Austria–Italy Border Crossing

The border between Austria and Italy stretches over 404 km and runs along the Alps. In this article, you will find all the relevant information for your trip. We answer the most important questions for your vacation: Are there border controls? What entry requirements apply? Which border crossings can you use? In addition, we explain which toll regulations (vignette requirement, distance-based toll, and route toll / special toll) apply in both countries.

Border Controls and Entry Requirements

There is free movement of goods and people between Austria and Italy. This means that, as a rule, no border controls take place. However, border police are authorized to carry out spot-check identity checks. You should therefore carry your ID card or passport when entering. EU citizens do not require a visa.

Border Crossings

There are numerous border crossings between Austria and Italy that travelers can use. Some of the best-known include:

• Arnoldstein border crossing: The municipality of Arnoldstein is located near Villach and Klagenfurt on Lake Wörthersee. This border crossing can be used for trips from Austria to Slovenia as well as from Austria to Italy. A special highlight: after crossing at Arnoldstein and traveling toward Pontebba or Moggio Udinese, you can enjoy a view of the Aupa Valley.
• Nassfeld Pass border crossing: Another border crossing that leads to Pontebba is the Nassfeld Pass. It lies at an altitude of around 1,500 meters and is well known as a route to the ski area in winter and to numerous hiking trails in summer.
• Plöcken Pass: This border crossing is located further west in the state of Carinthia. Follow the B110 to the Timau region in Italy, where the road continues toward Paluzza, Tolmezzo, and Udine.
• Sillian border crossing: Via this border crossing, you reach Innichen (San Candido) in Italy via the B100 and the E66.
• Staller Sattel border crossing: This pass connects Austria with Italy. Please note that there is a winter closure, so the route can generally be used only from May to October.
• Brenner border crossing: The Brenner route is one of the best-known ways to travel from Austria to Italy, connecting in particular the cities of Innsbruck and Bolzano.
• Timmelsjoch Pass border crossing: The Timmelsjoch Pass is also very well known, but it is not suitable for truck traffic. A night closure (20:00–07:00) and a winter closure (October to May) apply.
• Reschen Pass border crossing: Via the Reschen Pass, you can travel from Austria to Graun in the Vinschgau Valley and to Lake Reschen. Due to its proximity to Switzerland, this border crossing is used not only by travelers from Austria but also by many from Switzerland.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether a vignette is required or whether distance-based toll charges apply.

Austria: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

Using Austrian motorways and expressways is subject to charges in the form of a vignette requirement. Therefore, vehicles up to 3.5 t need a vignette, which you can conveniently purchase online via our digital service. At the same time, there are also motorway sections that are exempt from the vignette. You can find out whether avoiding toll roads makes sense for you in our guide.

Distance-Based Toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement does not apply; instead, a distance-based toll must be paid. This distance-based toll is billed using a so-called GO-Box, which must be installed in the vehicle for recording purposes.

Route Toll for Special Toll Routes

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, Austria also has a route toll (special toll) for certain special toll routes. This applies to selected tunnels and mountain roads, for which you must pay additional fees—regardless of the vignette and the distance-based toll.

Italy

The following section provides an overview of whether a vignette is required or whether distance-based toll charges apply.

Italy: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

There is no vignette requirement in Italy. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, fees may apply for certain tunnels and mountain roads, car shuttles (transport of roadworthy, road-registered motor vehicles by train), as well as the so-called “city toll”.

Distance-Based Toll

Most Italian motorways are subject to tolls, while expressways generally do not charge fees. The motorway toll is based on the distance traveled and the vehicle class (e.g., number of axles) and is paid at toll stations. In Italy, there are closed and open toll systems as well as free-flow systems:

• Closed toll system: Common at most toll stations. You take a ticket when entering and pay when exiting; the amount depends on the distance traveled. Important: Even if the barrier is open, you still must take a ticket. In some cases, the toll can be paid later.
• Open toll system: A flat fee is charged and must be paid at a toll station. This applies to routes such as the A9 (Como–Milan), A8 (Varese–Milan), A5 (Mont Blanc–Aosta), and others. Please check in advance which routes are included.
• Free-flow system: The license plate is automatically scanned and registered, so you do not need to stop and waiting times are reduced. This includes, among others, the A33, A36, A59, and A60.

