Border Crossings Between Austria and Slovakia

Slovakia and Austria share an important common border stretching approximately 106 kilometers. This border plays a central role in European transport, connecting key trade and travel routes. In this blog post, we take a detailed look at the crossings between these two countries, the current regulations, and the special aspects travelers should be aware of.

Length of the Border Crossings Between Austria and Slovakia

The border between Slovakia and Austria is comparatively short but includes a variety of crossings that are important for road traffic as well as for cyclists and pedestrians. These crossings range from highways to ferries across the Morava River and offer multiple ways to cross the border.

Austria covers approximately 83,879 square kilometers and has around 9.13 million inhabitants. Its territory is almost a quarter the size of Germany, while its population is less than one tenth of Germany’s population.

Are There Border Controls?

Since Slovakia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, systematic controls at the crossings between Slovakia and Austria have been abolished. This means that travelers can usually cross the border without passport checks. However, temporary controls may be introduced due to special circumstances or security measures. It is therefore advisable to always carry a valid passport or identity card.

What Are the Entry Regulations Between Austria and Slovakia?

For citizens of the European Union, including Slovakia and Austria, there are no special entry requirements. However, travelers from third countries are subject to the general Schengen visa regulations. They must present a valid passport and, if required, a visa upon entry. It is important to check the specific entry requirements in advance to avoid unexpected issues at the border.

General Information About Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its rich cultural history, impressive landscapes, and high quality of life. The country is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, which simplifies cross-border travel. Vienna, the capital, is a cultural and economic hub located just a few kilometers from its Slovak counterpart, Bratislava. This proximity promotes close economic and cultural relations between the two cities. The official language of this EU country is German, although Slovak and other minority languages are also recognized as official languages in certain regions.

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of nine federal states. The government is overseen by Parliament, which is made up of the National Council and the Federal Council. The Federal President serves as head of state, while the Federal Chancellor leads the government. Since December 2021, Karl Nehammer of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) has served as Federal Chancellor. The government operates according to the principle of separation of powers and is democratically legitimized through regular elections. Austria’s political system and administration are characterized by their stable democracy and a high degree of political participation by citizens.

General Information About the Currency

While Slovakia adopted the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2009, the euro has been in circulation in Austria since January 1, 2002. Therefore, there is no currency exchange required when crossing the border between these two countries. This significantly facilitates trade and tourism, as no exchange rate fees apply between Slovakia and Austria.

The Most Important Border Crossings and Their Special Features

The options for crossing the border between Slovakia and Austria are diverse and suitable for various modes of transport. Below is an overview of the most important crossings and their specific features:

• Kittsee (Highway) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This highway crossing is one of the main transport hubs in the east, directly connecting the two capitals. It is heavily frequented and particularly important for international trade and commuter traffic.
• Kittsee (Old Road) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This alternative route to the highway also leads to the Slovak capital and is often used by travelers who wish to avoid highway traffic.
• Berg – Bratislava–Petržalka: This crossing leads directly to the Petržalka district and is an important access point for daily commuters.
• Schloss Hof / Freedom Bicycle Bridge – Devínska Nová Ves: This bridge is specifically designed for cyclists and pedestrians and connects the picturesque landscapes of Schloss Hof in Austria with the town of Devínska Nová Ves in Slovakia.
• Marchegg Bicycle Bridge – Vysoká pri Morave: Another bridge exclusively accessible to cyclists and pedestrians, offering a quiet alternative for cross-border trips.
• Angern – Záhorská Ves (Ferry): This ferry connection across the Morava River is particularly important for local traffic and offers a charming way to cross the border.
• Hohenau – Moravský Svätý Ján: This northern crossing is mainly designed for passenger car traffic and is often used by travelers on less congested routes.

Slovakia

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll applies.

Slovakia: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

A vignette requirement applies on almost all highway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons GVW. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they exceed 3.5 tons GVW). For vehicle combinations (car + trailer), only the car requires a vignette if the total weight is under 3.5 tons GVW, whereas if the total weight exceeds 3.5 tons GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay fees for using highways and expressways!

The Role of the Distance-Based Toll

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW (except for motorhomes, which are subject only to the vignette requirement regardless of weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, calculated based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class. This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, also known as an on-board unit. The amount due is automatically deducted. Therefore, such a device must be installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll applies to highways, expressways, and in some cases, first-class (federal) and second-class (state) roads.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette or must pay a distance-based toll.

Austria: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

The use of Austrian highways and expressways requires payment in the form of a vignette. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 tons GVW require a (digital) vignette. Further information about tolls in Austria can be found in our guide.

However, there are also toll-free highway sections. Information on whether avoiding toll roads makes sense can be found in our article on avoiding toll roads.

Distance-Based Toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW, the vignette requirement does not apply and instead a distance-based toll must be paid. This usage-based toll is calculated using a GO-Box that must be installed in your vehicle to record data.

Special Toll Sections

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are specific special toll sections in Austria that you should consider during your trip. The use of these routes involves additional fees.

• Arlberg Tunnel S16: Payment on site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card
• Felbertauern Tunnel: Payment on site by cash or credit card
• Gleinalm Tunnel, Bosruck Tunnel/Pyhrn Motorway: Payment on site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card
• Karawanken Tunnel: Payment on site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card. The Karawanken Tunnel connects Austria and Slovenia and is also considered a special toll section in Slovenia. When traveling from Slovenia to Austria, the toll must be paid at the Hrušica toll station. If coming from Austria, the above-mentioned regulations apply, which are explained in more detail in our article about the Karawanken Tunnel.

Further information about the various tunnels and certain mountain pass roads can also be found in our article on special toll routes.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Austria and an enjoyable journey of exploration. Easily and conveniently order your vignette for Austria and Slovakia from us. Further information about tolls can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and find suitable toll products. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime via email.