Karawanks Tunnel (Special Toll)

What is the Karawanks Tunnel?

The Karawanks Tunnel connects the two European countries of Austria in the south and Slovenia in the northwest. The tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991. With a total length of 7,864 metres (around 7.9 kilometres), it comprises 4,402 metres on the Austrian side and 3,546 metres on the Slovenian side, and takes its name from the connection between Austria and the Slovenian Karawanks. Via the A11, it provides a direct link through the Slovenian Karawanks to the Slovenian E61.

To further increase the capacity of the Karawanks Tunnel, ASFINAG began the full expansion of the route on the A11 in September 2018. The first step was the construction of the second tunnel tube (eastern tube). After a construction period of almost seven and a half years, it was completed and put into operation in mid-March 2026.

Immediately afterwards, the general refurbishment of the existing tube (western tube) will begin. During these works, traffic will initially be routed through the new tube in two-way traffic. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by mid-2029. After that, both tubes can be used for regular one-way traffic, and the need for two-way traffic will no longer apply.

How long does it take to drive through the Karawanks Tunnel?

Thanks to the Karawanks Tunnel, the travel time from Villach (the nearest larger city northwest of the Karawanks Tunnel on the Austrian side) to Ljubljana (the nearest larger city southeast of the Karawanks Tunnel on the Slovenian side) has been reduced by around one hour for approximately 2,000 vehicles per hour (capacity).

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a good journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions regarding toll regulations. You can find detailed information on tolls in Austria in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and have the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us via email.

FAQ about the Karawanks Tunnel

Is the Karawanks Tunnel subject to a route toll?

Yes, the Karawanks Tunnel is subject to a route toll. Additional charges therefore apply for its use, regardless of whether you hold a vignette.

Can you pay by EC card at the Karawanks Tunnel?

Yes, payment by EC card is possible at the Karawanks Tunnel.

Can you bypass the Karawanks Tunnel?

The Karawanks Tunnel can be bypassed by taking route 109 southwest of Villach and crossing the Slovenian border via the so-called Wurzen Pass. On the Slovenian side, the route then continues via route 201 towards Podkoren.

Is the Wurzen Pass also suitable for motorhomes?

Since the Wurzen Pass is very steep in places (gradients of up to 18%), it is not recommended for longer vehicles such as motorhomes (especially in icy and/or snowy conditions).