In the coming years, traffic on the Brenner Motorway will be heavily restricted. However, there are alternative routes you can take.
If you plan to quickly head towards Italy via the Brenner, it could become problematic. Since January 1st, 2025, the Brenner Motorway has only one lane open in each direction. This marks the beginning of construction work that will continue until 2030 and may repeatedly lead to traffic chaos. On many peak travel days, traffic will be managed using two lanes to better distribute the high volume. Nevertheless, it is worth looking for alternative routes, as the Brenner has already shown a significantly increased risk of heavy traffic for more than a year.
Fortunately, there are several sensible alternative routes to the Brenner Motorway if you want to pass into Italy. The most obvious alternative is the Brenner Road. However, this alternative is repeatedly closed to protect local communities from heavy congestion. Another disadvantage is that this federal road is already frequently overloaded according to ADAC whenever traffic increases on the Brenner Motorway.
The Reschen Pass is a toll-free alternative to the Brenner, but it also has a catch. The Reschen Pass is frequently closed due to construction work. Restrictions may also occur in autumn 2025.
The Tauern Motorway has also undergone tunnel renovation, making it a viable alternative route as well. Since June, the renovation has been completed, and the Tauern Motorway offers a good alternative.
The border pass Timmelsjoch between Austria and Italy features some steep roads and can also be used as an alternative route. However, the pass is often closed during winter, as it leads up to 2,474 meters in altitude.
You can also choose the Plöcken Pass as an alternative route, but you must take the regular closures there into account as well.
A classic and reliable route to Italy is the San Bernardino Tunnel. Coming from Germany, you can easily take the San Bernardino route via the A96 or A7, either towards Milan or Ticino. Since September 2024, this route has been free of restrictions.
If you're heading to southern France or Italy, another Brenner motorway alternative also leads through Switzerland. The Gotthard Tunnel is the optimal choice. Unlike the Gotthard Pass, which is closed in winter, the tunnel is passable all year round. However, since March 2025, the Gotthard Tunnel has been closed on 34 dates throughout the year from either 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. onwards.
If you are travelling to Croatia or Slovenia, you can take the Pyhrn route. The construction work there is expected to be completed by November 2025. If you prefer not to use the motorway, you can also take the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The breathtaking views—such as Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner—make this alternative particularly appealing. From East Tyrol, the route can be continued towards the Adriatic via Villach and Lake Carinthia.
If you want to avoid all the traffic chaos and prefer a constant and reliable alternative to the Brenner Motorway, you can take the Brenner Railway. Crossing the main Alpine ridge, it runs from Innsbruck across the Brenner Pass to Bolzano and Verona. When the Brenner Base Tunnel is completed in 2032, trains are expected to travel from Innsbruck to South Tyrol in just 25 minutes, making it an even more attractive alternative to driving.
Whether you prefer the driving alternatives or the train: each of these routes can serve as an alternative to the Brenner Motorway. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s worth booking the digital vignette and any required special toll routes in advance. This saves time, avoids stress, and lets you fully enjoy the festive atmosphere from the very beginning.
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