Border Crossing Between Austria and the Czech Republic

Traveling from the Czech Republic to Austria offers a remarkable combination of scenic landscapes and modern transport infrastructure. This article is dedicated to the border crossing between these two countries, as well as the highways and toll charges that are relevant along this route. Below, you will find the most important information and practical advice for your journey through this part of Europe.

The Motorway Network in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a well-developed motorway network that connects the various regions of the country. One of the most important motorways you are likely to use is the D1. This motorway stretches from Prague to the Austrian border and provides a fast connection towards Vienna. The D1 is generally in excellent condition and allows for efficient travel. Road signs in the Czech Republic are usually bilingual, in Czech and English, which makes orientation easier for international travelers.

Border Crossings Between the Czech Republic and Austria

The border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria are among the most important crossings in Central Europe. For example, they connect the Czech town of Mikulov with the Austrian town of Drasenhofen. This crossing is one of several and is a popular route for travelers moving between the two countries. Border checks between the Czech Republic and Austria are generally straightforward and efficient. Since both countries are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, passport controls are usually no longer required. In most cases, it is possible to travel from one country to the other without stopping at the border.

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 is an important connection between the two countries. It is linked via the A7 motorway on the Austrian side and the D3 motorway on the Czech side.
• Gmund - České Velenice border crossing: This border crossing connects the Austrian town of Gmund with České Velenice in the Czech Republic. It is located south of České Budějovice and is a frequently used route for travelers between the two countries. Both crossings are well developed and play an important role in transport and exchange between Austria and the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

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

Vignette Requirement

In the Czech Republic, a digital vignette is required for the use of motorways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. The vignette system is an efficient way to ensure the financing and maintenance of the Czech motorway network. The vignette can be purchased at most petrol stations in the Czech Republic, as well as at selected points of sale in Germany, particularly near the border. Another convenient option is to purchase the vignette easily online from us before starting your journey.

The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The appropriate validity period depends on your travel plans. For example, if you are only spending a short holiday in the Czech Republic, the 10-day vignette may be a practical option. For longer stays or regular travel to the country, the annual vignette may be more cost-effective.

Distance-Based Toll

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on designated sections of first-class roads. These routes are marked with an “M” on a yellow background. The toll is collected באמצעות a satellite-based transmitter device, the on-board unit OBU 5051.

Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system before using a toll road, and that the required deposit must also be paid. In addition, the transmitter device must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have such a device, it can be purchased at a Mytocz sales point. At this point of sale, you may obtain the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech on-board unit used for the automatic calculation of toll charges. Electronic identification is required for registration. Particularly for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that travel through the Czech Republic on a regular basis, these electronic toll boxes such as the MYTO CZ OBU offer a convenient and straightforward solution for automatic toll billing.

The amount of the toll varies depending on the road category, route length in kilometers, vehicle category including weight class and number of axles, CO2 emission class, and the time of day, with partially higher prices between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 tonnes, which were previously exempt from tolls, have been classified as toll-liable since March 2024. The toll may be paid either in advance or afterwards, using pre-pay or post-pay methods.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are specific toll sections to consider.

Austria: Vignette Requirement

The use of Austrian motorways and expressways is subject to charges in the form of a vignette requirement. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes technically permissible maximum laden mass require a vignette. Depending on the vehicle category, different validity periods are available for your journey. Further information can be found here regarding the digital vignette for Austria.

However, there are also vignette-free motorways and certain routes that make it possible to avoid the vignette requirement. Whether avoiding toll roads is worthwhile can be found here.

Distance-Based Toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes technically permissible maximum laden mass, the vignette requirement does not apply. Instead, a distance-based toll must be paid. This mileage-based toll is billed using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data recording purposes.

Route Toll for Special Toll Sections

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria that should be taken into account during your journey. Additional charges apply for the use of these sections.

• 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.
• Karawanks Tunnel: Payment on site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card. As a connection point between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanks Tunnel is also partly located in Slovenia and therefore constitutes a special toll route in that country as well. When traveling 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 are explained in our dedicated article.

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

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. You can contact us at any time by email.