Brenner Tunnel/Motorway (Special toll)
The Brenner Autobahn forms one of the central connections through the Alps and is part of the European north‑south axis (European route E45). In 2022, 16.58 million cars and 2.73 million trucks passed through the Brenner, which connects Austria and Italy, resulting in considerable traffic congestion.
Brenner Autobahn as a special toll route
On the A13 motorway, which leads over the Brenner from Austria to Italy, a section toll is required. A distinction must be made here between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel.
The section toll (also known as special toll) is a fee payable on certain sections in Austria independently of the vignette. As a rule, a vignette is nevertheless required, since most approach and departure routes require a vignette.
The Europa Bridge
On the Brenner Autobahn A 13, in the area of the Brenner Tunnel, is the Europa Bridge, the centrepiece of the A 13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley. A section toll applies for using the Europa Bridge. However, this section toll (special toll) is included in the fee for the entire Brenner Tunnel. Therefore, if the section toll for the complete A 13 has already been paid, no separate amount is due for the Europa Bridge.
From 2040, a comprehensive renewal of the Europa Bridge is planned. The complete reconstruction, expected to take four years, will bring considerable restrictions for travel traffic.
How much does the Brenner section toll cost?
The cost of the section toll (special toll) on the A 13 Brenner Autobahn depends on the passes purchased, i.e. the number of journeys. The section toll is available as a single journey (one journey in one direction), as a multi-journey card (1 year), or as a Digital Section Toll FLEX. Unlike other special toll routes, which only affect certain sections of a motorway or expressway, the entire A 13 is subject to the section toll. The toll station for the A 13 Brenner Autobahn is located near Schönberg.
According to ASFINAG, the following rates apply in 2026 for vehicles up to 3.5 t:
Single journey: €12.50
Multi-journey card (1 year): €75.00
Partial sections: €1.00 to €6.00
For vehicles over 3.5 t, the GO-Box requirement applies.
With the annual card, the Brenner Autobahn can be used all year round. The advantage of the digital section toll is that the section toll – like the vignette – is registered via the number plate and recognised automatically. At the toll stations of motorways subject to the section toll, lanes marked in green are provided for the Digital Section Toll (formerly: Video Toll).
These lanes do not have terminals for cash or card payment. They may only be used by vehicles whose section toll has already been registered. As a result, waiting times are typically reduced significantly.
Austria and Italy: Where does which toll apply?
Austria and Italy have different toll and vignette systems. The Italian Brenner Autobahn A22 merges into the Austrian Autobahn A13 at the border. While the section toll applies on the Austrian motorway, there is no corresponding special toll requirement in Italy; the A22 is therefore not subject to the section toll.
In Italy, there is also no vignette requirement. The toll for the A22 is charged as a distance-related toll; the amount depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.
On site, the toll can be paid in cash or by credit card at the toll stations at the respective motorway exits. If you already have a Viacard (prepaid card for toll payment on Italian motorways), you can still use it until 31.12.2029. New cards are no longer issued.
Brenner Base Tunnel (rail traffic)
While the Brenner Tunnel is subject to the section toll requirement (also known as the special toll requirement) and serves motorway traffic, the Brenner Base Tunnel is being built for rail traffic and is expected to be completed by 2032. For more information on travelling from Innsbruck to Fortezza by train via the Brenner Base Tunnel, see our guide.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Detailed information on tolls in Austria can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to perfectly plan your journey and see the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your journey or our digital vignette, please contact us via email.
FAQ: Brenner Motorway A13 and Route Toll
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
What is the Brenner Autobahn?
The Brenner Autobahn A13 is a central north-south route through the Alps and part of European route E45. It connects Austria and Italy and is one of the busiest Alpine crossings.
Do I need a vignette or a distance-based toll for the A13?
Section toll (also called special toll) applies on the entire A13. This fee must be paid independently of the vignette. For most access and exit routes, such as via the A12, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight additionally require a valid vignette. Learn more in the guides Toll in Austria, on the Brenner Motorway A13, and on Section Toll and Special Toll.
What is the difference between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel?
The Brenner Tunnel belongs to the A13 motorway and is subject to the toll road charge. The Brenner Base Tunnel is being built for rail traffic and is expected to be completed by 2032. It serves train traffic, not car traffic.
Do I have to pay extra for the Europabrücke?
No. The Europabrücke is located on the A13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley. The toll for the Europabrücke is included in the fee for the A13 or the Brenner Tunnel. Anyone who has already paid the toll for the entire A13 does not pay a separate amount for the bridge.
What does the Brenner route toll cost?
The cost depends on the product chosen: single trip (one-way journey), multi-trip card (1 year), or Digital Route Toll FLEX. Current rates are published by the operator. According to ASFINAG, in 2026 for vehicles up to 3.5 t, a single trip costs €12.50, the multi-trip card (1 year) costs €75.00, and a partial route costs between €1.00 and €6.00. For vehicles over 3.5 t, the GO-Box requirement applies. Unlike many other special toll routes, the entire A13 is subject to the route toll. The toll station is located at Schönberg.
What is the digital route toll?
The digital route toll (formerly video toll) registers the fee via the license plate and automatically recognizes it. Green-marked lanes at the toll stations are designated for this purpose. There are no terminals for cash or card payment there. These lanes may only be used by vehicles with an already registered route toll. This often reduces waiting times.
Does a special toll also apply on the Italian Brenner motorway?
No. At the border, the Austrian A13 becomes the Italian A22. In Italy, there is no vignette requirement and no Austrian special toll. On the A22, a distance-based toll is charged, depending on the route and vehicle class. Payment is made at the toll stations at the exits, among other methods by cash or credit card. An existing Viacard (prepaid card) can still be used until 31.12.2029; new cards are no longer being issued.
What restrictions are expected at the Europabrücke?
From 2040, a comprehensive renovation of the Europabrücke is planned. The complete reconstruction is expected to take about four years and will significantly restrict travel traffic. For up-to-date information, it is worth checking traffic reports and ASFINAG announcements before your journey.
What should I keep in mind when planning my trip?
Check in advance whether you need the appropriate toll route charge for the A13 and a vignette for the approach route. With our route planner, you can plan your route and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions about the digital vignette or trip planning, you can reach us by email at any time.
How much does the Brenner toll cost for a round trip?
A single journey applies to travel in one direction. For a round trip covering the entire Brenner Motorway A13, you therefore need two single journeys. According to ASFINAG, in 2026 this totals €25.00 (2 × €12.50) for vehicles up to 3.5 t. Those who use the route more frequently will find an alternative in the Multi-trip card (1 year) for €75.00.
