Border crossing: Austria-Italy
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 holiday: Are there border controls? What entry requirements apply? Which border crossings can you use? In addition, we will inform you about the toll regulations (vignette obligation, distance-based toll and special route toll or special toll) that apply in both countries.
Border controls and entry requirements
Between Austria and Italy there is free movement of goods and people. This means that, as a rule, no border controls take place. However, the border police are authorised to carry out random identity checks. For entry, you should therefore carry your ID card or passport. There is no visa requirement for EU citizens.
Border crossings
Between Austria and Italy there are numerous border crossings that travellers can use. The best known include:
Arnoldstein border crossing: The municipality of Arnoldstein is located near Villach and Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. This border crossing can be used both for trips from Austria to Slovenia and from Austria to Italy. Special feature: If you travel towards Pontebba or Moggio Udinese after the Arnoldstein border crossing, you can enjoy a view of the Aupatal.
Nassfeld Pass border crossing: Another border crossing leading to Pontebba is the Nassfeld Pass. It is located at an altitude of around 1,500 metres and is known as a route that leads to the ski resort in winter and provides access 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. From there, the road continues to Paluzza, Tolmezzo and Udine.
Sillian border crossing: Via this border crossing you reach Innichen 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, meaning the route can only be used from May to October.
Brenner border crossing: The Brenner is one of the best-known routes from Austria to Italy and connects, in particular, the cities of Innsbruck and Bolzano.
Timmelsjoch Pass border crossing: The Timmelsjoch Pass is also very well known, but is not suitable for truck traffic. A night closure (8:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) and a winter closure (October to May) apply.
Reschen Pass border crossing: Via the Reschen Pass you reach Graun im Vinschgau from Austria as well as Lake Resia. Due to its proximity to Switzerland, this border crossing is also used by many travellers from Switzerland.
Austria
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there is a distance-based toll.
Vignette obligation (or not?)
Fees apply in the form of the vignette obligation for the use of 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 obligation. You can read about whether bypassing the toll makes sense in our article on bypassing the toll.
Distance-based toll
Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette obligation 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 recording.
Special toll routes (special toll/route toll)
In addition to the vignette obligation and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria that you should take into account on your trip. Using these routes incurs additional fees, independent of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll. Further information on the special toll (also called route toll) and a list of all relevant special toll routes can be found in our article on the special toll routes in Austria.
Italy
The following section gives you an overview of whether a vignette is required or whether a distance-based toll exists.
Vignette obligation (or not?)
There is no vignette obligation in Italy. Instead, a distance-based toll is levied. In addition, fees may apply for certain tunnels and mountain pass roads, car shuttle trains (transport of roadworthy and 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 are generally free of charge. The motorway toll is based on the distance travelled 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, which is paid for when exiting; the amount depends on the distance travelled. Important: Even if the barrier is open, a ticket must still be taken. An additional payment may be required if necessary.
Open toll system: A flat fee is charged, which is paid at a toll station. This includes, among others, routes such as the A9 (Como–Milan), A8 (Varese–Milan), A5 (Mont Blanc–Aosta) and others. Therefore, find out in advance exactly which routes are affected.
Free-flow system: The number plate is automatically captured and registered, so no stopping is required and waiting times are reduced. This includes, among others, the A33, A36, A59 and A60.
At the toll stations you can generally pay in cash, and in some cases also 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 cashlessly and without stopping, using the yellow-marked Telepass lanes (T symbol). For this you need a transponder (transmitter device) with a contract, through which the toll is automatically debited from the linked account. Additional usage fees may also apply.
ADAC toll box: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight.
Telepass: Suitable for all vehicles regardless of height and weight. The Telepass can be purchased online or on-site 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.
Special toll: tunnels and mountain pass roads
Please note that there are toll tunnels in Italy that are independent of the distance-based toll. Accordingly, you must pay additional fees for these tunnels and mountain pass roads. 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)
Toll-based car shuttle trains (car trains)
Please also note that there are toll-based car shuttle trains connecting Italy with Switzerland. You can find further information on this in our article on car shuttle trains (car trains). The well-known connections include:
Simplon Tunnel car shuttle train (Switzerland–Italy)
Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car shuttle train (Switzerland–Italy)
City toll: Milan, Bologna and Palermo
Fees are charged in certain cities for entry into restricted traffic zones (ZTL) or city centres. The city toll is calculated as a flat rate (not distance-based) and affects, among others, Milan, Bologna and Palermo.
Milan:
To enter the ZTL of the “Area C” city centre, a paid ticket is required at certain times (Mon–Fri: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.), which can be purchased online. After purchase, the ticket must be activated online (on the same day or by the following day at the latest).
“Area C” includes the historic old town within the “Cerchia dei Bastioni” city wall ring. Please find out in advance whether you are allowed to drive into the area with your vehicle, as, among others, petrol vehicles with emission standards Euro 0–3 are not permitted to enter “Area C”. In addition, certain vehicles such as electric and hybrid vehicles (except hybrid vehicles with a CO2 emission value of more than 100 g/km) as well as vehicles for transporting people with disabilities are exempt from the fee. An application must be made to the City of Milan for this.
Bologna:
To enter the ZTL of the city centre, a paid ticket is required at certain times (daily from 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.), which can be purchased online. In addition, the ticket must be activated online before use. Alternatively, tickets can also be obtained at the BomoB counters at Piazza Manfredi Azzarita 4 (entrance Via Calori 4E) as well as at Via Piero Gobetti 52.
Please note that the ticket does not entitle you to drive into the “Zone T”, as this area, along with the university area, is subject to a driving ban. Also find out in advance whether your vehicle is allowed to enter the city centre based on certain emission standards. Under certain circumstances, electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee.
Palermo:
To enter the ZTL of the city centre, a paid access pass (ticket) is required at certain times (Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. as well as night ZTL Fridays 11 p.m.–midnight, Saturdays and Sundays midnight–6 a.m.). The zone covers the areas from Piazza Giulio Cesare to Via Cavour as well as from Porta Nuova to Porta Felice.
Please find out in advance whether your vehicle is allowed to enter the city centre based on certain emission standards. You can obtain the access pass at the mobility centre of the City of Palermo AMAT (Via A. Borrelli 16, near Piazza Croci) or at their offices (Via Gusti, Piazza A. de Gasperi, Via Basile, main railway station), at branches of the Italian automobile club ACI, as well as online. Please note that after purchase, the ticket must be activated via the PalerMoblità app or online. Motorcycles as well as electric vehicles may be exempt from the fee but must be registered in advance.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good trip and are happy to help with any questions regarding toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and get suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.
