Slovenia: A1 near Šentilj towards Austria under contraflow traffic until 11 November 2026, interchange closed
On the Slovenian A1 motorway near Šentilj, the carriageway towards Austria remains closed up to and including 11 November 2026. Due to resurfacing work, traffic in this direction is running on the opposite carriageway. In addition, the Šentilj interchange towards Austria and the Šentilj vzhod rest area are closed. The A1 is the most important motorway link between Maribor and the Šentilj/Spielfeld border crossing, making it a key route for travelers to and from Austria.
The current situation at Šentilj
Following the announcement by the Slovenian motorway company DARS on 17 October 2026, the A1 carriageway from Maribor to the Austrian border is closed from 19 October up to and including 11 November 2026. Traffic is being diverted onto the opposite carriageway, where one lane is available in one direction and two lanes in the other. According to DARS, this allocation will be adjusted based on traffic volume. For the works between Šentilj and Pesnica, the traffic information centre had initially given 31 October as the end date; the current DARS announcement states 11 November.
Interchange and rest area closed
The Šentilj entry and exit towards Austria are completely closed, as is the Šentilj vzhod rest area. Anyone needing to use the interchange is being directed via the parallel regional road between Šentilj and Pesnica. The announcement makes no mention of any truck restrictions or changes at the border crossing. Those traveling in the evening or during peak travel periods should allow extra time, as traffic on the opposite carriageway backs up as soon as only one lane is available.
Further restrictions on the A1
There are additional construction sites along the route. Near Rogoza, expansion joints are being replaced on the bridges over the gravel pit. Until around 10 November, traffic in both directions uses the narrowed carriageway towards Ljubljana, with two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other. Between Fram and Slovenska Bistrica, traffic in both directions is running on one half of the carriageway — more on this in our article on the A1 between Fram and Slovenska Bistrica. For the situation around the capital, read our article on the A1 between Domžale and Ljubljana and on the A1 towards Koper near Postojna. A vignette is required on all these motorway sections; which vehicles fall into which class is explained on the page about vehicle classes in Slovenia. Without a valid e-vignette, fines may apply — details can be found under fines and consequences in Slovenia.
Slovenia toll at a glance
For cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways. It is a flat fee for a fixed period.
For trucks, buses and motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll of the DarsGo system applies instead. Its amount depends on factors such as distance driven, number of axles and emission class. In addition, a separate fee is charged at the Karawanken Tunnel (border with Austria), the only true special toll route in Slovenia, regardless of any other toll product.
All details on tolls in SloveniaThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
* ASFINAG toll fee (10-day vignette): 12.80 €, toll fee fully covered by DMC, flat price (per monthly billing period): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a relaxed and safe journey through Slovenia! You can find all the information on the vignette requirement in our guide to the Slovenia vignette and at Toll in Slovenia.
Frequently asked questions about the A1 closure at Šentilj
The most important answers about the current traffic arrangement.
How long is the A1 near Šentilj closed in the direction of Austria?
According to the DARS announcement of October 17, 2026, from October 19 to November 11, 2026 inclusive. The reason is the renewal of the surface layer.
Can I still drive towards Austria?
Is the Šentilj junction passable?
Do I need a vignette for the A1 in Slovenia?
