Budapest nearer to the Adriatic as Croatia completed its motorway leg

After nearly 20 years of construction, Croatia is finishing the last section of its motorway on the way to the Adriatic Sea. It represents a key milestone in the long-planned expressway connecting Budapest to the coast via Sarajevo.

The new stretch links Hungary’s M6 motorway to Croatia’s A5 and reaches the Croatian/Hungarian border. Officials plan to open it this fall, according to the Hungarian business news portal Tőzsdefórum. Once drivers can use it, travel time between Osijek, Croatia, and Budapest will shrink to about two hours, allowing motorists to avoid traffic jams.

The short but vital section features eight new structures, including a viaduct, two overpasses, and five bridges. The largest, the 318-meter Karasica Viaduct, spans both a river and a railway line. Authorities expect to complete their official opening procedures by September.

Bosnia-Herzegovina sections to open last

On its side, Hungary already completed its M6 section to the Croatian border last year. However, teams still work on the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s portion, and parts do not yet meet expressway standards.

As of early 2025, approximately 138 kilometers of the planned 325 kilometers of the Adriatic motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been completed.

As an example, the Mostar North – Mostar South segment is particularly important for alleviating traffic congestion in this historical city. It will also improve access to the southern regions of the country. The date of completion should happen before 2028. Plans for the motorway full opening in Bosnia Herzegovina evoke 2030.

Once available, drivers could travel uninterrupted to the Adriatic along the Corridor Vc project. Budapest would then have a direct link to the Croatian port of Ploče through Osijek and Sarajevo. With a travel time reduced to 6/7 hours.

Budapest nearer to the Adriatic as Croatia completed its motorway leg

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