The Special Toll in Austria
The special toll common throughout Europe is referred to in Austria as route toll (Note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). The route toll (special toll) is levied for clearly defined sections that are subject neither to the vignette obligation nor to the distance-based toll. For the digital route toll, which is purchased in advance from ASFINAG, the term video toll was formerly common.
This means: Even if you have purchased a vignette for using the motorways or pay the distance-based toll via GO‑Box, there are certain sections for which an additional fee (special toll) applies. The special toll must therefore be paid by everyone who uses the respective section.
Who has to pay the route toll/special toll?
All vehicle owners who wish to use a special toll route must pay the route toll. Vehicles with a (digital) vignette, i.e. vehicles with a weight under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, pay an additional amount on top of the vignette.
For vehicles subject to a distance-based toll (over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight), billing is carried out automatically when driving on the route via the GO‑Box. Payment is made in advance (Pre‑Pay) or afterwards (Post‑Pay). The rate depends on the distance travelled, the number of axles, air pollutant and noise emissions, as well as the vehicle's emission output, and can therefore be calculated and settled before the start of the journey.
In summary: While the route toll must generally be paid by all vehicle owners, for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight the billing is automated, which may give the impression that no additional payments are due.
Which route tolls (special toll routes) are there?
Special toll routes in Austria are often tunnels or mountain pass roads, as their maintenance involves increased effort. When passing through such a route, an additional flat fee must be paid, the amount of which — similar to the vignette — varies depending on the vehicle class (under or over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight).
It should also be noted that most special toll routes can be reached via access roads subject to the vignette obligation or distance-based access roads. Regardless of the special toll route, it is therefore advisable to carry a vignette or a GO‑Box.
Tunnels
The following tunnels are special toll routes, for which an additional fee must be paid:
Mountain pass roads
The following mountain pass roads are special toll routes, for which an additional fee must be paid:
Silvretta High Alpine Road (closed until 2030)
Tunnels exempt from the route toll/special toll
The following tunnels are not special toll routes; apart from the vignette already purchased or payment of the distance-based toll, no additional fees apply. The Landeck Tunnel and the Pfänder Tunnel are therefore exceptions, as most tunnels and mountain pass roads in Austria are classified as special toll routes.
The Landeck Tunnel is subject to the vignette obligation, while the vignette obligation does not apply to the Pfänder Tunnel for motorcycles and cars.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good trip to Austria and are happy to help with any questions regarding toll regulations. Detailed information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.
FAQ on the special toll in Austria
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
How is the special toll billed for vehicles with a GO-Box?
For vehicles with distance-based tolls (over 3.5 t max. gross weight), the special toll is automatically charged via the GO-Box when driving on the route.
Which routes are considered special toll routes?
Special toll routes in Austria are usually tunnels and mountain pass roads, whose maintenance is particularly costly.
Are there any tunnels exempt from the special toll?
Yes, for example the Landeck Tunnel (a vignette is required here) and the Pfänder Tunnel (here, the vignette requirement does not apply to motorcycles and cars).
What is the special toll (route toll) in Austria?
The special toll, in Austria also called route toll, is an additional fee for certain routes that are subject to neither the vignette nor the distance-based toll obligation. For the digital route toll, which is purchased in advance from ASFINAG, the term video toll used to be common.
Who has to pay the route toll?
All vehicle owners who use a special toll route must pay the route toll – regardless of whether a vignette or a route-based toll (GO-Box) is already in place.
