Do’s and don’ts on Black Saturday

24 July, 2019 | Update: 20/10/2026

No one wants to start their holiday by sitting in a traffic jam for hours. Of course, you can choose to set off on a different day, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. For instance, the accommodation you’ve booked might have fixed arrival days. I’ve compiled a few do’s and don’ts for the infamous Black Saturday in France, along with tips for travelling through Germany, Austria and Italy and advice for when you do get stuck in traffic.

Contents

• Black Saturday in France in 2027
• Do’s and don’ts on Black Saturday
• Traffic in Germany in 2027
• Traffic in Austria in 2027
• Traffic in Italy in 2027
• Tips for when you are in a traffic jam
• What does Black Saturday mean?
• Campsites for an overnight stay

At a glance

For summer 2027, Saturday 31 July and Saturday 7 August are likely candidates for particularly heavy traffic in France, based on the usual holiday traffic patterns. This is a provisional estimate: Bison Futé’s official traffic calendar for 2027 is not yet available. Expect busy roads on other weekends in July and August too, including popular holiday routes through Germany, Austria and Italy. Check the latest traffic forecasts before setting off.

Black Saturday in France in 2027

In 2027, we provisionally expect particularly heavy traffic in France on Saturday 31 July and Saturday 7 August. This estimate is based on the usual summer traffic patterns around the changeover from July to August. These dates have not yet been officially classified as Black Saturdays by Bison Futé.

Keep in mind that other weekends in July and August can also be busy, including Fridays. Traffic levels vary by region and direction, so check the Bison Futé forecasts when choosing your travel dates and again shortly before departure.

School holidays also affect traffic on the continent. In France, the summer holidays for school zones A, B and C begin after lessons on Saturday 3 July 2027. In the Netherlands, the summer holidays start on 10 July in the northern region, 17 July in the central region and 24 July in the southern region.

Do’s and don’ts on Black Saturday

What can you do to reduce your chances of getting stuck in traffic? Here are the do’s:

• If possible, travel on a day other than Saturday. Check the forecast to see which day looks best for your route.
• Need to travel on a Black Saturday? Plan your departure around the expected traffic along your route. Leaving later in the day may help you avoid the worst queues, but consider when you will reach the main bottlenecks.
• If the main motorways are heavily congested, consider a scenic, almost toll-free route. Check whether the diversion will actually save time and whether it is suitable for your vehicle, especially if you are towing a caravan or driving a motorhome.
• For France, check the Bison Futé website, the French traffic information service. It provides forecasts by region and direction for both your outward and return journeys. Look under the forecasts section for the available traffic calendar and detailed advice.
• Buy a toll tag in advance. It can help you pass through toll booths more quickly, although it won’t prevent all queues. Toll tags are available from various providers.
• Follow recommended diversions and check live traffic information before leaving the motorway. A detour along local roads won’t always be quicker.
• Consider leaving the motorway to refuel. Petrol stations away from the motorway may be quieter, including the toilets, and fuel is often cheaper.

And what should you avoid? Here are the don’ts:

• Don’t travel on a Black Saturday if you can choose a quieter day.
• Don’t expect a clear run on every other Saturday in July and August. There can still be significant holiday traffic.
• Don’t assume that leaving on Friday evening or overnight will help you avoid queues. You may reach the busiest stretches just as the traffic builds up.

For more advice, read our tips for travelling on Black Saturday.

Traffic in Germany in 2027

Germany’s summer traffic is not limited to a couple of Black Saturdays. Instead, be prepared for busy roads throughout the summer weekends. Fridays can be particularly congested when holiday traffic combines with commuters, while Saturdays are also popular travel days. Sundays can be busy too.

Roadworks contribute to delays, so queues do not always form in the same places. That makes it harder to predict exactly where you will encounter traffic.

In northern Germany, the A1 and A7 motorways are well-known bottlenecks. In southern Germany, busy routes include the A3 (Frankfurt-Passau), A5 around Karlsruhe, A6 (Heidelberg-Heilbronn) and A8 (Karlsruhe-Munich-Salzburg). Long queues can also form on the A99 ring road around Munich.

Check whether temporary border controls apply to your route before travelling, as these can cause additional delays. The arrangements for summer 2027 should be checked closer to your departure date.

See the latest ADAC traffic forecast for up-to-date information.

If the journey is likely to take longer than expected, a stopover campsite can be a good option. You probably won’t be the only one with that idea, so booking ahead can give you peace of mind.

Traffic in Austria in 2027

If you are travelling through Austria in summer 2027, allow extra time for busy holiday weekends, particularly on the main north-south routes through the Alps. Regular bottlenecks include the A10 Tauern, A12 Inntal and A13 Brenner motorways, with queues around tunnels and toll stations.

The Lueg Bridge on the A13 Brenner motorway is an important point to check when planning your journey. The bridge is being replaced, so check which traffic arrangements and restrictions apply in 2027.

Delays can also occur near the border at Kufstein and at the Karawanken Tunnel towards Slovenia. Plan around the time you expect to reach these bottlenecks, rather than relying on a fixed departure time.

Check roadworks and current traffic conditions with ASFINAG before setting off.

Traffic in Italy in 2027

In Italy, expect busy main roads from late July throughout August, when many Italians take their summer holidays. The busiest dates for 2027 will become clearer when the summer traffic forecasts are published.

Allow extra time on motorways around popular holiday destinations, such as the Italian lakes and the coast near Venice, as well as around major cities including Milan, Turin and Genoa.

Check the latest traffic information with ANAS before travelling.

Tips for when you are in a traffic jam

If you can’t avoid travelling on a Black Saturday, or you get stuck in traffic anyway, these tips can help:

• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and accelerate and brake gently. Stay alert for traffic coming to a sudden stop.
• If you are travelling in an electric car, plan your charging stops and keep a comfortable battery reserve.
• Bring plenty of drinking water, especially in hot weather. Plan regular stops so everyone can stretch their legs and use the toilets.
• Bring things to keep the children entertained. Small gifts, games or an audiobook can help pass the time when traffic is moving slowly.
• Allow extra time for your journey so that an unexpected delay is less stressful.

If you know you won’t reach your destination in one day, plan an overnight stop. You can rest properly and start the next day feeling refreshed. Book ahead, as many other travellers may also be looking for an overnight stay.

Planning to stay in a large city? Check whether your accommodation is within a low-emission zone and what requirements apply to your vehicle. See our overview of emissions stickers and low-emission zones.

What does Black Saturday mean?

Black Saturday is a term used for a Saturday with exceptionally heavy holiday traffic. The French traffic information service Bison Futé uses a colour-coded system to show expected traffic conditions. Black indicates extremely difficult driving conditions.

The forecast can differ by region and direction. A Black Saturday does not mean that every road in France will be equally busy all day, so check the forecast for your route and for both your outward and return journeys.

Campsites for an overnight stay

I hope these do’s and don’ts help make your journey more relaxed. And remember, you’re on holiday! Allow plenty of time, take regular breaks and don’t let the traffic spoil your trip.