Getting to your favorite Croatian or Italian beach destination by car is about to become more convenient this summer, thanks to a new section of the D3 motorway in South Bohemia. Adding to the good news, Austria’s Styria region has eliminated its eco-zones with speed restrictions, and fuel prices remain more economical in the Czech Republic.
According to Igor Sirota, spokesperson for the Czech Automotive Club, travelers heading to Croatia should now opt for the southern route via České Budějovice and Dolní Dvořiště towards Linz, Austria, avoiding the usual bottlenecks of Brno and Vienna. The newly opened 30-kilometer stretch of D3, including the České Budějovice bypass, cuts journey times by 15-30 minutes compared to previous routes.
The route continues through Austria to Graz, where drivers connect to the highway leading to Maribor, Slovenia, and onwards to Zagreb, Croatia, from where coastal routes are easily accessible. A recent test drive from Prague to the Croatian town of Trogir, including coffee breaks, took eleven hours.
Drivers should note that Austrian authorities have increased toll prices slightly, with a one-day vignette now costing €9.30 (230 CZK) and a ten-day option available for €12.40 (307 CZK). Slovenia remains more expensive, offering only a weekly vignette at €16 (400 CZK).
Expert advice suggests filling up before crossing borders, as Czech fuel prices are among the lowest in the EU, with only Bulgaria and Malta offering cheaper rates. Prices in Croatia average about three crowns higher per liter, while Italian stations charge up to eight crowns more.