Border Between Austria and Germany

The border between Germany and Austria stretches for 817 km from the Czech Republic to Lake Constance. Most of the border runs through the German federal state of Bavaria. In total, there are more than 50 border crossings along the German-Austrian border. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings at Kiefersfelden, Walserberg and Suben are particularly important.

Entry requirements and border controls

Within the EU Schengen Area, there are usually hardly any border checks. However, temporary checks may be carried out on certain occasions to safeguard public order and internal security. This may be the case, for example, during international sporting events such as a Football World Cup or major political events. With a valid passport or ID card, EU citizens generally pass these checks without any issues. Goods for personal use may generally be carried; exceptions may apply in certain cases, especially for tobacco and alcohol.

Well-known border crossings between Austria and Germany

For holidaymakers, the three motorway crossings are especially relevant, as they are usually the fastest routes. These include:

• Kiefersfelden (DE) / Kufstein (AT) – Kiefersfelden is a Bavarian town located directly on the Austrian border. The German motorway A93 continues here as Austria’s A12. From Kiefersfelden, it is just under 110 kilometres to the Austrian-Italian border and the Brenner Pass. The route via the A12 and then, near Innsbruck, via the A13 (Brenner Motorway) is a classic holiday route from Germany to Italy.
• Walserberg (AT) / Reichenhall (DE) – Walserberg is located near Salzburg directly on the German-Austrian border. Here, Germany’s A8 becomes Austria’s West Motorway A1 towards Vienna. Nearby is the motorway junction of the A1 and A10; the latter runs almost all the way to the Slovenian border. The section of the A1 from the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg Nord has been vignette-free since 2019. However, for continuing your journey through Austria, a digital vignette is generally still required.
• Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE) – Suben is another important motorway crossing between Germany and Austria. Here, Germany’s A3 becomes Austria’s A8. Via the A8, you can reach both the A9 (Pyhrn Motorway) towards Slovenia and the A1 towards Vienna.

To avoid waiting times, these motorway crossings can generally be bypassed via country roads. In practice, however, this often takes longer than waiting around 30 minutes at the border crossing. As compensation, the route often offers attractive scenic panoramas.

Austria

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

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 need a (digital) vignette. You can find more information about 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 more about whether bypassing toll roads makes sense in our article about avoiding tolls.

Distance-based tolling in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t permissible maximum gross weight (zGG), the vignette requirement no longer applies 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 during your trip. Using these routes involves additional fees, regardless of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll. You can find more information about special tolls and a list of all relevant special toll routes in our article about special toll routes in Austria.

Germany

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

Germany: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Germany, there is no general vignette requirement for motorways. This means that most motorways in Germany can generally be used toll-free. However, exceptions apply to certain motorway tunnels and bridges where fees are charged. These fees are used to finance and maintain the respective infrastructure and must usually be paid at toll stations or via electronic payment systems.

Distance-based tolling

No distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t permissible maximum gross weight (zGG). Trucks, on the other hand, must pay tolls on federal motorways, including fuel stations and service areas, as well as on federal roads. The truck toll can, for example, be billed using an on-board unit (OBU).

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. You can find detailed information about tolls in Austria in our guide. You are also welcome 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.