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Austria–Slovenia Border Crossing

Border

The border between Austria and Slovenia stretches for 330 kilometres. The largest section of the border is formed by the Karawanks, the Pohorje Mountains and the Lavanttal Alps. Other sections of the border run along the rivers Kutschenitza, Mur and Drava.

These particular geographical conditions mean that drivers have only a limited number of border crossings available. For holidaymakers, the Karawanks Tunnel and the motorway crossing Spielfeld (AT) – Šentilj (SVN) are of key importance.

Importance of border crossings in Europe

Within the EU Schengen Area, there are generally no border controls. However, exceptions may be ordered on certain occasions to protect public order and internal security. These include, for example, international sporting events such as a FIFA World Cup as well as major political events. Due to increased illegal immigration, border crossings have nevertheless been subject to intensified checks on the Austrian side as of 2023.

As an EU citizen, you will generally pass border checks without difficulty with a passport or national ID card and may carry goods for personal use. One drawback of border checks can be longer waiting times at border crossings. However, if you register your digital vignette in advance, you can at least avoid having to wait additionally at the toll station and pass the station without stopping.

Important border crossings between Slovenia and Austria

For holidaymakers, the Karawanks Tunnel and the motorway crossing Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT) are among the most important border crossings from Slovenia to Austria.

Karawanks Tunnel: The nearly eight-kilometre-long Karawanks Tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991 and links Slovenia’s A2 motorway, which runs directly through Ljubljana, with Austria’s A11 motorway. Construction of the tunnel reduced travel time between Ljubljana and Villach by more than an hour. During the summer travel season, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel each day, which can lead to increased waiting times. In the event of heavy traffic and congestion risk, the maximum speed in the tunnel is reduced from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, further extending travel time. Outside the peak season, around 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel per day.
Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT): There are two border crossings between Šentilj and Spielfeld. One is the motorway crossing between Austria’s A9 and Slovenia’s A1; the other connects Austria’s federal road B67 with Slovenia’s main road 437. The crossing between the B67 and 437 can be used to avoid toll charges. However, travelling without motorways and expressways is generally associated with a significantly longer journey time. Travelling via the motorways is usually less stressful, especially if digital vignettes are registered in advance. For travellers heading on to Croatia, the Spielfeld–Šentilj motorway crossing is particularly sensible, as the A1 near Maribor connects to the A4, which leads directly to the Croatian border.

Vignette requirement in Slovenia and Austria

A vignette requirement applies on Austrian and Slovenian motorways. In Slovenia, only the digital vignette is now available. In Austria, a traditional sticker vignette can still be purchased; however, the digital version is often more convenient in practice.

You save time and effort because you can pay for the digital vignette in advance and register your licence plate. This means you do not have to wait at a toll station, keep change ready, or queue at a service area—you can take care of everything conveniently before you travel.

Vignette requirement in Slovenia

If you would like to use Slovenia’s motorways and expressways during your trip, you will need an electronic vignette, the so-called E-Vinjeta. In addition, extra charges apply on certain routes (e.g. the Karawanks Tunnel). You can choose from different validity periods.

Distance-based toll in Slovenia

If your vehicle exceeds 3.5 t GVW, you will need a DarsGo on-board unit for distance-based toll collection instead of a vignette. This toll is calculated, among other factors, based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles and the Euro emissions class. The Euro emissions class is divided into pollution classes 1 to 6, where 1 indicates higher and 6 lower pollutant emissions.

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. Further information is available here.

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 here in our article on the topic.

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 in our article.

Further information on the tunnels and certain mountain passes can be found here.

Your journey starts now!

Order your digital vignette for Slovenia and your vignette for Austria conveniently online from us.

Border crossings between Austria and Slovenia are not only road links between two countries, but also gateways to different cultures and landscapes. Whether you are travelling for business or want to explore the sights of this region, these crossings allow you to experience two different worlds in a single trip.

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Milena Paasch

Hey, ich bin Milena. Ich reise unglaublich gerne. Dadurch konnte ich schon viel sehen, wie beispielsweise verschiedene Staaten in den USA, die Niagarafälle in Kanada, mehrere Orte auf einer Rundreise durch Schweden, Spanien, Italien und noch ein paar andere faszinierende Orte. Außerdem habe ich schon immer leidenschaftlich viel gelesen und Texte geschrieben. Texterin zu sein, passt also fantastisch zu meinen Interessen. Ich versuche dem Leser ein spannendes und bereicherndes Leseerlebnis zu bieten und möchte, dass meine Texte gerne gelesen werden!