The congestion at the borders towards Greece and Croatia during the season can extend the journey by several hours. In order not to waste time in a queue, use this guide as your “command center” during the trip. The biggest delays are at the crossings of Preševo and Evzoni, but with the proper use of alternatives, you can save a significant amount of time and avoid major congestion.
- Updated: April 2026.
Two things to avoid congestion at the borders
Before deciding which border crossing to take:
- 1. check the live camera feeds (links in the text).
- 2. check the status on Google Maps for each crossing (links in the text).
and only then make the best decision.
STRATEGY: How to choose the fastest border crossing?
Do not choose a crossing at home, but 30 minutes before exiting the highway based on the status of the cameras and Google Maps.
Quick guide:
- Preševo: more than 90 minutes → turn to the Prohor Pčinjski crossing.
- Congestion at Evzoni → Dojran is often a faster option for the Thessaloniki region, Sithonia, and Thasos, but may be less practical for Kassandra (if Evzoni is passable).
- Going to Lefkada, Corfu, or Epirus? → Medžitlija (Niki) is the most practical choice.
- Traveling through Bulgaria? → Use the Gradina or Strezimirovci crossings.
LIVE CAMERAS: Real-time border conditions
North Macedonia
- All crossings: Official cameras (Tabanovce, Bogorodica, Dojran…)
- Serbia (Exit): Preševo / Serbia – North Macedonia
Macedonia - Greece:
Serbia – Bulgaria:
Bulgaria – Greece:
- Kulata - Promahonas
- Note: passport control is no longer performed, but you can still monitor traffic frequency at this crossing from Bulgaria to Greece.
Serbia – Croatia:
Additional cameras to view:
Traveler tips (from practice)
- Check live conditions: Before each highway exit towards the border, check the situation. It can change within 30 minutes.
- Have a plan B: Always have at least one alternative in mind — especially at Preševo and Evzoni.
- Bring water and fuel: Delays of 1–2 hours are not uncommon during peak season.
- Choose departure time: Detailed advice on how to time your trip can be found here: By car to Greece – how to best plan your trip.
The fastest crossing does not exist in advance — there is only the one that is least burdened at that moment. That’s why a combination of real-time information and knowledge of alternatives is key to a faster and less stressful journey to Greece.
During the season, our tourists and members regularly report on the conditions at border crossings, so we recommend that you like our Facebook page by clicking here: Nikana.gr to receive the latest information we publish. We also share information on our:
- Instagram,
- TikTok, and
- group Live from Greece
