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 continues to rise. The start of school holidays in Germany's most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, 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 mainly at roadworks, toll stations and border crossings. In fine weather, scenic routes around lakes and hiking areas add to the mix.

In addition, exit bans and driving restrictions for diversion traffic remain in place in Salzburg and Tyrol. Anyone planning to use their sat nav to avoid traffic jams should be sure to follow these rules. Details on the closures on the Tauern Autobahn can be found in our article on the exit bans in Salzburg this summer.

Why the weekend will be especially tight

The third holiday weekend combines several waves of traffic. Travellers from NRW and the Netherlands are heading 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 back up mainly on the classic transit routes, with delays at tunnels, toll stations and roadworks being especially noticeable.

The early return traffic heading north typically starts around Saturday afternoon and continues on Sunday. Things will be particularly tight at the border crossings as well as on the Fernpass road (B 179) and the Tauern Autobahn (A 10).

Congestion hotspots: Where it gets 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 at risk of traffic jams. On the A 2 Süd motorway, delays threaten in the roadworks area on the Pack section, and on the A 11 Karawanken motorway ahead of 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 Autobahn, and especially ahead of 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, forecasts concern the A 12 Inntal Autobahn between Kufstein and Innsbruck, the A 13 Brenner Autobahn around the Luegbrücke and the Schönberg toll station, the B 169 Zillertal road before the Brettfall Tunnel, and the entire B 179 Fernpass road. On the S 16 Arlberg expressway, congestion is expected ahead of the tunnel sections, on the A 14 Rheintal Autobahn 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 navigation device suggests alternative routes via country roads in the event of traffic jams: strict rules against diversion traffic remain in place in Salzburg and Tyrol. On the A 10, exit bans have been imposed for transit traffic. Anyone without an actual destination in Austria is not allowed to use the closed exits to bypass traffic jams. Read more about the requirements, refuelling and passing through towns in our article on the A10 exit bans.

In Tyrol, driving restrictions for diversion traffic apply up to and including 1 November 2026 in the districts of Innsbruck, Innsbruck-Land, Imst, Kufstein and Reutte. This affects Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays as well as certain bridge days, each from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Anyone avoiding transit routes to relieve local communities not only protects residents but also avoids checks and unnecessary detours.

Anyone also heading to the city of Salzburg should additionally 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. On the B 72, delays are expected 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 metro, 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 trip planning

Now that numerous European countries have withdrawn their measures against high fuel prices, the price differences with neighbouring countries have largely returned to normal. In Germany and Italy, prices are currently often higher than in Austria. Many travellers therefore still fill up their tanks in Austria. Towards Slovenia and Croatia, state-regulated maximum prices still apply away from motorways. Anyone driving to Croatia can often save money by refuelling first in Slovenia or at their holiday destination. Refuelling away from motorways is also worthwhile in many other countries.

Our route planner can help with route planning and possible alternatives. Check current traffic reports before setting off, allow for a time buffer, and bring drinks and food in case of longer traffic jams. Setting off early and avoiding rush hours wherever possible remains one of the most effective measures.

Toll: What you should keep in mind

On Austrian motorways and expressways, cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t technically permissible maximum mass (excluding 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 maximum mass exceeds 3.5 t, the vignette requirement no longer applies, and the distance-based toll with GO-Box applies instead.

In addition, route tolls or special tolls apply on many of the congestion-prone routes mentioned, for example at the Brenner, Tauern and Katschberg, the Bosruck, the Gleinalm or the Karawanken Tunnel. The vignette does not cover these sections. For details, see our guide Tolls in Austria and on route tolls and special tolls. Information on the Luegbrücke and the single-lane traffic on the A 13 can be found in our traffic reports on the Brenner Autobahn and in our guide to the Brenner Autobahn 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 about tolls in Austria, you can reach us at any time by email.