Border Between Austria and the Czech Republic

The border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic are key connection points between the two countries where cross-border traffic takes place. They are therefore 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 may include international sporting events such as a Football World Cup or major political events. Border controls may also be introduced 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 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 form the fastest connection between Vienna and Brno.
• Kleinhaugsdorf - Hatě: 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 entering a motorway or expressway.
• Leopoldschlag (Wullowitz) border crossing: Another European route crossing at 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 is reached via the toll-required Mühlviertel Expressway S10. However, no vignette is required directly at the border crossing itself, but only when entering the next motorway or expressway.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether distance-based tolls apply.

Austria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees apply for using Austria’s motorway and expressway network in the form of a vignette requirement. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t require a (digital) vignette. You can find more information about tolls in Austria in our guide. You can conveniently purchase your digital vignette from us online.

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

Distance-based tolling in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t permissible maximum gross weight (zGG), 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, there are certain special toll routes in Austria that you should consider during your trip. Their use involves additional fees, regardless 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 permissible maximum gross weight (zGG) require a vignette. Motorcycles are an exception: they do not require a vignette and are not subject to distance-based tolls. As a motorcyclist, you can therefore use all motorways and expressways freely. For motorhomes, the following applies: motorhomes up to 3.5 t zGG are subject to the vignette requirement, while motorhomes over 3.5 t zGG must pay a distance-based toll. Further information about tolls in the Czech Republic and vehicle classes can be found in our guide. You can purchase your digital vignette online from us.

Please note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech motorways and expressways can result in high fines. It is therefore advisable to purchase the vignette in good time and use it properly to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Distance-based tolling

In the Czech Republic, a distance-based toll is charged for vehicles over 3.5 t zGG. These vehicles must pay tolls on motorways, expressways and on designated 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 about tolls 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 regarding toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and see suitable toll products. If you have further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.