Karawanks Tunnel (Special Toll)
What is the Karawanken Tunnel?
The Karawanken Tunnel connects the two European countries of Austria in the north and Slovenia in the south. The tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991. With a total length of 7,864 metres (around 7.9 kilometres), it comprises 4,414 metres on the Austrian side and 3,450 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.
In order to further increase the capacity of the Karawanken Tunnel, ASFINAG began the full expansion of the route on the A11 in September 2018. The first step involved building 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 two-way traffic will no longer be necessary.
How long does it take to drive through the Karawanken Tunnel?
Thanks to the Karawanken Tunnel, the travel time from Villach (the nearest larger city northwest of the Karawanken Tunnel on the Austrian side) to Ljubljana (the nearest larger city southeast near the Karawanken 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 safe journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about 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 trip perfectly and see the right toll products for you. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us via email.
FAQ about the Karawanks Tunnel
Answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is the Karawanken Tunnel subject to a route toll?
Yes, the Karawanken Tunnel is subject to a route toll. Additional fees therefore apply for its use, regardless of whether you own a vignette.
Can you pay with an EC card at the Karawanken Tunnel?
Yes, payment by EC card is possible at the Karawanken Tunnel.
Can you bypass the Karawanken Tunnel?
The Karawanken 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 some sections (gradients of up to 18%), it is not recommended for longer vehicles such as motorhomes (especially in icy and/or snowy conditions).
What is the cost of the toll for the Karawanken Tunnel?
For vehicles up to 3.5 t, the special toll costs €9.00 per single trip (ASFINAG rate from 1 January 2026). A single trip applies to one direction: heading south, you pay the ASFINAG, heading north, the Slovenian operator DARS. For a round trip, this amounts to a total of €18.00.
Where do you pay the Karawanks Tunnel toll from Slovenia to Austria?
Heading north, you pay the toll at the Hrušica toll station on the Slovenian side operated by DARS, in cash, by credit card or by debit card. A digital ASFINAG route toll ticket is not valid in this direction.
Can you buy the Karawanks Tunnel toll online?
Yes, but only for travel in the southbound direction (Austria → Slovenia): The digital route toll for the A11 can be purchased online, for example in the ASFINAG toll shop. It is valid immediately after purchase, and your license plate is automatically recognized at the toll station. For the opposite direction, you pay on site at the Hrušica toll station.
Do you need a vignette for the Karawanks Tunnel?
Not for the tunnel itself: between the St. Jakob im Rosental junction and the state border within the tunnel, a special toll applies instead of the vignette. If you join the A11 earlier, for example near Villach, you will need an Austrian vignette for that section. In Slovenia, the Slovenian e-vignette applies after the Hrušica toll station.
Where is the Karawanks Tunnel located?
The Karawanks Tunnel is located on the border between Carinthia (Austria) and Slovenia. It is part of the A11 Karawanks motorway, which begins near Villach, and runs from the Rosenbach toll station on the Austrian side to the Hrušica toll station near Jesenice in Slovenia. The national border runs through the tunnel.
