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 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

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Within the EU's Schengen Area, border controls are usually minimal. However, controls can be temporarily implemented on certain occasions to safeguard public order and internal security. This can, for example, be the case during international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup or major political events. Germany is currently temporarily controlling the border with Austria, currently ordered until March 15, 2027, when entering Germany, for example at the crossings of Kiefersfelden, Walserberg, and Suben. Expect spot checks and waiting times. With a valid passport or ID card, EU citizens usually pass through the checks 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

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

• Kiefersfelden (DE) / Kufstein (AT) – Kiefersfelden is a Bavarian town located directly on the Austrian border. Here, the German motorway A93 becomes 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, 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. There, the German A8 becomes the Austrian Westautobahn A1 heading towards Vienna. Nearby is the A1/A10 motorway interchange; the latter leads almost all the way to the Slovenian border. The section of the A1 from the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg North has been free of vignette requirements since 2019. However, a digital vignette is generally still required to continue through Austria.

• Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE) – Suben is home to 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 around 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 Austria's motorway and expressway network. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require 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 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 a distance-based toll must be paid instead. This mileage-dependent 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. For more information on special tolls and a list of all relevant special toll routes, see 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. Exceptions, however, are certain motorway tunnels and bridges, for which fees are charged. These fees are used to finance and maintain the respective infrastructure and are usually 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, on the other hand, must pay tolls on federal motorways, including service and rest areas, as well as on federal highways. 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 safe journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions regarding toll regulations. Detailed information on tolls in Austria can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to perfectly plan your trip and see the matching toll products. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, feel free to contact us via email.