Border Crossing: Austria–Czech Republic

The border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic are central connection points between two countries where cross-border traffic takes place. This gives them particular importance for international trade as well as tourism.

Entry regulations and border controls

Within the EU Schengen area, there are generally no border controls. Accordingly, checks at the Austrian-Czech border are also 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 if internal security is at risk.

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 - Hatě: This border crossing lies on European route E59, which runs from Zagreb via Maribor, Graz and Vienna to Jihlava in the Czech Republic. The roads can be used without a vignette on both sides of the border. A vignette is only required once you enter a motorway or expressway.

• Leopoldschlag border crossing (Wullowitz): Another European route crossing at the Austrian-Czech border is located in the town of Wullowitz (Leopoldschlag district, AT). It lies 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 Mühlviertel expressway S10. However, no vignette is required directly at the border crossing itself, only once you enter 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 gross vehicle weight need a (digital) vignette. You can find more information on tolls in Austria in our guide. With us, you can conveniently purchase your digital vignette from home.

In addition, there are also vignette-free motorway sections as well as ways to avoid the vignette requirement. You can read about whether bypassing the toll makes sense in our article on bypassing the toll.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement does not apply and instead a distance-based toll must be paid. This mileage-based toll is billed 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 when planning your trip. Additional fees apply for their use, independent of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll. You can find further information on the special toll and a list of all relevant special toll routes 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 need a vignette. An exception applies to motorcycles, which do not need a vignette and are also not subject to the distance-based toll. As a motorcyclist, you can therefore use all motorways and expressways flexibly. For motorhomes, the following applies: 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 tolls 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 punished with heavy fines. It is therefore advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and use it properly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Distance-based toll

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

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a good trip to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and see suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.