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Beat the Traffic: New Czech Route to Croatia Avoids Brno and Vienna Congestion
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For Czech drivers planning a summer road trip to Croatia,a new route promises to alleviate the stress of traffic congestion. Instead of battling through the frequently jammed highways around Brno and Vienna, motorists can now opt for the D3 motorway, offering a smoother and potentially faster journey. according to Igor Sirota, a spokesman for the Central Automotoklub of the Czech Republic, this southern route, passing through České Budějovice and Linz, Austria, is the more beneficial option this year.
The D3 Motorway: A Game Changer
The recent opening of a new 30-kilometer section of the D3 motorway, including the České Budějovice bypass, has considerably improved travel times. This bypass alone can reduce travel time by up to 25%, and during peak hours, savings can reach as much as half an hour. This makes the route not only ideal for reaching Croatia but also for trips to popular destinations within the Czech Republic, such as Šumava and Český Krumlov.
Did You Know? The D3 motorway aims to connect Prague with the Austrian border, eventually linking to the European highway network.
By choosing this southern route, drivers traveling from Prague to the Adriatic Sea can effectively avoid two major traffic hotspots: Brno and Vienna. From Linz, drivers can connect to the A9 highway in Austria, leading to Maribor in Slovenia and Zagreb in Croatia, before continuing along the Croatian coast.
Brno and Vienna: Persistent Traffic Challenges
Igor Sirota recently tested the traditional route through Brno and austria, finding the journey from Prague to Trogir, Croatia, took eleven hours. While sections of the D1 highway near Brno have been expanded to six lanes, traffic jams persist.According to Transport Minister Martin Kupka, even minor collisions can cause significant delays due to the high volume of traffic. Further modifications to the D1/D2 junction are planned for the autumn, after the peak travel season.
Pro Tip: Check real-time traffic conditions on Google Maps or Waze before you travel and adjust your route accordingly.
Austria: Speed Limits and Environmental Zones
While the D3 route offers a smoother path, drivers should be aware of some restrictions in Austria. There are stretches between Vienna and Graz with speed limits of 80 kilometers per hour due to ongoing construction. Though, the good news is that Styria has abolished its IG-L environmentally amiable zones, removing previous speed restrictions and allowing speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour on certain sections.
Toll and Vignette Information
Navigating tolls and vignettes is a crucial part of planning your journey. Austria has increased its vignette prices slightly this year, with a one-day vignette costing 9.30 euros (230 CZK) and a ten-day vignette costing 12.40 euros (307 CZK). Electronic vignettes can be purchased at the official Asfinag e-shop.
Slovenia does not offer a one-day vignette, with the shortest option being a weekly vignette for 16 euros (400 CZK). To avoid Slovenian highways, travelers can detour via Mureck in Austria, but be cautious not to accidentally enter the final section of the Slovenian highway, where police often monitor for vignette compliance, with fines up to 300 euros (7500 CZK).
Croatia continues to charge tolls on its motorways. The journey from the border through Zagreb to Split costs approximately 30 euros (744 CZK).
