Border Crossing: Austria-Germany

The border between Germany and Austria stretches over 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 on the German-Austrian border. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings Kiefersfelden, Walserberg and Suben are especially important.

Entry regulations and border controls

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

Well-known border crossings between Austria and Germany

For holidaymakers, the three motorway crossings are especially relevant, as they usually allow you to progress the fastest. These include:

• Kiefersfelden (DE) / Kufstein (AT) – Kiefersfelden is a Bavarian town located directly on the Austrian border. Here, the German motorway A93 merges into the Austrian A12. From Kiefersfelden, it is just under 110 kilometers to the Austrian-Italian border and the Brenner Pass. The route via the A12 and then, at 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. There, the German A8 becomes the Austrian Westautobahn A1 towards Vienna. Nearby is the motorway interchange 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 toll-vignette-free to drive since 2019. However, a digital vignette is generally still required to continue through Austria.

• Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE) – In Suben, there is another important motorway crossing between Germany and Austria. Here, the German A3 becomes the Austrian 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 about 30 minutes at the border crossing. As compensation, the route often offers an appealing scenic panorama.

Austria

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

Austria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for using 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 the toll in Austria in our guide. With us, you can conveniently purchase your digital vignette from the comfort of your home.

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

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

Germany

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

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 considered toll-free. However, exceptions apply to certain motorway tunnels and bridges, for which fees are charged. These fees serve to finance and maintain the respective infrastructure and are usually to be paid at toll stations or via electronic payment systems.

Distance-based toll

For vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, no distance-based toll is charged. Trucks, however, must pay tolls on federal motorways, including service and rest areas, as well as on federal roads. The truck toll can be billed, for example, using an On-Board Unit (OBU).

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a good trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions about toll regulations. You can find detailed information on the toll in Austria in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and see suitable toll products displayed. Contact us for further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.