Border between Austria and the Czech Republic

The border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic are central connection points between two countries where cross-border traffic takes place. As such, they are of particular importance for international trade as well as tourism.

Entry requirements and border controls

Within the EU Schengen Area, there are generally no border controls. Accordingly, checks at the Austrian-Czech border are carried out only in exceptional cases. Such exceptions include, for example, international sporting events such as a football World Cup or major political events. Controls at the borders can also be ordered in the event of a threat to internal security.

Well-known border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic

The most important border crossings include:

• Drasenhofen - Mikulov: This border crossing is the only motorway crossing between Austria and the Czech Republic. The Austrian A5 becomes motorway 52 in the Czech Republic. The motorways are part of European route 461 and form the fastest connection between Vienna and Brno.
• Kleinhaugsdorf - Haté: This border crossing is located on European route E59, which runs from Zagreb via Maribor, Graz and Vienna to Jihlava in the Czech Republic. The roads on both sides of the border can be used without a vignette. A vignette is only required when joining a motorway or expressway.
• Leopoldschlag border crossing (Wullowitz): Another European route crossing on the Austrian-Czech border is located in the village of Wullowitz (Leopoldschlag district, AT). It is situated on European route 55 from Denmark to Greece and provides a direct connection between Linz, Budweis and Prague. In Austria, the border crossing is reached via the toll-liable Mühlviertler Expressway S10. However, no vignette is required directly at the border crossing — only when joining the next motorway or expressway.

Austria

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there is a distance-based toll.

Austria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for using the Austrian motorway and expressway network. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t MAM require a (digital) vignette. More information about the toll in Austria can be found in our guide. You can purchase your digital vignette conveniently from home with us.

In addition, there are also vignette-free motorway sections as well as options to avoid the vignette requirement. You can read about how useful it is to bypass the toll in our article on avoiding the toll.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t MAM, the vignette requirement does not apply and instead a distance-based toll must be paid. This mileage-dependent toll is charged using a GO-Box, which must be installed in the vehicle for data collection.

Special toll routes

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria that you should take into account on your journey. Additional charges apply for their use, independently of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll. Further information on special tolls and a list of all relevant special toll routes can be found in our article on special toll routes in Austria.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In the Czech Republic, you need a vignette to use motorways and expressways. Vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW require a vignette. Motorcycles are an exception — they do not need a vignette and are not subject to the distance-based toll either. As a motorcyclist, you can therefore use all motorways and expressways freely. For motorhomes: motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW are subject to the vignette requirement, but motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll. Further information on the toll in the Czech Republic and vehicle classes can be found in our guide. You can purchase your digital vignette online with us.

Please note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech motorways and expressways can be penalised with heavy fines. It is therefore advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and use it correctly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Distance-based toll

In the Czech Republic, a distance-based toll is charged for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay tolls on motorways, expressways and on designated sections of class 1 roads. These sections are signposted with an "M" on a yellow background. The toll is collected using a transponder (transmitter device), also known as an On-Board Unit (OBU). Further information on the toll in the Czech Republic can be found in our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your journey or our digital vignette via our email.