Severe Traffic Congestion Hits Andorra's Roads Amid Tourist Surge

Traffic congestion continues to plague Andorra's main roads due to surging tourist numbers, with queues forming on key routes to ski areas and borders throughout the day.

Early morning backups of up to four kilometers appeared on the CG-2 between Escaldes-Engordany and Encamp just after 9am on Monday, as visitors rushed toward Funicamp. The delays began at the Dos Valires tunnel roundabout and extended uphill, at times reaching the FEDA power station despite two uphill lanes over much of the stretch. Vehicles crept forward slowly, with the outer CG-2 lane and François Mitterrand avenue also jammed. La Massana saw sluggish movement through the village all morning amid high vehicle volumes.

By early afternoon, southbound queues persisted on the CG-2 into Encamp and Canillo, as skiers descended from the slopes. Dense traffic also affected the CG-4 southbound into La Massana and the CG-1 at the Spanish-Andorran border exit. Mobility services noted heavy queues at main ski lifts during peak times. Northbound delays built on the CG-1 into Sant Julià de Lòria, while southbound congestion continued into Encamp.

As evening approached, outbound pressure mounted on the CG-1 at the border, with major queues as tourists left the country. Andorra la Vella faced intense bottlenecks around parking entrances, prompting traffic agents to manage flows at Dama de Gel parking and outside Illa Carlemany to avoid street blockages.

The disruptions stem from a booming Christmas tourist season, with hotels and tourist apartments nearing full occupancy across parishes, including Pas de la Casa despite French farmer blockades at Foix tunnel. Albert Mora, director of the Hoteliers' Union, described occupancies between 80% and 90%, with some establishments at capacity, crediting optimal piste conditions from recent heavy snowfall. Àlex Ruiz of the Tourist Accommodation Businesses Association reported rates above 70%, often exceeding 90%, with strong bookings through Epiphany.

Such issues have recurred over multiple days on primary roads and in urban centers during peak ski access and departure times. Chains or winter equipment remain required for Arcalís or Coll de la Botella. Authorities recommend advance planning, road condition checks, avoiding rush hours, and using public transport or park-and-ride facilities. Congestion is expected to persist with ongoing high visitor levels.