Last updated: 23.07.2025
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Congestion-Prone Routes in Austria
With the start of summer holidays across various federal states, major traffic jams return. It seems almost unavoidable to travel through Austria without getting caught in a long traffic jam. However, there are certain routes that are particularly notorious for high congestion. We would like to draw your attention to these sections and recommend that you avoid the following routes:
- A1: West Autobahn
- A9: Pyhrn Autobahn – toll stations Bosruck and Gleinalm tunnels, construction site Kalwang–Mautern, border Spielfeld
- A10: Tauern Autobahn (Salzburg area) before the toll station St. Michael im Lungau and before tunnels like the Oswaldiberg Tunnel near Villach
- A11: Karawanken Autobahn (especially at the Karawanken Tunnel)
- A12: Inntal Autobahn (Innsbruck area) and border Kufstein/Kiefersfelden
- A13: Brenner Autobahn
- A22: South Tyrol Brenner Autobahn
- B179: Fernpass road (especially between Bavaria and Nassereith)
Major Events Causing Additional Congestion
In addition to summer travel traffic, two major events will further increase traffic congestion—much to the disadvantage of vacationers. Both events take place in St. Pölten and begin in the afternoon and early evening. At 3:00 p.m., the Danube Dragons will play AFC Vienna Vikings at the NV Arena as part of the Austrian Football League. Therefore, daytime traffic is expected to be heavy. The following routes may experience significant congestion:
- Bimbi-Binder-Promenade
- Liese-Prokop-Allee
- B1: Wiener Straße
- S33: Kremser Schnellstraße (St. Pölten Nord junction)
- A1: West Autobahn (at the St. Pölten and St. Pölten Süd junctions)
Due to the expected traffic jams, you should consider using public transportation. St. Pölten is well connected via lines 6 and 7. Additionally, the Summer Blues Festival begins at 6:00 p.m. on the same day at Ratzersdorfer See, which may prolong congestion, especially since the festival is located close to the NV Arena.
Traffic Congestion Also Expected in Neighboring Countries
This weekend (26.07.2025–29.07.2025) is expected to see the highest traffic volume of the year due to the start of summer holidays in five German federal states and the two major events in St. Pölten. However, not only Austria is affected—neighboring countries also expect traffic delays at the following locations:
- A8/A93: Major German Corner (Großes Deutsches Eck)
- A4/A2: Borders with Slovenia and Croatia
Travel Tips!
If you want to avoid heavily trafficked roads and escape traffic jams, it’s best not to start your vacation on Saturday. If traveling on Saturday is unavoidable, then you should begin your trip early in the morning or wait until the late afternoon. This may help you avoid the longest traffic jams.
The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!
Don’t forget to inform yourself about Austria’s toll regulations. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and view the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email.
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