Austria–Germany Border Crossing

Border crossings between Germany and Austria

The border between Germany and Austria stretches for 817 km from the Czech Republic to Lake Constance. Most of the border runs through the 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.

Within the EU Schengen Area, border controls usually take place rarely. Nevertheless, 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 FIFA World Cup or major political events. With a valid passport or national ID card, EU citizens generally pass through such checks without difficulty. Goods for personal use may generally be carried; however, in certain cases there may be exceptions, particularly for tobacco and alcohol.

Well-known border crossings between Austria and Germany

For holidaymakers, the three motorway crossings are particularly 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. Germany’s A93 motorway connects here to 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, 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 A1 West motorway towards Vienna. Close by is the interchange of the A1 and A10; the latter runs almost to the Slovenian border. The A1 section from the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg Nord has been vignette-free since 2019. However, for onward travel through Austria, a digital vignette is generally still required.
• Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE) – Suben is home to another important motorway crossing between Germany and Austria. Here, Germany’s A3 becomes Austria’s A8. Via the A8 you can connect both to the A9 (Pyhrn motorway) towards Slovenia and to 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. In return, the route frequently offers attractive scenic views.

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. Here you can find further information and purchase the appropriate vignette.

In addition, there are vignette-free motorway sections as well as options for avoiding the vignette requirement. You can read about whether bypassing toll roads is worthwhile in our article “Avoiding toll roads”.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, 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 various tunnels and certain mountain passes can be found here.

Germany

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

Germany: vignette requirement (or not?)

Germany does not have a general vignette requirement for motorways. This means that most motorways in Germany can generally be used toll-free. However, there are exceptions, such as certain motorway tunnels and bridges for which fees are charged. These fees are used to finance and maintain the respective infrastructure and are usually payable at toll booths or via electronic payment systems.

Distance-based toll

No distance-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW. Trucks, however, must pay tolls on federal motorways (including service and rest areas) and on federal roads. The truck toll can be processed, for example, using an On-Board Unit (OBU).

Your journey starts now!

Order your vignette for Austria conveniently online. Also discover Austria’s beautiful hiking areas. We wish you a pleasant trip!