Border crossing Czech Republic Austria

The journey from the Czech Republic to Austria offers an impressive combination of picturesque landscapes and modern transport infrastructure. This article focuses on the border crossing between these two countries, as well as the motorways and toll charges relevant on this route. Below you will find the most important information and practical tips for your journey through this part of Europe.

The motorway network in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a well-developed motorway network connecting the country's various regions. One of the most important motorways you will likely use is the D1. This motorway runs from Prague via Brno and Ostrava to the Polish border. Heading towards Vienna, you drive on the D1 as far as Brno and then continue via the D52 and road I/52 through Mikulov to Drasenhofen. The D1 is generally in excellent condition and allows for a smooth and comfortable journey. Road signs in the Czech Republic are usually bilingual – in Czech and English – making it easier for international travellers to find their way.

Border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria

The border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria are among the most important connections in Central Europe. For example, one border crossing connects the Czech town of Mikulov with the Austrian town of Drasenhofen. This crossing is one of several important links and a popular route for travellers between the two countries. Both countries belong to the European Union and the Schengen Area. Austria carries out temporary border controls at the border with the Czech Republic, currently extended until 15 March 2027. Please therefore carry a valid identity card or passport with you.

Well-known border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria

The two best-known border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria are:

• Wullowitz - Dolní Dvořiště border crossing: This border crossing is located near Linz in Austria and represents an important link between the two countries. On the Austrian side, it is connected via the Mühlviertel expressway S10 (linking to the A7 near Linz), and on the Czech side via the D3 motorway.

• Gmünd - České Velenice border crossing: This border crossing connects the Austrian town of Gmünd with České Velenice in the Czech Republic. It is located south of České Budějovice and is frequently used by travellers moving between the two countries. Both crossings are well developed and play an important role for traffic and exchange between Austria and the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need to purchase a vignette or whether a distance-based toll applies.

Vignette requirement

In the Czech Republic, a digital vignette is required to use the motorways subject to the vignette requirement (D-roads). This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles with a permissible gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. The vignette system is used to finance and maintain the Czech motorway network. Locally, you can obtain the vignette at Czech Post branches, at EuroOil and RoBiN-OIL petrol stations, as well as at vending machines at border crossings; online it is available via edalnice.gov.cz. A particularly convenient option is to purchase the vignette online with us before you start your journey.

The Czech vignette is available for various validity periods: 1 day, 10 days, 30 days and 1 year. Which option suits you best depends on your travel plans. For example, if you are only spending a short holiday in the Czech Republic, the 10-day vignette can be a practical solution. For longer stays or regular trips, on the other hand, the annual vignette is often more cost-effective.

Distance-based toll

Vehicles with a permissible gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes must pay a toll on motorways, expressways and certain sections of first-class roads. These routes are marked with an "M" on a yellow background. The toll is collected electronically via satellite using the MYTO CZ system; for this you need an on-board unit (OBU).

Please note that before using a toll road, your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and a corresponding deposit must be made. In addition, the transmitting device must be properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a device, you can obtain one at a sales point of the MYTO CZ system. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, i.e. the Czech on-board unit, which handles automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. These electronic toll devices are a particularly convenient and straightforward solution for frequent drivers as well as foreign vehicles that regularly travel through the Czech Republic.

The amount of the toll depends on several factors, including the road category, the distance travelled in kilometres, the vehicle class including weight and number of axles, as well as the EURO and CO₂ emission class. Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 tonnes, which were previously exempt from the toll, have also been subject to the toll since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterwards (pre-pay or post-pay).

Austria

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll-liable route sections.

Austria: vignette requirement

The use of Austrian motorways and expressways is generally subject to a fee, which is paid via the vignette. Vehicles with a technically permissible gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes therefore require a corresponding vignette. Depending on the vehicle category, various validity periods are available. You can find further information here on the digital vignette for Austria.

However, there are also individual motorway sections free of the vignette requirement, as well as ways to avoid the vignette requirement. You can find out here whether it is worth avoiding toll routes here.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that the vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles with a technically permissible gross weight of over 3.5 tonnes. Instead, a distance-based toll must be paid. This mileage-based toll is billed using a GO-Box, which must be installed in the vehicle.

Route toll for special toll routes

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, Austria has certain special toll routes that should be taken into account when planning your trip. Additional fees apply for their use.

• Arlberg Tunnel S16: Payment on site by cash, credit card or Maestro card.

• Felbertauern Tunnel: Payment on site by cash or credit card.

• Gleinalm Tunnel, Bosruck Tunnel / Pyhrn Motorway: Payment on site by cash, credit card or Maestro card.

• Karawanken Tunnel: €9 per direction (vehicles up to 3.5 t), payable on site in cash or by credit or debit card; towards Slovenia, alternatively payable in advance as a digital route toll from ASFINAG. As a link between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanken Tunnel is also partly located on Slovenian territory, where it likewise constitutes a special toll route. When travelling from Slovenia to Austria, the toll must be paid at the Hrušica toll station. If you are arriving from Austria, the regulations mentioned above apply. Further details can be found in our detailed article.

Further information on the special toll routes, including tunnels and mountain pass roads, can be found here.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant drive to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your journey of discovery through the country's impressive landscapes. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. You can reach us at any time by email.