Border Crossing Slovakia Austria

Length of the border

The border between Slovakia and Austria is comparatively short, but it comprises a large number of crossings that are important for road traffic as well as for cyclists and pedestrians. These crossings range from motorways to ferries across the March river, offering a variety of ways to cross the border.

Austria covers an area of approximately 83,879 square kilometres and is home to around 9.2 million inhabitants. This means its area is almost a quarter of that of Germany, while its population is less than a tenth of Germany's.

Are there border controls?

Since Slovakia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, the systematic checks at the crossings between Slovakia and Austria have been abolished. This means that travellers can generally cross the border without passport checks. However, Austria is currently carrying out temporary border controls at the border with Slovakia (since October 2023, most recently extended until 15 March 2027). You should therefore expect spot checks and always carry a valid passport or identity card.

Entry requirements

For citizens of the European Union, including Slovakia and Austria, there are no special entry requirements. However, the general Schengen visa regulations apply to travellers from third countries. These travellers must present a valid passport and, if applicable, a visa upon entry. It is important to find out about the specific entry requirements in advance in order to avoid unexpected problems at the border.

General information about Austria

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its rich cultural history, impressive landscapes and high quality of life. The country is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, which simplifies cross-border traffic. Vienna, the capital, is a cultural and economic centre and lies just a few kilometres from its Slovak counterpart, Bratislava. This proximity fosters close economic and cultural ties between the two cities. The official language in this EU country is German, although Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian are also recognised as regional official languages in some areas. Slovak is not an official language in Austria, but is protected in Vienna as the language of a recognised ethnic group.

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic made up of nine federal states. The government is overseen by parliament, which consists of the National Council and the Federal Council. The Federal President is the head of state, while the Federal Chancellor leads the government. Since 3 March 2025, Christian Stocker of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has been Federal Chancellor. The government operates on the principle of separation of powers and is democratically legitimised through regular elections. Austria's political system and administration are characterised by a stable democracy and a high degree of political participation among citizens.

General information about the currency

While Slovakia introduced the euro as its official currency on 1 January 2009, the euro has been in circulation in Austria since 1 January 2002. Therefore, there is no currency change when crossing the border between these two countries. This greatly facilitates trade and tourism, as there are no exchange rate fees between Slovakia and Austria.

The main border crossings

The options for crossing the border between Slovakia and Austria are varied and offer suitable crossing options for different modes of transport. Below is a list of the most important crossings and their special features:

• Kittsee (motorway) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This motorway crossing is one of the main traffic hubs in the east, directly connecting the two capitals. It is heavily used and plays a particularly important role in international trade and commuter traffic. Please note: from the border, the D4 requires a vignette up to the D2/D4 motorway junction (approx. 2 km); the subsequent D4 Bratislava bypass is toll-free for cars.

• Kittsee (old road) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This alternative route to the motorway also leads to the Slovak capital and is often used by travellers who want to avoid traffic on the motorway.

• Berg – Bratislava–Petržalka: This crossing leads directly into the Petržalka district and is an important access point for daily commuter traffic.

• Schloss Hof / Freedom Cycle Bridge – Devínska Nová Ves: This bridge is specifically designed for cyclists and pedestrians and connects the picturesque landscapes of Schloss Hof in Austria with the town of Devínska Nová Ves in Slovakia.

• Marchegg Cycle Bridge – Vysoká pri Morave: Another bridge that is accessible exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians, offering a peaceful alternative for cross-border tours.

• Angern – Záhorská Ves (ferry): This ferry connection across the March river is particularly important for local traffic and offers a charming way to cross the border.

• Hohenau – Moravský Svätý Ján: This crossing in the north is mainly designed for car traffic and is often used by travellers who prefer less busy routes.

Slovakia

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll exists.

Slovakia: Is a vignette required (or not?)

A vignette requirement applies on the signposted motorway and expressway sections of Slovakia. The motorway bypasses of Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov, Poprad, Žilina and Banská Bystrica have been toll-free since 1 August 2024 (sign "BEZ ÚHRADY"). The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as to all vehicles registered as passenger cars (class M1), regardless of weight. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (i.e. even if they weigh more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight), provided they are registered as passenger cars (class M1); motorhomes registered as lorries (N2/N3) weighing over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, pay the distance-based toll. In addition, for combinations (car + trailer), please note that for a total weight of up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, only the vignette on the car is required, while for a total weight of over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay any fees for using motorways and expressways!

The role of the distance-based toll

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (except for cars and motorhomes registered as class M1 passenger cars: they remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, which is calculated based on the kilometres driven, the vehicle class (number of axles) and the emission class (pollutant level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. a transmitter device (on-board unit). This means that the amount payable can be debited automatically. You must therefore have such a transmitter device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways and, in some cases, first-class roads (national roads) and second-class roads (regional/state roads). On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch to a new system for its distance-based toll: anyone currently using an on-board unit from the operator SkyToll will need to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Rates and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

Austria

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and/or have to pay a distance-based toll.

Austria: Is a vignette required (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for the use of the Austrian motorway and expressway networks. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require a (digital) vignette. For further information on tolls in Austria, please see our guide.

However, there are also motorways that are exempt from the vignette requirement. There are ways to avoid the vignette requirement. You can find out how useful it is to avoid the toll in our article on avoiding the toll.

Distance-based toll in Austria

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

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 journey. Additional fees apply for the use of these special toll routes. For further information on the various tunnels and certain mountain pass roads, please see our article on special tolls.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant journey to Austria and lots of fun on your exploration tour. Order your vignette for Austria and Slovakia easily and conveniently from us. For further information on tolls, please see our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and see which toll products are relevant for you. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time by email.