Border Crossing Slovakia Austria

Slovakia and Austria share a significant common border, stretching approximately 106 kilometers. This border plays a central role in European traffic, as it connects important trade and travel routes. In this blog post, we take a detailed look at the crossings between these two countries, the current regulations, and the particularities that travelers should keep in mind.

Length of the border

The border between Slovakia and Austria is relatively short, yet it comprises a variety 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 various ways to cross the border.

Austria covers an area of approximately 83,879 square kilometers and is home to around 9.13 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, systematic controls at the crossings between Slovakia and Austria have been abolished. This means that travelers can generally cross the border without passport checks. However, temporary controls may be introduced due to special events or security measures. It is therefore advisable to 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, for travelers from third countries, the general Schengen visa regulations apply. These require presenting a valid passport and, if applicable, a visa upon entry. It is important to find out about the specific entry requirements in advance 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 center and lies just a few kilometers from its Slovak counterpart, Bratislava. This proximity fosters close economic and cultural relations between the two cities. The official language in this EU country is German, although Slovak and other minority languages are also recognized as official languages in some regions of the country.

Austria is a federal parliamentary republic consisting 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 December 2021, Karl Nehammer of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has been Federal Chancellor. The government operates according to the principle of separation of powers and is democratically legitimized through regular elections. Austria's political system and administration are characterized by their stable democracy and the high degree of political participation among citizens.

General information about the currency

While Slovakia introduced the euro as its official currency on January 1, 2009, the euro has been in circulation in Austria since January 1, 2002. Therefore, there is no currency exchange required 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 most important border crossings

The options for crossing the border between Slovakia and Austria are diverse, offering suitable crossing options for different modes of transport. Below are the most important crossings and their particularities:

• 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.

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

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

• Schloss Hof / Freedom Bicycle 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 Bicycle Bridge – Vysoká pri Morave: Another bridge accessible exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians, offering a quiet 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 frequently used by travelers taking 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: Vignette requirement (or not?)

A vignette requirement applies on almost all motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. 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 GVW). Furthermore, for combinations (car + trailer), it should be noted that if the weight is under 3.5 t GVW, only the vignette for the car is required, whereas for a total weight over 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay 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 GVW (except motorhomes, which are only subject to the vignette requirement, regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, calculated based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollution level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e., a transmitting device (On-Board-Unit). This allows the amount payable to be deducted automatically. Therefore, you must have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways, and partly first-class (federal road) and second-class (state road) roads.

Austria

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

Austria: Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for using the Austrian motorway and expressway networks. Accordingly, vehicles up to 3.5 t max. gross weight require a (digital) vignette. Further information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide.

However, there are also motorways without a vignette requirement — ways to avoid the vignette obligation. You can find out to what extent bypassing the toll makes sense in our article on bypassing the toll.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement does not apply, and instead a distance-based toll is charged. This mileage-dependent toll is billed using a GO-Box, which must be 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 using these special toll routes. Further information on the various tunnels and certain pass roads can be found in our article on the special toll.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant journey to Austria and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour. Order your vignette for Austria and Slovakia conveniently and easily with us. Further information on the toll can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us at any time via email.