Tauern Tunnel (Special Toll)
What is the Tauern Tunnel?
The Tauern Tunnel motorway is located in the state of Salzburg and comprises a two-tube road tunnel on the Tauern motorway A 10: The eastern tube, opened in 2010, is 6,546 metres long, while the older western tube from 1975 measures around 6,800 metres following its extension in 2011. Together with the Katschberg Tunnel, the Tauern Tunnel forms an important link between Villach and Salzburg. Originally, the Tauern Tunnel (like the Katschberg Tunnel) was planned with two tubes. However, as the construction project progressed, it became clear that the budget was insufficient and that actual traffic volumes were below the original forecasts, so in 1975 only one tube was initially opened to traffic; construction of the second tube was postponed. It was not built until decades later and was opened on 30 April 2010. Both tubes have been fully operational since June 2011. The Katschberg Tunnel has had a second tube since 2008.
A toll road charge (special toll) also applies to the Tauern Tunnel, as it is a corresponding special toll route. Between the toll stations, i.e. on the toll road section between the Flachau and Rennweg junctions including the Tauern and Katschberg tunnels, the vignette obligation therefore does not apply. On the adjoining sections of the A 10, the vignette is still required.
According to ASFINAG, the toll road charge in 2026 costs for vehicles up to 3.5 t:
Single trip, full route (Tauern and Katschberg tunnels): €15.00
Partial route Tauern Tunnel: €7.50
Partial route Katschberg Tunnel: €7.50
Multiple-trip card (1 year): €90.00
For vehicles over 3.5 t, the GO-Box obligation applies. When purchasing the digital toll road charge, the licence plate is registered.
Current: From autumn 2027 to 2033, the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel will be undergoing renovation work. To find out what this means for traffic jam risks, diversions and your travel planning, read our news article on the renovation work for both tunnels.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a safe trip 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 use our route planner as well, to plan your trip perfectly and see the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email.
FAQ about the Tauern Tunnel
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Why was the Tauern Tunnel closed?
On the night of May 29, 1999, a serious traffic accident occurred in the Tauern Tunnel, caused by an Austrian truck driver momentarily falling asleep at the wheel. The resulting damage amounted to a total of 28 million euros and led to the Tauern Tunnel being closed for about three months.
Can the Tauern Tunnel be bypassed?
Yes. Since the B99 runs mostly parallel to the Tauern motorway, you can first follow the B99 to Radstadt, then continue towards Obertauern, and rejoin the Tauern motorway at St. Michael im Lungau.
How long does it take to drive through the Tauern Tunnel?
The pure driving time through the Tauern Tunnel, which is around 6.5 to 6.8 km long depending on the tube, is approximately 5 minutes at a speed of 80 km/h.
Is it worth bypassing the Tauern Tunnel?
Since bypassing the Tauern Tunnel takes about 45 minutes, a detour is generally only worthwhile if traffic reports or radio announcements indicate a waiting time of about an hour or more before the Tauern Tunnel.
Where is the Tauern Tunnel?
The Tauern Tunnel is located in the Austrian federal state of Salzburg on the Tauern Autobahn A 10 between Salzburg and Villach. It runs beneath the Radstadt Tauern: the north portal is near Flachauwinkl (municipality of Flachau), and the south portal is near Zederhaus in the Lungau region.
How long is the Tauern Tunnel?
The Tauern Tunnel consists of two tubes: the eastern tube, opened in 2010, is 6,546 meters long, while the older western tube measures 6,801 meters since its extension in 2011. Depending on the tube, you therefore drive around 6.5 to 6.8 km through the tunnel.
Do I need a vignette for the Tauern Tunnel?
Not on the toll section itself: Between the Flachau and Rennweg junctions with the Tauern and Katschberg tunnels, you pay the route toll (special toll) instead of the vignette. On the adjoining sections of the Tauern motorway A 10, you still need a valid vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.
