Pfaender Tunnel

What is the Pfändertunnel?

The Pfändertunnel is a tunnel located in the northwest of Austria, situated on the A 14 motorway between Leiblach and Bregenz/Kennelbach. Among other things, it serves to bypass the Vorarlberg state capital of Bregenz. The Pfändertunnel passes beneath the 1,064-metre-high Pfänder and connects the A 96 from Germany with the Rhine Valley motorway A 14 in Austria. Travellers wishing to get quickly from Germany to Austria can reach their destination in a short time via this connection. The Pfändertunnel consists of two tubes. The east tube has a length of 6,718 metres (6.7 km). The west tube is 6,744 metres (6.7 km) long in total.

Traffic volume in the Pfändertunnel

Measurements in 2008 showed that the Pfändertunnel is used by more than 27,000 vehicles per day. By 2020, this number had increased to more than 30,000 vehicles daily. These figures demonstrate that the construction of the underpass achieved the desired effect of relieving traffic congestion in Bregenz.

Toll obligation in the Pfändertunnel

Since 2019, motorcycles and cars under 3.5 t GVW are no longer required to have a vignette in the Pfändertunnel. However, vehicles with a total weight of over 3.5 t GVW are still subject to the distance-based toll, which must be paid using a GO-Box. Further information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions about toll regulations. Detailed information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your journey perfectly and get suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.

FAQ about the Pfändertunnel

Is the Pfändertunnel toll-free?

Partially, as the toll exemption applies exclusively to vehicles whose weight is under 3.5 t GVW.

How far can you drive after the Pfändertunnel without a vignette?

The A 14 can be driven without a vignette up to and including the Hohenems exit. The total toll-free distance is approximately 23 km. Please note: Altach has no longer been vignette-free since the beginning of 2024. Anyone driving through Altach without a valid vignette should expect a substitute toll of EUR 120.-.

How much does the Pfändertunnel cost?

Driving through the Pfändertunnel is free of charge for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW. For vehicles weighing over 3.5 t GVW, a GO-Box is required.

Can I drive to Dornbirn without a vignette?

Yes. Since the A 14 is toll-free up to and including Hohenems, all towns and villages located directly on the A 14 up to and including Hohenems can be reached without a vignette. These include Dornbirn as well as the towns of Hohenems and Götzis, among others. Please note: Altach has not been included since the beginning of 2024. Anyone driving through Altach without a valid vignette must pay a substitute toll of EUR 120.-.

Can I drive to Bregenz without a vignette?

Yes, you can drive to Bregenz without a vignette.