Opening times of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is one of Europe's most famous panoramic roads and leads right through the Hohe Tauern National Park. It connects the federal states of Salzburg and Carinthia and offers a spectacular drive through Austria's high alpine mountain world. From here you get a direct view of the Grossglockner, the country's highest mountain. Unlike classic motorway routes, the focus here is not on a fast connection but on the experience itself: numerous viewpoints, hairpin bends and stops make the route especially attractive for holidaymakers, motorcyclists and nature lovers.
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road can be driven with cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, trucks and buses, making it suitable for everyone. Highlights of the road include the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe (daily 10:00-17:00), exhibitions along the route (open from 09:00) and panorama and observation platforms.
Opening times of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Seasonal opening periods
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is not open all year round. Due to heavy snowfall there is a winter closure, meaning you cannot drive the road during the winter months:
Winter closure: until early May 2026
Season: early May to early November
Detailed opening hours at a glance
Until 31 May: 06:00-20:00 (last entry 19:15)
1 June - 31 August: 05:30-21:00 (last entry 20:15)
From 1 September: 06:00-19:30 (last entry 18:45)
Outside these times a night-time driving ban applies. You must therefore adhere to the daily opening hours and take them into account when planning. We recommend planning a road trip through Austria's beautiful nature carefully and with buffer time. Especially in the summer months there can be traffic jams on the way to Austria, so factor in possible delays.
Special toll: what does that mean?
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a so-called special toll route. This means: in addition to the vignette or distance-based toll, an additional fee must be paid to use this road. This special toll (in Austria also called route toll) is collected directly on site at the toll booths and must be paid independently of other toll fees.
Overview of usage fee (special toll) prices
The costs depend on the vehicle type, drive type and the chosen ticket type (duration of use). Motorcyclists therefore pay the least, while truck drivers have to pay the most.
Notes on vehicle categories
If you want to use the road with a motorhome, you need to pay attention to its weight. If your motorhome has a maximum permissible total weight of 3,500 kg, or a caravan combination with a towing vehicle up to 3,500 kg, it falls into the car category. Between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg it counts as truck category 1 (over 7,500 kg as truck category 2). Please check your vehicle's maximum permissible total weight before your trip.
Owners of electric or hydrogen vehicles usually pay a slightly lower price. Please note that you must have the corresponding registration certificate with you. Hybrid vehicles are excluded from this rule and pay the regular ticket price.
Notes on validity period
In addition to the vehicle category, the validity period of your ticket is also decisive. You can choose between a day ticket, 3-week ticket, season ticket, round trip ticket (combined ticket with the Felbertauern Road) and a tour ticket for motorcyclists.
In general: with a day ticket you can drive the road several times on the same day. If you spontaneously decide to use the route for one more day, you can extend your day ticket with a surcharge on the second day instead of buying a new full-price ticket.
Here is an overview of the ticket types again:
Day ticket (can be upgraded to a two-day ticket with a surcharge)
3-week ticket (only for private vehicles)
Season ticket (valid from the day of issue until the winter closure)
Round trip ticket (combined ticket for one trip each on the road and the Felbertauern Tunnel; both trips must be used within 30 days)
Tour ticket for motorcycles
Further notes
Number plate recognition is done automatically at the toll stations
Camping is not permitted along the road
Overnight stays along the route: no additional fee on exit
Parking (e.g. Ferleiten): from €4.00 (short-term) up to €10.00 per day
You can find detailed information on the current prices, parking fees and general usage notes on the official website.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is far more than just a connection between two regions - it is a true highlight of any trip to Austria. The combination of alpine scenery, a well-developed road and flexible ticket options makes it especially attractive for different types of travellers.
When planning, keep in mind that motorways are subject to a vignette requirement and/or a distance-based toll. It is therefore likely that, in addition to the special toll, you will also need a vignette. You can purchase your digital vignette easily and flexibly from us, so you are perfectly prepared for your adventure!
If you have further questions about tolls in Austria, you can contact us at any time by e-mail.
FAQ about the Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Is the road open all year round?
No, due to snow conditions it can only be driven from early May to early November.
Is the road subject to a toll?
Yes, it is a special toll route. The fee must be paid in addition to the vignette.
Can I use the road several times a day?
Yes, with a day ticket several trips on the same day are possible.
Are there discounts for electric cars?
Yes, electric cars receive discounted rates. Hybrid vehicles are excluded from this.
