Austria–Czech Republic Border Crossing

The border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic are key links between two countries where cross-border traffic takes place. As reducing barriers to movement, they play an important role in international trade and tourism.

The border between Austria and the Czech Republic

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 may include international sporting events such as a FIFA World Cup or major political events. Border controls may also be ordered if there is 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. Austria’s A5 becomes motorway 52 in the Czech Republic. These motorways are part of European route 461 and provide the fastest connection between Vienna and Brno.
Kleinhaugsdorf - Haté: This crossing is located on European route E59, which runs from Zagreb via Maribor, Graz, and Vienna to Jihlava in the Czech Republic. Roads on both sides of the border can be used without a vignette. A vignette is required only 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 (district of Leopoldschlag, AT). It lies on European route 55 from Denmark to Greece and provides a direct connection between Linz, České Budějovice, and Prague. In Austria, the crossing can be reached via the toll road Mühlviertler Schnellstraße S10. However, no vignette is required directly at the border crossing—only when entering the next motorway or expressway.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are specific toll sections.

Austria: vignette requirement (or not?)

Using Austria’s motorway and expressway network is subject to charges in the form of a vignette requirement. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t require a (digital) vignette. Further information on the digital vignette can be found here.

In addition, there are vignette-free motorway sections as well as options for avoiding the vignette requirement. Whether bypassing toll roads is practical in everyday travel is explained in our article on avoiding toll roads.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t tzGm, the vignette requirement does not apply; instead, a distance-based toll must be paid. This mileage-based toll is calculated 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, Austria has certain special toll routes that you should take into account during your trip. Additional fees apply when using these routes.

Arlberg Tunnel (S16): Payment on site in cash, by credit card, or Maestro card
Felbertauern Tunnel: Payment on site in cash or by credit card
Gleinalm Tunnel, Bosruck Tunnel/Pyhrn Motorway: Payment on site in cash, by credit card, or Maestro card
Karawanks Tunnel: Payment on site in cash, by credit card, or Maestro card. As a key link between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanks Tunnel is also part of the route into Slovenia and is therefore subject to a special toll there as well. When travelling from Slovenia to Austria, the toll must be paid at the Hrušica toll station. When entering from Austria, the rules stated above apply and are explained in more detail here.

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

Czech Republic

Czech Republic: vignette requirement (or not?)

In the Czech Republic, you need a vignette to use motorways and expressways. For a long time, this vignette was a small self-adhesive sticker that had to be clearly displayed on the windscreen. It has since been replaced by the digital vignette.

The vignette is an efficient system for ensuring the financing and maintenance of the Czech motorway network. You can buy it at most petrol stations in the Czech Republic, and also at selected sales outlets in Germany, especially near the border. Another convenient option is to purchase the vignette online before you travel.

Please note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech motorways and expressways may result in substantial fines. It is therefore advisable to buy the vignette in good time and use it correctly to avoid unpleasant surprises. The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Austria and the Czech Republic highlight how important it is to familiarise yourself with the applicable rules before you set off. This not only helps you comply with legal requirements but also ensures a smooth journey.

Distance-based toll

In the Czech Republic, no distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW. Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, however, must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on designated sections of first-class roads. These sections are signposted with an “M” on a yellow background. The toll is also collected using an On-Board Unit (OBU).

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Milena Paasch

Hey, ich bin Milena. Ich reise unglaublich gerne. Dadurch konnte ich schon viel sehen, wie beispielsweise verschiedene Staaten in den USA, die Niagarafälle in Kanada, mehrere Orte auf einer Rundreise durch Schweden, Spanien, Italien und noch ein paar andere faszinierende Orte. Außerdem habe ich schon immer leidenschaftlich viel gelesen und Texte geschrieben. Texterin zu sein, passt also fantastisch zu meinen Interessen. Ich versuche dem Leser ein spannendes und bereicherndes Leseerlebnis zu bieten und möchte, dass meine Texte gerne gelesen werden!