Border Crossing: Austria–Czech Republic

The border crossings between Austria and Czechia are central connecting points between two countries, where cross-border traffic takes place. This gives them special significance for international trade as well as tourism.

Entry regulations and border controls

Within the EU Schengen area, there are generally no border controls. Exceptions include international sporting events such as a football World Cup or major political events. Controls can also be ordered at the borders in the event of a threat to internal security. Austria carries out temporary border controls at the border with Czechia, currently extended until 15.03.2027. For this reason, please carry a valid identity card or passport with you.

Well-known border crossings between Austria and Czechia

The most important border crossings include:

• Drasenhofen - Mikulov: This border crossing is the most important crossing on the Vienna–Brno route (European route E461). On the Czech side, the route continues first on the toll-sticker-free road I/52; the vignette requirement only applies on the D52 motorway from Pohořelice-sever onwards.

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

• Leopoldschlag (Wullowitz) border crossing: 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, which runs from Denmark to Greece, and provides a direct connection between Linz, České Budějovice 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 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 distance-based toll.

Austria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for the use of the Austrian motorway and expressway network. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require a (digital) vignette. You can find more information on tolls in Austria in our guide. You can conveniently purchase your digital vignette from home with us.

In addition, there are also vignette-free motorway sections as well as ways to avoid the vignette requirement. You can read about the extent to which 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 recording.

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. Using these incurs additional fees, independently of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll. You can find more information on the special toll and a list of all relevant special toll routes in our article on special toll routes in Austria.

Czechia

Czechia: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Czechia, you need a vignette to drive on the vignette-liable motorways (D-roads). Vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight need a vignette. The exception is 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 flexibly. The following applies to motorhomes: motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to the vignette requirement, but motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay a distance-based toll. You can find more information on tolls in Czechia and vehicle classes in our guide. You can purchase your digital vignette online with us.

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

Distance-based toll

In Czechia, a distance-based toll is levied for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of first-class roads. These sections are signposted with an "M" on a yellow background. The toll is collected electronically and via satellite using the MYTO CZ system with an on-board unit (OBU). You can find more information on tolls in Czechia in our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a safe journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions you may have 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.