Traffic optimization in virtual private networks (VPNs) is described. A client device establishes a first VPN connection with a first server according to a first VPN route configuration that specifies a first VPN route to the first server. Flow(s) of traffic is forwarded through the first VPN connection to the first server. The client device receives a second VPN route configuration that specifies a second VPN route to a second server of the plurality of servers for establishing a second VPN connection, where the second VPN connection satisfies a set of traffic optimization criteria. The client device establishes the second VPN connection with the second server according to the second VPN route configuration. Traffic is forwarded through the second VPN connection to the second server.