Border Crossing Hungary Austria

The border between Austria and Hungary stretches over 356.4 kilometres. In addition to numerous road and rail border crossings, there is a motorway crossing at Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN), which is the most important one for holidaymakers. The road crossing Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) is also widely known due to its historical significance during the fall of the Iron Curtain and is often used because of its proximity to Vienna.

Significance of the border crossings

Smooth cross-border traffic is of crucial importance for economic and social integration within the European Union. In this context, the border crossing between Hungary and Austria plays an important role. The connection between these two countries is not only an important transport corridor in Central Europe, but also a symbol of cross-border cooperation in the EU.

The history of this border crossing goes back a long way and reflects the changing political and economic developments in Europe. Today, the border crossing between Hungary and Austria is a key point for passenger and freight traffic and plays a central role in the European road network.

Border crossings

There are numerous road crossings between Austria and Hungary. The best known are Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) and the motorway crossing Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN). Both are around 45-50 minutes from the Austrian capital Vienna. Other road crossings are located in Pamhagen, Schachendorf and Heiligenkreuz im Lafnitztal, as well as many other rural road crossings, which play hardly any role for international traffic. Due to Austrian border controls (currently ordered until 15 March 2027) and construction work, waiting times at the borders range from 5 minutes to more than an hour. The risk of traffic jams depends on the number of vehicles on the routes. The motorway crossing is often very busy, especially during peak travel times. You can keep an eye on the border crossings and waiting times at the Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN) border via live images.

Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN)

The Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) border crossing is probably the best-known crossing between Austria and Hungary. The Austrian A3 motorway becomes the B16 shortly before the border. In Hungary, you continue on Main Road 84. Please note: the M85 expressway (towards Győr) has required a vignette up to the state border near Sopron since 8 June 2025. Anyone joining the M85 near Sopron needs the Hungarian e-vignette. This border crossing is so well known because it was one of the first crossings between Austria and Hungary to be opened in 1989. On 27 June 1989, Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock and Hungarian Foreign Minister Gyula Horn cut a symbolic hole in the "Iron Curtain" that separated Eastern and Western Europe.

Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN)

The only major motorway crossing between Austria and Hungary is Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN). The Austrian A4 motorway becomes the Hungarian M1 at the border, which leads directly to the Hungarian capital Budapest. Due to Austrian border controls (currently ordered until 15 March 2027) and heavy traffic, waiting times here can be longer than in Klingenbach. Important: a vignette is required on the M1 from the state border onwards – purchase the e-vignette before entering the country.

Hungary

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

Hungary: vignette requirement (or not?)

Hungary has a vignette requirement for cars, car-and-trailer combinations and motorhomes – and, since 1 January 2026, also for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (category D2). This is the so-called e-Matrica (Hungarian vignette), with which the toll is checked electronically via the number plate. You should purchase the e-vignette online before your trip, as an additional fee is charged if you drive on a toll-liable route without an e-vignette (2026: HUF 27,790 if paid within 60 days, otherwise HUF 95,730).

Distance-based toll

You must pay the distance-based toll if your vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 t. This means that trucks and buses must pay a distance-based electronic toll, which is determined via the HU-GO system (electronic toll collection). For these vehicles, the distance-based toll therefore replaces the vignette. Exception for motorhomes: since 1 January 2026, motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight once again require an e-vignette (category D2); HU-GO is no longer available for motorhomes.

Austria

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

Austria: vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for the use of the Austrian motorway and expressway network. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t maximum permitted gross weight require a (digital) vignette. There are also vignette-free routes. You can find out in our guide whether avoiding the toll makes sense.

Distance-based toll

Please note that the vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t maximum permitted gross weight; instead, a distance-based toll is charged. This mileage-based toll is billed using a GO-Box, which you must have installed in your vehicle for data recording.

Special toll routes

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria that you should be aware of during your trip. Additional fees apply for the use of these special toll routes.

• 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: €9 per direction of travel (vehicles up to 3.5 t), payable on site in cash or by credit/debit card; towards Slovenia, alternatively payable in advance as a digital route toll from ASFINAG. As a connecting point between Austria and Slovenia, the Karawanken Tunnel is also part of Slovenia and therefore constitutes a special toll route in that country as well. The toll must be paid in the Slovenia-to-Austria direction at the Hrušica toll station. If you are coming from Austria, the regulations mentioned above apply, which are explained in more detail here.

• and many more...

You can also find further information on the various tunnels as well as certain mountain pass roads in our guide on special tolls (also known as route tolls).

Sights and interesting cities

Let us now introduce eight remarkable sights and attractions awaiting you near this border crossing.

• Vienna (Austria): In Vienna, you can not only explore historic sights such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg, but also enjoy the vibrant café culture and delicious Sachertorte. Prater Park offers fun for the whole family, including the famous Ferris wheel.

• Budapest (Hungary): In addition to its impressive architectural landmarks, Budapest also offers a lively nightlife scene and ruin bars. A Danube boat trip at night reveals the city's enchanting skyline.

• Esterházy Palace Eisenstadt (Austria): This palace hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year. Its magnificent architecture and rich history make it a fascinating place.

• Fertőd (Hungary): Fertőd Palace houses a museum presenting the history of the Esterházy family and the region. The extensive gardens around the palace invite you to enjoy relaxing walks and picnics.

• Lake Neusiedl (Austria): Lake Neusiedl is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The region is also known for its picturesque vineyards and wines.

• Sopron (Hungary): Sopron attracts visitors with its well-preserved old town and historic sights such as the Fire Tower and St. George's Cathedral. Try the delicious Hungarian cuisine and experience the traditional hospitality.

• Lake Neusiedl-Seewinkel National Park (Austria): This cross-border national park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It also offers numerous outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking, as well as informative visitor centres.

• Szentendre (Hungary): Szentendre is known for its folk art and craftsmanship. The town is home to the Micro Photography Museum and offers handmade souvenirs and artworks. Explore the charming atmosphere of the old town and discover its cultural treasures.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and lots of fun on your road trip. For further information on the toll in Hungary, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have the suitable toll products displayed to you. If you have any questions, we are always available by email.