Timmelsjoch Tunnel Austria

What is the Timmelsjoch Tunnel?

The Timmelsjoch (often referred to as "Timmel") and its tunnel (Timmelsjochtunnel), accessed via the high alpine road, is a border tunnel between Austria and Italy located in western Austria. It connects the federal states of Tyrol in Austria and Trentino-South Tyrol in Italy. Over a total length of about 34 km, the high alpine road leading to the Timmelsjoch Tunnel invites travelers to experience a mix of mountains and alpine terrain through approximately 30 hairpin bends, providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday work and highway traffic.

How high is the Timmelsjoch?

There are different figures circulating regarding the actual height of the Timmelsjoch. However, according to the official Austrian map, the height is stated as 2474 meters. For comparison, the South Tyrolean GIS indicates 2472 meters (2 meters less). Generally, all height references for the Timmelsjoch fall within a range of 2470 to 2480 meters. Only the road sign directly on the pass road and the website of the operating company had long stated a value significantly different from this number for the height of the Timmelsjoch. Since the construction of the Timmelsjochtunnel in 1955 and its opening in 1965, an average of 80,000 to 100,000 cars and 75,000 to 80,000 motorcycles have passed through the Timmelsjochtunnel. The South Tyrolean sections of the pass road have always been part of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Like many other alpine roads, pass roads, and tunnels in Austria, the Timmelsjochtunnel is toll mandatory in the direction towards Italy. The distance-based toll for the Timmelsjochtunnel can be paid on-site at the toll station on the Austrian side of the tunnel, which is located just after Hochgurgl (coming from Sölden).

But Beware

While the Timmelsjochtunnel itself is toll-free, the roads leading to the Timmelsjochtunnel and its high alpine road are subject to toll (vignette). It is advisable to acquire a vignette (preferably in digital form) from our online shop before your journey.

FAQ about the Timmelsjochtunnel

Is the Timmelsjochtunnel toll mandatory?

Yes, the Timmelsjochtunnel requires a toll. For cars, a one-way journey costs €18, and a round trip costs €24. The distance-based toll can be paid on-site in cash or with credit/debit cards.

Is Timmelsjoch currently passable?

Yes, Timmelsjoch is passable daily from 7 am to 8 pm.

What is the cost of driving through Timmelsjoch?

Driving through Timmelsjoch costs €18 for cars up to 3.5 tons total weight for a one-way journey and €24 for a round trip. A season pass for cars and motorcycles costs €80.

How long does the journey over Timmelsjoch take?

The journey over Timmelsjoch, including the adjacent high alpine road down to the spa town of Merano, takes approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

When does Timmelsjoch open in 2023?

The Timmelsjoch high alpine road is open daily from 7 am until 8 pm.

What is the toll cost at Timmelsjoch?

The toll at Timmelsjoch costs €18 for cars up to 3.5 tons total weight for a one-way journey and €24 for a round trip. A season pass for cars and motorcycles costs €80.

Is Timmelsjoch toll mandatory?

Yes, Timmelsjoch is toll mandatory. The distance- based toll can be paid on-site at a toll station in cash or with credit cards or bank cards.

Is Timmelsjoch snow-free?

Yes, Timmelsjoch is snow-free again and can be driven through regularly.

Where is the toll station at Timmelsjoch?

The toll station is located above the tourist resort of Hochgurgl. Here, toll fees are collected for both the Italian and Austrian sections of the road.

What is the gradient percentage of Timmelsjoch?

Timmelsjoch has an average gradient of 6.3%, with a maximum gradient of 13%.