The Brenner Motorway A13 (Special Toll)
What is the Brenner Motorway?
The Brenner Motorway is one of the main routes through the Alps and forms part of the European north–south axis (European route E45). In 2022, 16.58 million cars and 2.73 million trucks crossed the Brenner Pass between Austria and Italy, resulting in significant traffic congestion.
Brenner Motorway as a special toll route
A route toll is required on the A13 motorway, which runs over the Brenner Pass from Austria to Italy. A distinction must be made between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel.
The route toll (also known as a special toll) is a fee payable in Austria on certain road sections, independent of the vignette. However, a vignette is generally still required, as most access and exit routes also require a vignette.
The Europabrücke
The Europabrücke, the centerpiece of the A13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley, is located on the Brenner Motorway A13 near the Brenner Tunnel. A route toll is charged for using the Europabrücke. However, this route toll (special toll) is included in the fee for the entire Brenner Tunnel. If the route toll for the full A13 has already been paid, no separate charge is required for the Europabrücke.
From 2040 onwards, a comprehensive renovation of the Europabrücke is planned. The complete reconstruction, expected to last around four years, will result in significant restrictions for travel traffic.
How much does the Brenner route toll cost?
The cost of the route toll (special toll) on the A13 Brenner Motorway depends on the type of pass purchased, i.e., the number of journeys. The route toll can be purchased for a single trip, two trips (e.g., round trip), or as an annual pass. Unlike other special toll routes that apply only to specific sections of a motorway or expressway, the entire A13 is subject to the route toll. The toll station for the A13 Brenner Motorway is located in Schönberg.
With the annual pass, the Brenner Motorway can be used all year round. The advantage of the digital route toll is that, like the vignette, it is registered by license plate and automatically recognized. At toll stations on special toll motorways, green-marked lanes are designated for the digital route toll (formerly: video toll).
These lanes do not have terminals for cash or card payments. They may only be used by vehicles with a pre-registered route toll. As a result, waiting times are usually significantly reduced.
Austria and Italy: Which toll system applies where?
Austria and Italy have different toll and vignette systems. The Italian Brenner Motorway A22 becomes the Austrian Motorway A13 at the border. While the Austrian motorway is subject to the route toll, there is no comparable special toll requirement in Italy; therefore, the A22 is not subject to a special toll.
In Italy, there is also no vignette requirement. The toll for the A22 is charged as a distance-based toll, with the amount depending on the distance traveled and the vehicle class.
On site, the toll can be paid at toll stations at the respective motorway exits in cash or by credit card. Payment is also possible using the Viacard, a prepaid card for toll payments on Italian motorways.
Brenner Base Tunnel (Rail Transport)
While the Brenner Tunnel is subject to the route toll (also called special toll) and serves motorway traffic, the Brenner Base Tunnel is being constructed for rail transport and is expected to be completed by 2032. Further information on traveling by train from Innsbruck to Franzensfeste via the Brenner Base Tunnel can be found in our guide.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions regarding toll regulations. Detailed information about the toll system in Austria can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.
