Early rush kicks off the long weekend
Thanks to pleasant weather and rising temperatures, Italy’s May 1st holiday is heating up not just in climate, but on the roads too. Many Italians are already packing their bags this afternoon, heading to seaside destinations, cultural cities or green countryside escapes.
The first critical hours are expected from Wednesday afternoon through the night into May 1st, with major flows during the early morning. Traffic officials are urging travelers to plan smarter departures, ideally overnight or during off-peak hours.
Day-by-day traffic outlook
May 1st will be the trickiest day: heavy traffic from dawn, with expected jams on highways, bypasses and major state roads. Key problem areas include northern motorway junctions, roads heading to the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coasts, and Rome’s metro area.
On Thursday afternoon, traffic should ease, with most of the rush spreading out. By Friday the 2nd, normal conditions are expected to resume on most of the road network.
A red-hot return on the weekend
Saturday, May 3, may seem calmer in the morning, but traffic will likely spike in the evening, especially along the A1, A14 and A22, as vacationers head back north.
Sunday, May 4, marks the great return. Morning traffic will be heavy, and evening hours may see peak congestion, particularly near urban areas.
How to survive the May Day weekend
To avoid stress, travelers should check real-time traffic updates, use navigation apps, and leave at non-peak times. Avoiding midday and choosing early mornings or late evenings can make a big difference.
City-dwellers staying put can enjoy the calm streets, local events, and open-air markets without the usual urban chaos.
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