Suche
Mein Konto
Traffic jam alarm at the border: Long waiting times on the A3 and A12 on public holidays!
Find out the current traffic situation at the border with Holland on October 3, 2025, causes of traffic jams and alternative routes.
Traffic jam alarm at the border: Long waiting times on the A3 and A12 on public holidays!
The holiday travel season is upon us and, as usual, the highways are under high tension. On today's Day of German Unity, October 3, 2025, an enormous volume of traffic is expected, especially on the important connections between Germany and the Netherlands, such as the A3 and A12. Loud Travel reporter Traffic jams at the border crossing near Elten are not uncommon, especially on weekends and during holiday periods.
The main reasons for the traffic jams are always the same: holiday and weekend traffic as well as high truck volumes. Traffic can come to a virtual standstill at times, especially on weekdays. But unexpected border controls, accidents or construction sites near the border also contribute to congested roads. Another challenge is the different speed limits and traffic rules in Germany and the Netherlands, which can also cause misunderstandings.
Traffic forecast for the long weekend
Again ADAC reports, the period from October 2nd to 5th will be particularly prone to traffic jams. Thursday, October 2nd, in particular, could be the busiest day, as many Germans use the long weekend for short vacations while the autumn holidays begin in Hesse, Saxony and Thuringia. The end of Oktoberfest in Munich on October 5th will also lead to increased traffic.
According to ADAC, the most traveled routes will be the highways to the coastal regions and hiking areas of the Alps and low mountain ranges. The A3, A1 and A7 in particular are at risk routes that could be particularly busy over the weekend. Trucks weighing 7.5 tons or more have to take a break on Friday from midnight to 10 p.m., which is unlikely to ease the situation for cars.
Traffic jams and alternative routes
The typical traffic jam times are clearly defined: On Friday and Saturday afternoons, cars stream towards the coast, while on Sunday evening the return traffic to Germany reaches its peak. In these conditions, alternative routes are definitely recommended, although drivers should be aware that these can also be congested. The Travel reporter advises considering small side roads or the B8 and A61 as alternatives, but only for well-informed drivers.
A large number of construction sites, which overall affect the flow of traffic, must also be taken into account. The ADAC speaks of around 1,300 construction sites on German motorways, which further complicates the situation. Anyone preparing to travel should also keep an eye on the traffic news regularly so as not to get caught in unnecessary traffic jams.
In conclusion, it remains to be said: If you plan your trip well and are informed, you have the best chance of avoiding traffic jams and reaching your destination in a relaxed manner. With that in mind, have a good trip!