Across Europe, national holidays often mean more than closed offices: they affect loading, unloading and cross-border communication. And in some countries, trucks aren’t even allowed on the road.
In 2025, dozens of these moments are spread throughout the calendar. If you’re planning time-sensitive deliveries or coordinating international routes, it’s essential to know when countries are less accessible.
That’s why we’ve created this overview to help you anticipate transport disruption and adjust your planning with confidence.
Please note: this blog is continuously updated and may contain outdated information. Not sure about a specific driving ban or date? Feel free to check with your TransConnect contact.
Why public holidays impact transport
There are multiple ways in which holidays disrupt transport operations:
- Limited availability at loading and unloading sites
- Driving bans for heavy goods vehicles
- Several countries enforce official driving restrictions on public holidays, typically from midnight to 10 p.m. or from the evening before
Key public holidays in 2025 by country
The Netherlands
While there are no official driving bans in The Netherlands during public holidays, most businesses are closed. Deliveries may be delayed due to limited site access.
- 21 April – Easter Monday
- 26 April – King’s Day
City centres become inaccessible due to national celebrations. Most businesses close. - 5 May – Liberation Day
A public holiday once every five years and 2025 is one of them. Expect lower availability at depots. - 29 May – Ascension Day
- 9 June – Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Belgium
Belgium applies driving bans for trucks over 7.5 tonnes on public holidays from 0:00 to 22:00. Most logistics sites shut down completely.
- 21 April – Easter Monday
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 29 May – Ascension Day
- 9 June – Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
- 21 July – National Day
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 11 November – Armistice Day
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Luxembourg
Luxembourg often mirrors France and Belgium in both closures and driving restrictions. The impact is high on the following dates:
- 21 April – Easter Monday
- 1 May – Labour Day
- 29 May – Ascension Day
- 9 June – Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday)
- 23 June – National holiday
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Cross-border movements should be reviewed closely.
France
France enforces one of the strictest holiday driving bans in Europe. Trucks over 7.5 tonnes are not allowed to drive from 22:00 the night before until 22:00 on the holiday.
- 8 May – Victory Day
- 14 July – Bastille Day
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 11 November – Armistice Day
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Logistics activity also slows down significantly before these dates, especially in regional transport.
Germany
Germany enforces public holiday and Sunday driving bans from 0:00 to 22:00 for trucks over 7.5 tonnes.
- 3 October – German Unity Day
- 31 October – Reformation Day (only in selected states)
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Warehouses may also operate on reduced schedules the day before public holidays. Check regional variations, particularly in border areas.
Poland
Poland observes several national holidays, each with full business closures and enforced driving bans.
- 3 May – Constitution Day
- 15 August – Assumption Day
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 11 November – Independence Day
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Delays at border crossings are likely. If your vehicle passes through Germany or the Czech Republic before or after these dates, expect increased traffic.
Romania
Romania does not always enforce driving bans as strictly as western countries, but availability drops significantly on public holidays.
- 24 January – Unification Day
- 1 December – National Day
- 25&26 December – Christmas
Planning tips for 2025
To avoid last-minute surprises, here’s what we recommend:
- Avoid planning time-sensitive pick-ups on or near public holidays
- Check local driving bans in advance (especially for international routes)
- Consider loading one day earlier if possible
It’s not just about staying active when others pause, it’s about showing reliability when it matters most. Just don’t forget to give yourself a well-earned break too!
