Drive to Austria, the sea faster: Czech highway expansion cuts travel time

A newly opened section of the D3 motorway is set to make travel through southern Czechia smoother, faster, and more convenient—especially for drivers heading south to Austria or coastal areas.

Opening this weekend, the 28-kilometer stretch of the D3, which includes the České Budějovice bypass, now connects Úsilné in the České Budějovice region with Kaplice in the České Krumlov region. This new section provides a quicker route for travelers and significantly improves access to key destinations.

The D3 motorway, which is a vital link from Prague to the Austrian border, will ultimately extend 170 kilometers. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2031, further enhancing travel to Austria and beyond.

“This is an extremely important section of the highway. It will simplify the journey for many people heading south, to Austria, or the sea. Most importantly, it will simplify life for people in České Budějovice and the South Bohemian Region,” said Transport Minister Martin Kupka during the opening ceremony Saturday.

Faster travel south: For drivers heading to Austria, the D3 now offers a more efficient route. The completion of this section reduces travel time to Austria and makes it easier for travelers to reach the sea. Whether you're heading to Salzburg, Vienna, or the Adriatic coast, this section of road offers a smoother drive.

Easier access to Southern Bohemia: If you live in or around České Budějovice, this new section simplifies your daily commute and reduces congestion. Local residents who’ve been waiting for this upgrade will now benefit from reduced traffic in the city and faster connections to nearby areas.

Enhanced travel experience: The D3 includes the Pohůrka Tunnel, a feat of modern engineering that is being called the most technologically complex transport structure in the country. With a length of nearly one kilometer and a depth of 20 meters, it allows drivers to safely travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h through the tunnel. This means less stopping and starting, leading to smoother, faster journeys.

This new section is just the beginning. When fully completed, the D3 will stretch all the way from Prague to the Austrian border, making it a vital link for international travel and regional economic growth. The South Bohemian region will also benefit from increased connectivity, paving the way for better business opportunities and easier access to popular tourist destinations.

"If everything goes according to plan, in 2031 we will drive from Prague to Linz and Salzburg for the first time on the continuous D3 motorway," said Kupka.