With the arrival of the hottest months in Spain, citizens are looking to escape their homes and routines, flocking to coastal areas or returning to their places of origin for a few days. This massive travel wave inevitably leads to enormous traffic volume on Spanish roads, which not only tries drivers’ patience but also significantly increases the risk of accidents. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has therefore published a detailed forecast of the busiest times for the first weekend of July to help travelers avoid traffic jams and arrive safely at their destination.
The Forecasted Peak Times for “Operation Exit”
Friday, July 4th: The Start of the Chaos
The DGT, led by Pere Navarro, expects the major travel wave to begin on Friday afternoon. Traffic will primarily flow out of the major urban centers and onto the main arteries towards tourist coastal areas and second homes. The most critical time window is expected to be between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Anyone departing during this period must anticipate significant delays.
Saturday, July 5th: Persistently High Traffic
On Saturday morning, July 5th, the traffic pressure will shift. While there will still be outbound traffic from the cities, the access roads to local beaches, recreational areas, and second homes near urban centers will also become increasingly congested. According to the DGT, conflict-prone situations and traffic jams can arise here, especially between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Sunday, July 6th: The Great Return Wave
Sunday is all about the return journey. Millions of day-trippers and weekend vacationers will head back to the big cities. Experience shows this leads to the biggest problems in the late afternoon and evening. The DGT warns of a particularly unfavorable time window between 7:00 PM and 12:00 AM, which could extend late into the night. It is therefore strongly recommended to start the return journey as early as possible to avoid getting stuck in traffic for hours.
How to Escape the Traffic Jam Nightmare
The million-dollar question for every driver is: How can one avoid the traffic jams? The General Directorate of Traffic provides clear recommendations to avoid becoming a “victim” of the gridlock.
- Stay informed before and during your trip: Use real-time traffic information to be aware of critical points.
- Be flexible: Knowing the traffic situation allows you to change your route on the fly and use alternative roads.
- Listen to the radio: Follow the traffic bulletins on various radio stations.
- Use the DGT hotline: You can get direct traffic information by calling 011.
- Check social media: Follow the DGT’s official social media profiles, such as @DGTes on X (formerly Twitter), for real-time updates.
Good planning and using the available information channels are the keys to a stress-free and safe journey into a well-deserved vacation or back home.
