Alternative border crossings that let you skip the queues

Main crossings such as Horgoš, Batrovci, Macelj or Gradiška often turn into kilometre-long queues during the summer season and on public holidays. 

Instead of fuming on scorching tarmac and riding the clutch for hours, it is far smarter to take a small detour. Here is a list of alternative border crossings that will save you time. 

1. How to avoid the queues at Batrovci (Serbia – Croatia)

Batrovci can be a real nightmare once the wave of diaspora travellers or tourists starts. Fortunately, there are several options nearby:

• Šid (Tovarnik): The most logical and fastest alternative, only a few kilometres from the motorway exit.

• Bačka Palanka (Ilok): A route slightly further north, but an excellent option if you are travelling from the direction of Novi Sad or the surrounding area.

• Ljuba and Sot: Smaller local crossings in Srem, usually with no queues at all, intended exclusively for passenger vehicles.

2. When Horgoš is at a standstill (Serbia – Hungary)

Horgoš is often packed with vehicles heading for the European Union. When the cameras show waits of several hours, here is where to turn off:

• Kelebija (Subotica – Tompa): Open 24 hours. It is close to Subotica, is often less congested, and the roads leading to it are excellent.

• Bački Breg (Bezdan – Hercegsanto): Open 24 hours, but for passenger vehicles only. An ideal, quiet option in the far north-west.

• Horgoš 2 (Reszke): The opening hours are usually from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It serves passenger vehicles only and is often the favourite of drivers who know the local roads.
  

3. How to get around the chaos at Gradiška (Bosnia and Herzegovina – Croatia)

The border crossing at Gradiška is one of the busiest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If the cameras show huge queues, these are the options that cut the waiting time:

• Gradina (Donja Gradina – Jasenovac): It lies not far from Kozarska Dubica. It is an excellent alternative because from Jasenovac you join the motorway very quickly.

• Kozarska Dubica (Hrvatska Dubica): A town crossing open to passenger traffic, which often offers a considerably faster crossing than Gradiška.

• Svilaj: If you are travelling from the direction of Doboj or central Bosnia towards Croatia, the modern Svilaj crossing offers excellent flow and minimal delays.

Important note: Before you set off, always check the border cameras, and also the opening hours of the smaller crossings if you are planning to avoid the big ones. Some smaller crossings work only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unlike the main crossings, which are open around the clock.