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Semana Santa Traffic Alert: Key Travel Warnings and Tips
Semana Santa traffic in Spain The International Reporter

Semana Santa Traffic Alert: Key Travel Warnings and Tips

Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has launched the second and most important phase of its Special Easter Operation (‘Operación Especial de Tráfico de Semana Santa’). Running from Wednesday, April 16 to Monday, April 21, the DGT forecasts a staggering 9 million long-distance journeys on the roads, 3.5% more than last year.

This massive movement of vehicles coincides with one of the busiest holiday periods in Spain, as people travel to visit family, enjoy a break in coastal areas, or attend religious events across the country. With increased traffic comes greater risk, and the DGT has rolled out a comprehensive plan to improve road safety, manage the traffic, and support drivers during this critical week.

Why Is Easter Week So Busy on the Roads?

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of Spain’s most significant religious and cultural events. Many Spanish people take this time off work to:

  • Visit family in other provinces
  • Take a short holiday at the coast or countryside
  • Attend local processions and religious festivals, which are particularly popular in Andalucía, Castilla y León, and Murcia.

Because this holiday falls in early spring, it also signals the start of Spain’s spring travel season, meaning millions of people are expected to travel at the same time over a few short days.

Measures Taken to Improve Traffic and Safety

To keep traffic flowing and reduce the risk of accidents, the DGT has introduced a wide range of temporary measures. These will apply mostly to main roads, motorways, and access routes into and out of major cities and coastal destinations:

1. Extra Lanes and Reversible Lanes

Where possible, certain roads will have temporary lanes opened in the opposite direction to accommodate peak traffic flow. For example, roads leading out of major cities like Madrid and Barcelona may be expanded with additional outbound lanes, especially on Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17, afternoons when holiday departures peak.

This system allows more vehicles to move in the same direction, easing pressure and helping reduce long traffic jams.

2. Suspension of Roadworks

Non-urgent roadworks will be paused during this period, especially on major routes, to eliminate bottlenecks. This makes sure that all lanes remain open, helping to maintain smoother traffic flow and prevent sudden slowdowns that could lead to accidents.

3. Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles

Certain types of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will face movement restrictions, particularly during high-traffic hours. This includes vehicles transporting large loads or carrying hazardous materials. These restrictions aim to:

  • Free up space on the roads for passenger vehicles
  • Reduce the risk of serious accidents involving trucks
  • Avoid slow-moving traffic on single-lane roads

Exact times and roads affected by these restrictions are published on the DGT website.

4. Alternative Routes to Avoid Busy Zones

To prevent congestion around central Spain, the DGT recommends alternative routes for long-distance travellers. For example, drivers heading from northern to southern Spain are advised to avoid the Madrid area and instead use ring roads or routes that bypass the capital altogether.

Maps and suggestions for these routes can be found on infocar.dgt.es or by contacting 011, the DGT’s official information helpline.

Busiest Travel Days and What to Expect

Traffic volumes will rise and fall depending on the day and region. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:

Wednesday, April 16: The Big Getaway Begins

  • The second phase officially starts (except in Cataluña and the Valencian Community).
  • Many people begin their Easter break early, so traffic out of big cities like Madrid, Sevilla, and Bilbao will be especially heavy from midday until 23:00.
  • Major motorways leading to coastal areas, such as the A-7 (Mediterranean Motorway) and A-3 (Madrid-Valencia), will see increased traffic.

Thursday, April 17: Even More Regions Join the Rush

  • Cataluña and the Valencian Community start their operation, leading to additional traffic, especially around cities like Barcelona and Valencia.
  • Roads to the coast and holiday zones will be busiest between 12:00 and 23:00.
  • Local religious events can also lead to road closures and increased traffic in towns and cities, so allow extra time if travelling near traditional procession routes.

Friday, April 18: Holiday Travel Peaks

  • Long-distance travel continues, but many people also make short trips to attend religious events or visit nearby towns.
  • Expect localised traffic jams near tourist attractions and leisure areas, especially during late morning and early afternoon.

Saturday, April 19: First Wave of Returns

  • Some families will begin the journey home to avoid Sunday crowds.
  • Traffic will be moderate during the morning but may pick up later as people start returning from coastal or rural areas.

Sunday, April 20: National Return Operation Begins

  • This is the main return day across most of Spain.
  • The DGT expects extremely heavy traffic on roads heading toward city centres.
  • Traffic will build from late morning and continue into the late evening (up to midnight).

Monday, April 21: Public Holiday Returns in Some Regions

  • In Cataluña, Valencia, Navarra, the Basque Country and La Rioja, Monday is still a holiday.
  • Return traffic will be heaviest from 11:00 to midnight, particularly on major access roads to Barcelona, Valencia, and other regional capitals.

Stay Safe: Extra Surveillance and Weather Warnings

The DGT is increasing its monitoring of secondary roads, where more fatal accidents occur due to narrower lanes, more curves, and higher risk of speeding. Key safety measures include:

  • Speed control cameras and alcohol/drug checkpoints
  • Drones and helicopters for aerial surveillance
  • Real-time alerts about accidents or poor road conditions

Additionally, spring weather in Spain can be unpredictable. Heavy rain or fog can develop quickly. The DGT urges drivers to check weather forecasts via AEMET (Spain’s national weather agency) and avoid driving in dangerous conditions where possible.

Help at Your Fingertips: Where to Get Travel Info

To help drivers plan better and stay informed, the DGT provides real-time traffic updates through several platforms:

  • Social media: Follow @DGTes and @informacionDGT on X (formerly Twitter)
  • Infocar portal: infocar.dgt.es for traffic maps, incidents, and alternative routes
  • Radio updates: Live traffic bulletins on national and regional stations
  • Telephone helpline: Call 011 for personalised updates in Spanish

Over 7,000 People and 8,500 Tools Working to Keep Roads Safe

This year’s operation involves a massive deployment of human and technical resources:

  • 5,859 Guardia Civil traffic officers ensuring safety and controlling speeding and reckless driving
  • 657 traffic centre operators and technical staff monitoring road conditions
  • Drones, radars, and 9 helicopters used to detect dangerous behaviour and support emergency services
  • Over 2,000 traffic cameras, weather sensors, and electronic signage across Spain

All of this is backed by a strong awareness campaign to remind drivers of their responsibilities behind the wheel, especially regarding distractions, alcohol, and respect for speed limits.

Drive Smart and Share the Road

The DGT’s Easter campaign isn’t just about logistics, it’s also about saving lives. With more vehicles on the roads, a single careless act can cause serious consequences. Drivers are encouraged to:

  • Take breaks on long journeys
  • Avoid using mobile phones while driving
  • Always wear seatbelts, even on short trips
  • Be extra cautious on unfamiliar or rural roads

For full travel recommendations, traffic restrictions, and road safety advice, visit the DGT’s official website.

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