Border Austria Czech Republic

Border between Austria and Czechia

The border between Austria and Czechia is 466.1 km long with numerous road crossings. The most important is Drasenhofen (AT) / Mikulov (CZ) on the Vienna–Brno route. On the Czech side, the route continues on the toll-free road I/52; the vignette requirement only begins on the D52 motorway from Pohořelice-sever. It is worth buying the digital vignettes for both countries online in advance. With the digital vignette, there is no need for an interim stop at a sales point before the border.

Border crossings in Europe

Within the EU Schengen area, there are generally no border controls. Exceptions include, for example, international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup or major political events. Border controls are also carried out when internal security is at risk. Austria is conducting temporary border controls at the border with Czechia, currently extended until 15.03.2027. For this reason, heavy traffic can lead to waiting times. Therefore, carry a valid identity card or passport with you. Carrying goods is also permitted, but there are quantity limits for alcohol and tobacco.

Vignette requirement in Austria and Czechia

In Austria, the vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways, while in Czechia it applies on the vignette-liable motorways (D-roads). The toll fees paid go towards the maintenance of the motorways. Both countries now offer a digital vignette instead of the classic sticker vignette. This allows the corresponding toll fees to be paid easily online. The license plate is then registered, which is captured by cameras during checks. With the digital vignette, there is no need for an interim stop at a sales point before the border. In Czechia, the vignette is available for 1 day, 10 days, 30 days and 1 year. The sticker vignette no longer exists in Czechia, only the digital vignette. The vignette requirement applies to almost all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Motor vehicles running on natural gas or biomethane pay only half the toll fees. Pure electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt – but if registered outside Czechia, only if they have been reported as exempt online to the Czech toll authority before the first journey, otherwise fines of up to 5,000 CZK may apply. Plug-in hybrids with a maximum of 50 g CO₂/km pay a reduced price but are not exempt. In Austria, in addition to the digital vignette, the sticker vignette is currently still available. The digital vignette can be registered for 10 days, 2 months, one year, and from 2024 also for a single day. E-cars are also subject to tolls in Austria. Note that on some mountain pass roads and tunnels a special route toll is charged, which is not part of the general motorway toll. This route toll is not included in our flat rate and is paid on-site at the toll station or in advance online via ASFINAG.

Important border crossings between Austria and Czechia

For travellers, the border crossings at Leopoldschlag (Wullowitz), Kleinhaugsdorf (AT) / Haté (CZ) and the Drasenhofen (AT) / Mikulov (CZ) crossing are generally the most interesting. Due to border controls, waiting times may occur at the border. With the digital vignette, there is no need for an interim stop at a sales point before the border.

Drasenhofen (AT) / Mikulov (CZ)

The Drasenhofen (AT) / Mikulov (CZ) border crossing is the most important crossing on the Vienna–Brno route (European route E461). On the Czech side, the route continues on the toll-free road I/52; the vignette requirement only begins on the D52 motorway from Pohořelice-sever. Waiting times can occur here during peak traffic hours. With the digital vignette, there is no need for an interim stop at a sales point before the border.

Kleinhaugsdorf (AT) / Haté (CZ)

The Kleinhaugsdorf (AT) / Haté (CZ) border crossing is located on European route E59, which runs from Zagreb via Maribor, Graz and Vienna to Jihlava in Czechia. The roads on both sides of the border can be used without a vignette. The vignette only becomes necessary when entering a motorway or expressway.

Leopoldschlag (Wullowitz) border crossing

Another European route crossing on the Austrian-Czech border is located in the town of Wullowitz (Leopoldschlag district, AT). It lies on European route 55 from Denmark to Greece, which forms a direct connection between Linz, Budweis and Prague. In Austria, the border crossing is reached via the toll-liable Mühlviertel expressway S10. However, no vignette is required directly at the border crossing – only when entering the next motorway or expressway.