Slovenia–Austria Border

The border between Slovenia and Austria stretches for around 330 kilometres. The largest part of the border is shaped by the Karawanks, the Pohorje Mountains, and the Lavanttal Alps. Other sections of the border run along the rivers Kutschenitza, Mur, and Drava.

These particular geographical conditions mean that motorists have comparatively few border crossings available. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings at the Karawanks Tunnel and at Spielfeld (AT) – Šentilj (SVN) are especially important.

Importance of Border Crossings in Europe

Within the Schengen Area of the European Union, there are generally no regular border controls. However, exceptions are possible in certain situations, for example to protect public order and internal security. These include international sporting events or major political events. Due to increased illegal immigration, the border has nevertheless been subject to more intensive checks on the Austrian side according to the 2023 status.

As an EU citizen, you can usually cross the border with a valid passport or identity card without difficulty and carry goods for personal use. However, it should be noted that border checks may lead to longer waiting times. If you register your digital vignette in advance, you can at least avoid additional delays at toll stations and pass through them without stopping.

Important Border Crossings Between Slovenia and Austria

For travellers, the Karawanks Tunnel and the Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT) motorway crossing are particularly relevant.

Karawanks Tunnel

The almost 8-kilometre-long Karawanks Tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991 and connects Slovenia’s A2 motorway, which runs directly through Ljubljana, with Austria’s A11 motorway. The construction of the tunnel shortened the travel time between Ljubljana and Villach by more than one hour.

During the travel season in the summer months, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel every day, which can lead to increased waiting times. In the event of heavy traffic and congestion risk, the speed limit inside the tunnel is reduced from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, which further increases travel time. Outside the main travel season, around 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel each day.

A second tunnel tube is expected to be available from 2028. This could allow the maximum speed to be increased to 100 km/h.

Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT)

There are two border crossings at the border between Šentilj and Spielfeld. One of them is the motorway crossing between Austria’s A9 and Slovenia’s A1, while the other connects Austria’s B67 federal road with Slovenia’s main road 437.

The crossing between the B67 and road 437 offers a way to avoid toll charges. However, travelling away from motorways and expressways involves a significantly longer travel time. Using the motorways is generally more convenient for travellers, especially if digital vignettes have been registered in advance. For travellers continuing to Croatia, the Spielfeld – Šentilj motorway crossing is especially practical, as the A1 near Maribor connects to the A4, which leads directly to the Croatian border.

Slovenia

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia and which toll sections must also be taken into account.

Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

If you intend to use Slovenian motorways and expressways during your journey, vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require an electronic vignette, known as the E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a higher permissible gross weight, the vignette requirement no longer applies; instead, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll sections where extra fees apply regardless of vehicle weight, such as when using the Karawanks Tunnel.

Distance-Based Toll

If your vehicle has a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 t, you will need a DarsGo device instead of a vignette for the collection of the distance-based toll. This toll is based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles, and the vehicle’s Euro emissions class. The Euro emissions classes are divided into pollution classes 1 to 6. Pollution class 1 represents a high level of emissions, while pollution class 6 represents a comparatively low level of emissions.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you also need a vignette in Austria and which toll sections must be considered.

Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

Using Austrian motorways and expressways is subject to charges in the form of a vignette requirement. Vehicles up to 3.5 t therefore need a vignette, which is also available digitally. Depending on the vehicle class, you can choose between different validity periods. Further information can be found here.

Austria also has motorway sections that are exempt from the vignette requirement. Information on whether avoiding toll routes is worthwhile can be found here.

Distance-Based Toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t tzGm, the vignette requirement no longer applies and a distance-based toll must be paid instead. This usage-based toll is charged using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.

Special Toll Routes in Austria

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, Austria also has certain special toll routes for which additional charges apply.

• 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

• Karawanks Tunnel: Payment on site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card. As a connection between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanks Tunnel is also part of the Slovenian road network and is therefore also classified there as a special toll section. The toll for the Slovenia–Austria direction must be paid at the Hrušica toll station. More detailed information about the Karawanks Tunnel can be found in our guide.

Further information on the various tunnels and certain mountain pass roads can be found here.

Your Journey Starts Now!

Order your vignette conveniently online and choose the right validity period for your journey. This allows you to use the motorways in Slovenia and Austria with ease. Information about the sights in Slovenia can also be found in our guide. We wish you a pleasant journey.