Border with Holland: Traffic jam chaos at the weekend – this is how you avoid the traffic!

Border with Holland: Traffic jam chaos at the weekend – this is how you avoid the traffic!

Today, July 13, 2025, a typical picture is once again emerging at the border between Germany and the Netherlands: traffic jams are the order of the day at crossings such as the A3 and A12. Although these highways represent important connections between the two countries, there can be significant traffic delays, especially on weekends and during holiday periods. This is particularly the case at the border crossing near Elten, where traffic often comes to a standstill, especially when there is a high volume of trucks and additional border controls.

The traffic situation is not only problematic at the main crossings such as the A3, A40, A30 and A280. Travelers also have to expect traffic jams, which can arise for various reasons. These range from holiday and weekend traffic, which primarily heads towards the coast, to accidents, construction sites and the typically different speed limits in Germany and the Netherlands. Anyone planning to travel on Friday or Saturday afternoon should be particularly careful, as weekend traffic begins here and leads to the return journey to Germany on Sunday evening.

Traffic jam times and forecasts

The typical traffic jam times are well known: from Friday and Saturday afternoons onwards you can expect a lot of traffic, and on Sunday afternoons it is often busier than usual. In addition, public holidays and long weekends can also increase traffic on the main routes. According to traffic information from Travel Reporter Temporary border controls may cause further delays without warning.

If you want to travel, you should be aware of the options for getting around it. Alternative routes such as the B8 or smaller country roads from the A3 (Elten/Babberich) are available, but are only advisable for those who know the area. For the A40 (Venlo) the A61 or the Dutch A73 can be used, while the A30 (Bad Bentheim) can be bypassed via the B403 or A31 to the A280. The A280 (Bunde) also offers various country road options, such as via Leer. It should be noted that not all alternative routes are suitable for all vehicle types, especially with regard to excess width and weight.

Real-time traffic data

The ADAC offers through its traffic information system adac.de Valuable real-time information about traffic flow and possible disruptions. This is particularly helpful for travelers who are traveling at a later date, as the system calculates an up-to-date traffic forecast. It also provides information about construction sites and dangers such as slippery snow or aquaplaning along the route.

So if you prepare well for your upcoming journey and keep an eye on the traffic conditions, with a little luck you can avoid one or two traffic jams. The current information and traffic situation at the borders are indispensable aids in making the road trip to Holland or back to Germany pleasant.