Traffic authorities in Spain warns 5.7 million drivers to avoid these four peak travel times

Drivers across Spain are being warned to plan their journeys carefully as 5.7 million long-distance road journeys are expected during the October 12 holiday weekend. Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, has identified four periods when traffic is expected to be particularly difficult between Friday, October 9, and Monday, October 12.

The four-day operation will see millions of vehicles heading towards coastal and mountain destinations, second homes and towns holding local fiestas. The Valencian Community will also have an extra public holiday on Friday, October 9, adding to the expected traffic.

For anyone planning to travel, these are the times the DGT says are best avoided:

Friday, October 9: 3pm to 11pm

The first major wave of traffic will begin during Friday afternoon as people leave large cities for the long weekend. The DGT expects heavy traffic on roads leading towards the coast, tourist areas, second homes and mountain destinations. Traffic will build through the afternoon before reaching many destinations later in the evening.

Saturday, October 10: 8am to 2pm

Saturday morning will bring another major outbound movement, particularly on roads leaving large urban areas. Coastal roads and routes towards beaches and mountain areas are expected to be particularly busy, with the DGT warning of heavy traffic and possible delays between 8am and 2pm.

Sunday, October 11: 11am to 7pm

Sunday is expected to be less difficult than the other three days, although drivers should still expect increased traffic. Many journeys will be shorter trips from cities to nearby leisure and recreation areas, with people returning during the afternoon.

The DGT says any resulting queues should be less intense than those expected on Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Monday, October 12: 3pm to midnight

The biggest problem for many drivers could come on Monday afternoon, when the return operation gets underway. Traffic will initially build on major motorways and dual carriageways before congestion moves towards the entrances to Spain’s biggest cities. The DGT has identified 3pm to midnight as the unfavourable period for travelling on Monday, with the operation ending at midnight.

DGT advises drivers to plan ahead

The traffic authority is advising drivers to check road conditions before setting off and, where possible, avoid the busiest periods. They are also being warned that autumn weather can change quickly, with rain and fog potentially making conditions more difficult. The DGT recommends checking the weather forecast, inspecting the vehicle before travelling and adapting speed and distance to the conditions.

A special traffic operation will run from 3pm on Friday until midnight on Monday, with Guardia Civil traffic officers, traffic-management staff, helicopters, drones and cameras deployed during the four-day period. The DGT will also introduce additional and reversible lanes where conditions allow, while alternative routes will be used on some of the busiest roads.

The October 12 holiday is also a national public holiday across Spain, with banks, town halls, schools and many offices closed. More information about this year’s National Day celebrations and what expats can expect can be found in our guide to October 12 celebrations.

For drivers, however, the key message from the DGT is simple: check the roads before leaving, avoid the four busiest periods where possible and allow extra time for the journey.