Border Austria Germany

Border between Austria and Germany

The border between Germany and Austria stretches over 817 km from the Czech Republic to Lake Constance. The largest part of the border runs along the state of Bavaria. In total, there are over 50 border crossings on the German-Austrian border. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings of Kiefersfelden, Walserberg and Suben are especially relevant. It's essential to note that a vignette requirement applies on Austrian motorways. With the digital vignette, there's no need to make a stop at a sales point before the border.

Border crossings in Europe

Within the EU's Schengen Area, there are generally no regular border controls. However, border controls can still take place on certain occasions to safeguard public order and internal security. This is the case, for example, during international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup or major political events. With a valid passport or ID card, EU citizens can pass through border controls without any problems. Any goods for personal use may also be carried – only tobacco and alcohol are exceptions in some cases. Germany, however, is currently temporarily controlling the border with Austria, with the measure currently ordered until 15 March 2027; Austria, in turn, controls its borders with Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Not every car is checked, but random checks are currently common at the border crossing from Austria into Germany.

Vignette requirement in Austria

Waiting times at the border crossing may be longer than usual. This is due to possible border controls. A vignette requirement applies in Austria. With the digital vignette, there's no need to make a stop at a sales point before the border. You can purchase the vignette from us online in advance and register it to your license plate.

Important border crossings between Germany and Austria

For holidaymakers, the most important border crossings are the three motorway crossings that offer the fastest route. These are Kiefersfelden (A93 Germany – A12 Austria), Walserberg (A8 Germany – A1 Austria) and Suben (A3 Germany – A8 Austria). To avoid waiting times, the motorway crossings can be bypassed via country roads. In the end, however, this usually takes longer than waiting around 30 minutes at the border crossing. In return, you're rewarded with a beautiful scenic panorama.

Kiefersfelden (DE) / Kufstein (AT)

Kiefersfelden is a Bavarian town located directly on the Austrian border. Here, the German A93 motorway merges into the Austrian A12. From Kiefersfelden, you're just under 110 kilometres from the Austrian-Italian border and the Brenner Pass. Travelling from Kiefersfelden via the A12 and then, at Innsbruck, onto the A13 Brenner motorway is a classic holiday route from Germany to Italy. The A12 can be driven from the Kiefersfelden border crossing to Kufstein-Süd without a vignette. However, a digital vignette is required to continue on the motorway beyond that point. Buying the right e-vignette in advance saves time and nerves in this situation. Especially when travelling from Austria into Germany, random border checks can occur at the Kiefersfelden border crossing. During peak travel season and with additional commuter traffic, waiting times of 30–60 minutes or more can occur at this border. With a digital vignette, entry into Austria is significantly faster. You can check current waiting times at border crossings on the official website of ASFINAG, Austria's infrastructure company. If the waiting time at the Kiefersfelden border crossing is very high, you can exit the motorway beforehand and use the Salzburg (AT)/Freilassing (DE) border crossing instead.

Walserberg (AT) / Reichenhall (DE)

Walserberg is an Austrian town near Salzburg, located directly on the German-Austrian border. Here, the German A8 motorway becomes the Austrian A1 West Autobahn towards Vienna. Right at Walserberg lies the motorway junction of the A1 and A10. The latter motorway leads almost directly to the Slovenian border. The A1 section from the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg Nord has been vignette-free since 2019. However, a digital vignette is still required to continue through Austria. Waiting times also occur at the Walserberg border crossing due to random border checks. During peak travel season and with additional commuter traffic, waiting times can exceed 30 minutes. With the digital vignette, there's no need to make a stop at a sales point before the border. You can check the current waiting time at the Walserberg border crossing on the ASFINAG website.

Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE)

The third motorway crossing between Germany and Austria is located in the Austrian town of Suben. Here, the German A3 becomes the Austrian A8. Via the A8, you can reach the A9 Pyhrn motorway towards Slovenia, as well as the A1 towards Vienna. Due to random border checks, waiting times of around 30 minutes can occur at the Suben border during peak travel season. With the digital vignette, there's no need to make a stop at a sales point before the border. To find out what current waiting times to expect at the motorway crossing, you can check the ASFINAG website.