Traveling by Motorhome

Austria is an outstanding travel destination for a motorhome trip. Which vignette you need, what costs arise, and which other aspects should be considered, we explain in this article. We answer the central questions regarding tolls and vignettes for the motorhome trip in Austria. Additionally, you will receive helpful travel tips as well as notes on highlights that you should definitely not miss.

A brief overview

• On Austria's motorways and expressways, toll obligation applies.

• Motorhomes under a technically permissible total mass of 3.5 t tzGm require a vignette.

• Motorhomes over 3.5 t tzGm require a toll box (GO-Box) and are thus subject to the distance-based toll

• Driving on special toll routes requires payment of an additional fee (independent of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll)

• The vignette can be purchased quickly and easily online as a digital version.

Toll in Austria

Thanks to its impressive landscape and good road conditions, Austria is an attractive holiday destination for motorhome travelers. Please note, however, that toll obligation applies to the use of motorways and expressways in Austria. Most road users settle the toll via a vignette, which can be purchased online. For certain vehicles, however, a so-called GO-Box is required. Which option applies to you depends on the technically permissible total mass (tzGm) of your motorhome. The tzGm refers to the technically permissible total mass specified by the manufacturer (field F.1 of the registration certificate part I). The permissible total weight (zGG) according to registration is stated in field F.2 and may be lower, for example, after a weight reduction.

Vignette: Motorhome up to 3.5t tzGm

For motorhomes with a tzGm of up to 3.5 tonnes, a regular vignette is sufficient. This allows you to use all Austrian motorways and expressways. Vignettes are available at petrol stations and rest stops as well as online, and are offered for various validity periods.

Go-Box: Motorhome over 3.5t tzGm (distance-based toll)

For motorhomes with a tzGm of over 3.5 tonnes, however, a GO-Box is required. The GO-Box is an electronic device for calculating and paying the toll. Billing is done automatically and depends, among other things, on the distance traveled, the number of axles, as well as the emission values of the vehicle. You can obtain the GO-Box at special GO sales points, where it can also be installed. The toll can be paid either in advance or afterwards. Transitional period: Motorhomes and other vehicles with more than 3.5 t tzGm, for which a maximum permissible total weight of no more than 3.5 t was established before December 1, 2023 (e.g., through a weight reduction), will continue to be subject to the vignette obligation or distance-based toll until January 31, 2029, and will not need a GO-Box until then. If this designation is later revoked, for example by lifting the weight reduction, the distance-based toll with GO-Box will apply from that point onward.

What you should pay attention to

To ensure your motorhome tour through Austria runs as smoothly as possible, it is advisable to consider a few points in advance. You will find the most important notes below:

Buy vignette online in advance

We recommend buying your vignette for Austria for your motorhome online in advance. With a digital vignette, you ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid risking fines. If you use toll-vignette-required routes during your trip but do not have a vignette, this can lead to high fines.

Plan route and research sections

Ideally, you should inform yourself in advance about your rough travel route. This way, you will be informed early about possible construction sites, heavily trafficked roads, and special toll routes. This knowledge helps you plan your route sensibly and specifically avoid unexpected traffic jams. Further information on the special toll routes can be found in our guide.

Reserve campsites

Austria is a popular destination for motorhome travelers. Accordingly, camping and parking spots can be booked up quickly. We therefore recommend, especially during the high season, to reserve spots in advance. This way, you ensure a suitable overnight accommodation and avoid unnecessary stress from a time-consuming search for a spot.

You shouldn't miss these highlights

By motorhome through Austria: toll sorted, and off you go. Austria offers a great variety of charming destinations and impressive landscapes. However, you should definitely plan for some highlights during your motorhome tour:

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road: Fascinating panoramic view

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road leads through the heart of the Austrian Alps and is considered one of the most impressive panoramic routes in the country. The winding route requires careful driving, but rewards you with spectacular views, high peaks, mountain lakes, and glaciers. In the Grossglockner National Park, there are also camping opportunities. Alternatively, there are numerous overnight options for motorhome travelers in the surrounding valleys.

Lake Wolfgang: Dreamlike waters, in the heart of the mountains

Lake Wolfgang is among the most beautiful lakes in Austria and is nestled between steep peaks and idyllic villages. You can easily spend several relaxing days here. Particularly attractive are campsites directly by the clear water. A visit to the town of St. Wolfgang is also worthwhile, as well as hikes in the surrounding area, from whose heights you get an impressive view of the lake.

The Wachau: Picturesque World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau impresses with its history, vineyards, and castles. The valley stretches along the Danube and offers charming natural and cultural landscapes. In addition, you can visit places such as Dürnstein and Melk. Those who want to stay longer will find numerous campsites in the region, some of them even directly on the Danube riverbank.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Austria offers motorhome travelers an impressive variety of landscapes and attractions. To ensure you can enjoy your trip relaxed, it is advisable to organize the right vignette early on. However, if your motorhome exceeds the technically permissible total mass of 3.5 t tzGm, you will need a GO-Box instead. Once these points are clarified, you can start your trip to Austria worry-free.

We wish you a good journey to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions regarding 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 trip and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, feel free to contact us via email.