Across European countries, national holidays don’t just close offices. They disrupt loading times, slow down customs, and in some countries, keep trucks entirely off the road.
In 2026, dozens of these moments are scattered throughout the calendar. If you’re coordinating time-critical deliveries or cross-border routes, these interruptions matter.
That’s why we’ve created this practical calendar. It helps you anticipate slowdowns, avoid surprises, and keep your planning smooth and stress-free.
Please note: this blog is continuously updated and may contain outdated information.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
Planning tips for 2026
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!
Key public holidays in 2026 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.
- 3 April (Fri) – Good Friday
- 6 April (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 27 April (Mon) – King’s Day
City centres become inaccessible due to national celebrations. Most businesses closed. - 5 May (Tue) – Liberation Day
Some business closed. Expect lower availability at depots. - 14 May (Thu) – Ascension Day
- 25 May (Mon) – Whit Monday
- 25 December (Fri) – Christmas
Source: Rijksoverheid
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.
- 6 April (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri) – Labour Day
- 14 May (Thu) – Ascension Day
- 25 May (Mon) – Whit Monday
- 21 July (Tue) – National Day
- 11 November (Wed) – Armistice Day
- 25 December (Fri) – Christmas
Luxembourg
Luxembourg often mirrors France and Belgium in both closures and driving restrictions. The impact is high on the following dates:
- 6 Apr (Mon)- Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri)Labour Day
- 14 May (Thu) – Ascension Day
- 25 May (Mon) – Whit Monday
- 23 Jun (Tue) – National Day
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
Cross-border movements should be reviewed closely.
Source: Public Holidays Luxembourg (Wikipedia)
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.
- 6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri) – Labour Day
- 8 May (Fri) – Victory in Europe Day
- 14 May (Thu) – Ascension Day
- 25 May (Mon) – Whit Monday
- 14 Jul (Tue) – National Day
- 11 Nov (Wed) – Armistice Day
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
Logistics activity also slows down significantly before these dates, especially in regional transport.
Source: Public Holidays France (Wikipedia)
Germany
Germany enforces public holiday and Sunday driving bans from 0:00 to 22:00 for trucks over 7.5 tonnes.
- 3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
- 6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri) – Labour Day
- 14 May (Thu) – Ascension Day
- 25 May (Mon) – Whit Monday
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
Warehouses may also operate on reduced schedules the day before public holidays. Check regional variations, particularly in border areas.
Source: German federal holiday portal
Poland
Poland observes several national holidays, each with full business closures and enforced driving bans.
- 6 Jan (Tue) – Epiphany
- 6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri) – May Day
- 4 Jun (Thu) – Corpus Christi
- 11 Nov (Wed) – Independence Day
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
Delays at border crossings are likely. If your vehicle passes through Germany or the Czech Republic before or after these dates, expect increased traffic.
Source: Public Holidays Poland (Wikipedia)
Romania
Romania does not always enforce driving bans as strictly as western countries, but availability drops significantly on public holidays.
- 10 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
- 13 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
- 1 May (Fri) – Labour Day
- 1 Jun (Mon) – Pentecost Monday / Children’s Day
- 30 Nov (Mon) – St. Andrew’s Day
- 1 Dec (Tue) – National Day
- 25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
