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 fees that are 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 that connects the various regions of the country. One of the most important motorways you will likely use is the D1. This motorway runs from Prague to the Austrian border and offers a fast connection towards Vienna. The D1 is generally in excellent condition and allows for a quick and comfortable drive. Traffic 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 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 connections and a popular route for travelers between the two countries. Border controls between the Czech Republic and Austria are usually straightforward and quick. Since both countries are members of the European Union and the Schengen Area, passport checks are generally no longer carried out. In most cases, you can drive from one country to the other without any problems, without having to stop 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 represents an important connection between the two countries. It is connected via the A7 motorway on the Austrian side and the D3 motorway on the Czech side.

• 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 travelers 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 must be paid.

Vignette requirement

In the Czech Republic, a digital vignette is required to use motorways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. The vignette system serves to finance and maintain 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. A particularly convenient option is to purchase the vignette online with us before starting your trip.

The Czech vignette is available for various validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. Which option is suitable for you 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, however, the annual vignette is often more cost-effective.

Distance-based toll

Vehicles with a permissible total weight of more than 3.5 tonnes must pay a toll on motorways, expressways, and on certain sections of first-class roads. These routes are marked with an "M" on a yellow background. The toll is collected via a satellite-based transmitter device – the so-called On-Board Unit OBU 5051.

Please note that before using a toll road, your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and an appropriate deposit must be lodged. In addition, the transmitter device must be properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz point of sale. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, i.e. the Czech On-Board Unit, which is used for automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. Especially for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that regularly travel through the Czech Republic, these electronic toll devices represent a convenient and straightforward solution.

The amount of the toll depends on several factors, including the road category, the route length in kilometers, the vehicle class including weight and number of axles, the CO₂ emission class, and the time of day. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., higher prices may apply in some cases. 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 and is handled via the vignette. Vehicles with a technically permissible total mass of up to 3.5 tonnes therefore require an appropriate vignette. Depending on the vehicle category, various validity periods are available. Further information can be found here on the digital vignette for Austria.

However, there are also some vignette-free motorway sections as well as ways to avoid the vignette requirement. Whether it is worth bypassing toll routes, you can find out here.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles with a technically permissible total mass of more than 3.5 tonnes, 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 the vehicle.

Route toll for special toll routes

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 when planning your trip. Additional fees apply for their use.

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

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

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

• Karawanken Tunnel: Payment on site with cash, credit card, or Maestro card. As a connection between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanken Tunnel is also partly located on Slovenian territory and represents a special toll route there 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 rules 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 journey to the Czech Republic and much enjoyment on your discovery 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 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.