 14 Rheintal motorway between Dornbirn and Hohenems, and on the L 190 in the greater Feldkirch area.
Exit bans in Salzburg and driving restrictions in Tyrol
Even if your sat nav suggests alternative routes via country roads in the event of congestion: strict rules against evasive traffic continue to apply in Salzburg and Tyrol. Exit bans for transit traffic have been imposed on the A 10. Anyone without an actual destination in Austria is not permitted to use the closed exits to bypass traffic jams. Read more on requirements, refuelling and driving through towns in our article on the A10 exit bans.
In Tyrol, driving bans for evasive traffic apply up to and including 1 November 2026 in the districts of Innsbruck, Innsbruck-Land, Imst, Kufstein and Reutte. These apply on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays as well as certain bridge days, each time from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone who avoids transit routes to relieve the burden on towns not only protects local residents but also avoids checks and unnecessary detours.
Anyone heading to the city of Salzburg as well should also observe the access rules for day-trippers in July and August 2026.
Weiz rally, Vienna and roadworks
On Friday, 17 July, and Saturday, 18 July 2026, the special stages of the rally will take place in the greater Weiz area. Closures will occur on the subordinate road network. Delays are expected on the B 72 due to the influx of spectators.
In Vienna, the roadworks season is in full swing. Longer-term road construction sites and a busy schedule for the underground, tram, S-Bahn core line and Badner Bahn are leading to overlaps and diversions. Anyone heading to or through the capital should check current public transport and roadworks information before setting off.
Refuelling and travel planning
Now that numerous European countries have withdrawn their measures against high fuel prices, the price differences with neighbouring countries have largely normalised again. In Germany and Italy, prices are currently often above the Austrian level. Many travellers therefore still fill up in Austria. Towards Slovenia and Croatia, state-regulated maximum prices continue to apply away from the motorways. Anyone driving to Croatia can often save money by refuelling only in Slovenia or at their holiday destination. Refuelling away from motorways is also worthwhile in many other countries.
For route planning and possible alternatives, our route planner can help. Before setting off, check current traffic reports, allow for time buffers, and bring drinks and refreshments in case of longer traffic jams. Setting off early and avoiding peak times where possible remains one of the most effective measures.
Tolls: what you should keep in mind
On Austrian motorways and expressways, cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t technically permissible gross weight (without occupants, field F.1) require a valid vignette. You can conveniently purchase the digital vignette via the 10-day vignette flat rate for Austria. If the technically permissible gross weight exceeds 3.5 t, the vignette requirement does not apply, and the distance-based toll with GO-Box applies instead.
In addition, distance-based tolls or special tolls apply on many of the congestion-prone routes mentioned, for example at the Brenner, Tauern and Katschberg, at Bosruck, Gleinalm or the Karawanken tunnel. The vignette does not cover these sections. Details can be found in our guide Tolls in Austria and on distance-based tolls and special tolls. Information on the Luegbrücke and the single-lane section on the A 13 can be found in our traffic reports on the Brenner motorway and in the guide to the Brenner motorway A13.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
With enough time buffer, up-to-date traffic reports, and the right awareness of exit bans and toll rules, you'll reach your destination more relaxed even on the third holiday weekend. If you have questions about the vignette or tolls in Austria, you can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ: Traffic jams on the July 2026 holiday weekend
Why will the weekend be especially congested?
Because the start of the school holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia and parts of the Netherlands coincides with the second wave of holidaymakers from western Austria. The ÖAMTC expects the north-south routes to be overloaded.
When does the return traffic start?
Usually around Saturday afternoon, continuing on Sunday, especially at border crossings, on the B 179 Fernpass road and the A 10.
Am I allowed to exit the A10 in case of a traffic jam?
Only if you have an actual destination in Austria. According to the ÖAMTC, the exit bans apply continuously from 11 July to 13 September 2026.
What applies in Tyrol regarding evasive traffic?
Driving bans in several districts until 1 November 2026, on weekends and public holidays as well as certain bridge days from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Do I need a vignette for the motorways mentioned?
For motorways and expressways, vehicles up to 3.5 t technically permissible gross weight require a valid vignette. On special toll routes, the respective distance-based toll/special toll also applies.