At toll stations you can generally pay in cash, and in some cases by credit or debit card. In addition, solutions such as the ADAC toll box, Telepass, bip & go, and the Camper toll box are available. These allow you to pay cashless without stopping and to use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes (T symbol) at toll stations. For this option, you need a transponder with a contract so the toll is automatically debited from the linked account. Additional service fees may apply.

• ADAC toll box: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight.
• Telepass: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight. Telepass can be purchased online or locally at Punto Blu stations and Telepass sales points; it can also be purchased via German sales portals for an additional fee.
• bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
• Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.

Toll Tunnels and Mountain Roads

Please note that there are toll tunnels in Italy. These include, among others:

• Great St. Bernard Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
• Munt La Schera Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
• Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
• Fréjus Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
• Timmelsjoch Tunnel (Austria–Italy)

Paid Car Shuttle Trains (Car Transport)

Please also note that there are paid car shuttle services that connect Italy with Switzerland. You can find more information in our article on car shuttle trains (car transport). Well-known services include:

• Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)
• Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)

City Toll: Milan, Bologna and Palermo

Fees are charged for access to traffic-restricted zones (ZTL) and city centers in certain cities. The city toll is charged as a flat fee (not distance-based) and applies, among others, to Milan, Bologna, and Palermo.

Milan:

To enter the ZTL in the city center, known as “Area C”, a paid ticket is required at certain times (Mon–Fri: 07:30–19:30). This can be purchased online. After purchase, the ticket must be activated online (on the same day or no later than the following day).

“Area C” covers the historic old town within the ring road of the former city walls, the “Cerchia dei Bastioni”. Please check in advance whether your vehicle is allowed to enter, as, among other restrictions, petrol vehicles meeting Euro emissions standards 0–3 are not permitted in “Area C”. In addition, certain vehicles—such as electric and hybrid vehicles (except hybrids with CO2 emissions > 100 g/km) and vehicles used to transport people with disabilities—may be exempt from the fee. An application to the City of Milan is required for this.

Bologna:

To enter the ZTL in the city center, a paid ticket is required at certain times (daily from 07:00–20:00). The ticket can be purchased online and must be activated online before use. Alternatively, tickets can also be obtained at BomoB counters at Piazza Manfredi Azzarita 4 (entrance Via Calori 4E) and Via Piero Gobetti 52.

Please note that the ticket does not authorize you to drive in “Zone T”, as this zone and the university area are subject to driving restrictions. Also check in advance whether your vehicle may enter the city center due to emissions regulations. In some cases, electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee.

Palermo:

To enter the ZTL in the city center, a paid access pass (ticket) is required at certain times (Mon–Fri: 08:00–20:00, plus the night ZTL on Fridays 23:00–24:00, and Saturdays and Sundays 00:00–06:00). The zone covers the areas from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Via Cavour, and from Porta Nuova to Porta Felice.

Please check in advance whether your vehicle may enter the city center due to emissions regulations. The access pass is available at the City of Palermo AMAT mobility center (Via A. Borrelli 16, near Piazza Croci), at their offices (Via Gusti, Piazza A. de Gasperi, Via Basile, Central Station), at branches of the Italian Automobile Club (ACI), and online. Please note that after purchase, the ticket must be activated via the PalerMoblità app or online. Motorcycles and electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee, but must be registered in advance.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant trip!

If you have any further questions, please contact us at our E-Mail. Please observe the applicable toll regulations during your journey and travel through Austria with peace of mind using our digital vignette. Order your digital vignette for Austria conveniently online from us.