Travelling to Austria by Motorhome

Austria is an excellent travel destination for a motorhome trip. In this article, we explain which vignette you need, what costs you can expect, and which other aspects you should consider. We answer the key questions about tolls and vignettes for motorhome travel in Austria. You will also receive helpful travel tips and pointers to highlights you definitely should not miss.

A quick overview

• Austria’s motorways and expressways are subject to toll charges.
• Motorhomes under a technically permissible maximum mass of 3.5 t tzGm require a vignette.
• Motorhomes over 3.5 t tzGm require a toll box (GO-Box) and are therefore subject to distance-based tolling.
• Using special toll routes requires payment of an additional fee (regardless of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll).
• The vignette can be purchased quickly and easily online as a digital version.

Tolls in Austria

Thanks to its impressive scenery and good road conditions, Austria is an attractive holiday destination for motorhome travellers. Please note, however, that using motorways and expressways in Austria is subject to tolls. Most road users pay 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 maximum mass (tzGm) of your motorhome. tzGm refers to the maximum weight that a vehicle is allowed to carry according to the manufacturer’s specifications (including payload).

Vignette: motorhome up to 3.5 t 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 service areas as well as online and are offered for different validity periods.

GO-Box: motorhome over 3.5 t tzGm (distance-based toll)

For motorhomes with a tzGm of more than 3.5 tonnes, a GO-Box is required. The GO-Box is an electronic device used to calculate and pay the toll. Billing is automatic and depends, among other things, on the distance travelled, the number of axles and the vehicle’s emissions values. You can obtain the GO-Box at designated GO sales points, where it can also be installed. The toll can be paid either in advance or afterwards.

What you should keep in mind

To make your motorhome tour through Austria as relaxed as possible, it is advisable to consider a few points in advance. The most important tips are listed below:

Buy your vignette online in advance

We recommend purchasing your vignette for Austria when travelling by motorhome in advance online. With a digital vignette, you ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid the risk of fines. If you use vignette-required roads during your trip but do not have a vignette, this can result in high fines.

Plan your route and research the roads

Ideally, you should gather information in advance about your rough travel route. This way you will be aware early on of possible roadworks, heavily used roads and special toll routes. This knowledge helps you plan your route sensibly and avoid unexpected traffic jams. You can find more information about special toll routes in our guide.

Reserve pitches in advance

Austria is a popular destination for motorhome travellers, and campsites and pitches can fill up quickly. We therefore recommend reserving pitches in advance, especially during the peak season. This ensures you have a suitable place to stay overnight and avoids unnecessary stress from searching for a pitch.

Highlights you shouldn’t miss

Touring Austria by motorhome: tolls sorted—off you go. Austria offers a wide range of attractive destinations and impressive landscapes. However, there are some highlights you should definitely include in your motorhome tour:

The Großglockner High Alpine Road: breathtaking panoramic views

The Großglockner High Alpine Road runs through the heart of the Austrian Alps and is considered one of the country’s most impressive panoramic routes. The winding road requires confident driving, but rewards you with spectacular views, high peaks, mountain lakes and glaciers. There are also camping options in the Großglockner National Park. Alternatively, there are numerous overnight options for motorhome travellers in the surrounding valleys.

Lake Wolfgang: crystal-clear water in the mountains

Lake Wolfgang is one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes, nestled between steep peaks and charming villages. It is easy to spend several relaxing days here. Particularly attractive are campsites directly on the clear water. A visit to the village of St. Wolfgang is also worthwhile, as are hikes in the surrounding area, where higher viewpoints offer an impressive view over the lake.

The Wachau Valley: picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wachau impresses with its history, vineyards and castles. The valley stretches along the Danube and offers beautiful natural and cultural landscapes. You can also visit places such as Dürnstein and Melk. If you want to stay longer, the region offers many campsites—some even directly on the banks of the Danube.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

Austria offers motorhome travellers an impressive variety of landscapes and sights. To ensure you can enjoy your trip in a relaxed way, it is recommended to arrange the right vignette early. If your motorhome exceeds the technically permissible maximum mass of 3.5 t tzGm, you will need a GO-Box instead. Once these points are clarified, you can set off for Austria worry-free.

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