Border Crossing Austria Slovenia
Border crossings in Europe
The border between Austria and Slovenia extends over more than 300 km. Border crossings serve to regulate and control border crossings and, where applicable, are provided as the legal means of entering a country. From the Austrian side, for example, there are 39 official border crossings into Slovenia. Within the Schengen area, border controls have largely been abolished, but as with many border crossings, the corresponding infrastructure for border controls is still in place and checks can also take place. These occur on certain occasions to safeguard public order and internal security, e.g. international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, or major political events such as the G8 summit.
Vignettes in Austria and Slovenia
Both Austria and Slovenia require a toll or vignette for the use of motorways and expressways. The vignettes for Austria and Slovenia are included in our flat rate:
Border crossings between Austria and Slovenia
As a country in the middle of Europe, Austria has many border crossings with its neighbouring states. At the border between Austria and Slovenia, for example, there are 39 official border crossings, plus a whole range of hiking and cycling trails, footpaths, country lanes, and the like.
The official border crossings are either roads or railway tracks connecting two localities on the borders. In the case of rail connections, a station is still present in the localities from the era of border controls, so that border checks could take place during the journey on the train. The following list shows all 39 border crossings from Austria to Slovenia:
Location in Austria
Border crossing road in Austria
Adjacent location in Slovenia
Border crossing road in Slovenia
Most important border crossings between Austria & Slovenia
The most important border crossings between Austria and Slovenia are the major crossings where motorways allow for quick progress. From Austria to Slovenia (and vice versa), the 2 major border crossings on the southeastern and southwestern border between Austria and Slovenia are particularly significant:
The Spielfeld - Šentilj border crossing on the southeastern border between Austria and Slovenia
The Karawanken Tunnel on the southwestern border between Austria and Slovenia
Spielfeld - Šentilj border crossing
At the border between Spielfeld and Šentilj there are 2 border crossings: one directly from the motorway (A 9, Austria) onto the motorway (A 1, Slovenia), and one from the federal road (B 67, Austria) onto the main road (437, Slovenia).
The shortest waiting times can be expected at the crossing from the A 9 to the A 1 (European route E 59 from the Czech Republic to Croatia).
This route is also not subject to a route toll, so the vignette for Austria is sufficient here.
For the A 9 on the Slovenian side, a vignette is also required. For through travellers, e.g. those on their way to Croatia for holidays, the toll motorways requiring a vignette are recommended for as stress-free a journey as possible.
Anyone wishing to save on vignette costs also has the option at this border crossing of taking the B 67 and the 437 main road towards Croatia.
Avoiding motorways and expressways does involve a considerably longer travel time, but can also reward travellers with beautiful views.
In any case, thorough route planning should definitely be carried out in advance. Travellers from or to/via Graz should choose the Spielfeld border crossing.
Karawanken Tunnel border crossing
The border crossing through the Karawanken Tunnel is located on the southwestern border between Austria and Slovenia.
Here, the A 11 runs from Austria through the Karawanken Tunnel onto the A 2. Both sections are part of European route E 61 from Austria to the Croatian Adriatic coast. The route via European route 61 is particularly recommended for travellers heading to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana and to the Slovenian and Croatian Adriatic coast.
The A 2, as part of the E 61, leads to Ljubljana. From there, the A 1 leads towards the Slovenian Adriatic coast, after which the E 61 continues via further roads to the Croatian Adriatic coast.
Travellers from or to/via Klagenfurt am Wörthersee should choose the Karawanken Tunnel border crossing. The Austrian section of the Karawanken Tunnel is subject to a route toll.
On our subpage about the Karawanken Tunnel toll for Austria, you will find further information on the prices. The route toll (€9 per journey) is paid on site at the toll station or as a digital route toll ticket via ASFINAG – it is not included in our flat rate.
FAQ on the Austria-Slovenia Border
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is the route through the Karawanken Tunnel subject to a toll?
Yes, the Austrian section of the Karawanks Tunnel is subject to a section toll. The section toll (€9 per trip) can be paid on site at the toll station or in advance as a digital section toll ticket from ASFINAG – it is not included in the vignette or in our flat rate.
How many official border crossings are there between Austria and Slovenia?
There are 39 official border crossings along the more than 300 km long border, including both road and rail crossings.
Do I need a separate vignette for Austria and Slovenia?
Yes, both countries require a vignette for motorways and expressways. Details about Austria can be found in our guide on tolls in Austria.
Which border crossing is best suited for continuing on to Croatia?
The Spielfeld – Šentilj border crossing offers the shortest waiting time and leads directly from the Austrian A9 to the Slovenian A1.
