It carries the designation of European route E05, and, as one of the major north-south arteries of Spain, is one of the country's busiest highways.

In 2011, work was ongoing to bring the section between Burgos and Madrid up to modern standards.

Autovía A-1 currently has two sections: one between Madrid and Burgos and another between Miranda de Ebro and Alsasua.

Traffic through the 49.6 km discontinuity between Burgos and Miranda de Ebro is redirected to the N-I.

Beyond Altsasu, traffic continues on the N-I to the French border.