Austria–Slovakia Border Crossing

The border between Austria and Slovakia stretches for 106.7 kilometres. There are several road border crossings, a ferry crossing, and a motorway crossing between Slovakia and Austria.

Within the EU, border controls have largely been abolished. In many cases, travellers therefore cross the Austrian–Slovak border without checks. However, exceptions may be ordered for international sporting events such as a FIFA World Cup, major political events, or for reasons of internal security. In such cases, temporary border controls are carried out.

Well-known border crossings between Austria and Slovakia

There are numerous road crossings between Austria and Slovakia. The best known include:

• Kittsee (AT) – Jarovce (SVK) motorway crossing – subject to tolls. The other border crossings can be used without a vignette. However, the motorway crossing near Kittsee is the fastest option and provides a direct connection between the attractive capitals Vienna and Bratislava.
• Hohenau (AT)
• Moravský Sv. Ján – Berg (AT)
• Bratislava-Petržalka (SVK)

Due to border checks and congestion at toll stations, waiting times may occur—especially at the Kittsee motorway border crossing. Depending on the situation, a detour via the Berg road crossing may be a sensible alternative.

The border crossing between Angern an der March (AT) and Záhorská Ves (SVK) is crossed by ferry. Motorcycles, cars, trucks, trailers and, of course, passengers are transported across the Morava, a tributary of the Danube. The short crossing is generally significantly cheaper than motorway toll charges. However, to make fast progress on motorways and expressways in both countries, a digital vignette is still required.

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 the various tunnels and certain mountain passes can be found here.

Slovakia

Slovakia: vignette requirement (or not?)

Slovakia also operates an electronic toll system on its motorways and expressways.

• Electronic toll boxes (on-board units): In Slovakia, electronic toll boxes can also be used. This allows toll fees to be recorded automatically when passing toll stations. The fees vary depending on the section of motorway or expressway used and are calculated and charged via the toll box.
• Vignette: As an alternative to the toll box, you will soon also be able to purchase the vignette digitally via our website. Within the selected validity period, you can then use Slovakia’s motorways as often as you like. In any case, it is important to arrange one of the two toll procedures before travelling in order to avoid fines.

Distance-based toll

A distance-based toll must be paid if your vehicle exceeds 3.5 t GVW (motorhomes excluded). This means that buses and trucks have been required since January 2024 to pay an electronic distance-based toll, which is determined via the HU-GO system. This distance-based toll replaces the vignette; in this case, a vignette is no longer required.

Your journey starts now!

Order your vignette for Austria and your vignette for Slovakia conveniently online. Discover Austria’s beautiful hiking areas or visit Slovenia’s impressive cities. We wish you an enjoyable trip!