Border Crossing Slovenia Italy

The border between Slovenia and Italy is over 200 km long and runs from northwestern Slovenia along the Alps to the Adriatic Sea in the southwest.

Border Controls

For many years, there were no border controls between Slovenia and Italy, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area. However, controls were reintroduced in 2023. The background to this was the increased threat of terrorism linked to the Hamas attack on Israel and attacks in France and Belgium. These measures were extended by a further six months in June 2024. Even though no controls have officially been in place since January 2025, it is advisable to regularly check the current situation before travelling. In general, it is recommended to carry valid identity documents.

Border Crossings

Below you will find an overview of some of the most important border crossings between Slovenia and Italy.

• Tarvisio (northern border crossing): This border crossing leads from Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora (Kronau). From there, following the Sava River and taking the A2/E61, you can reach Jože Pučnik Airport as well as Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.

• Muggia (southern border crossing): The port town of Muggia is only about 15 minutes from Trieste and offers another option for crossing the border. From Muggia you can reach Koper (Gafers) in Slovenia or take the route via Hrvatini. This crossing is also suitable if you wish to continue on to Croatia afterwards.

• Fernetti – Sežana (near Trieste): This border crossing is located near Trieste and is one of the most frequently used crossings between the two countries. The port city of Trieste is situated on the Upper Adriatic and is only a few kilometres from the border. The connection leads from Fernetti via the E61 (or E70) to the Slovenian municipality of Sežana (Zizan). At the same time, this European route is part of the route to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.

Slovenia

In the following section you will find a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you need to pay a distance-based toll, or whether there are additional special toll routes to be aware of. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

If you wish to use Slovenian motorways and expressways on your journey, vehicles under 3.5 t GVW require an electronic vignette, known as the E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement does not apply. In this case, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll routes where additional charges apply regardless of vehicle weight, for example when using the Karawanks Tunnel.

Distance-based toll

If your vehicle exceeds 3.5 t GVW, you will need a DarsGo device instead of a vignette for the collection of the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles, and the vehicle's Euro emission class. Euro emission classes are divided into pollution categories from 1 to 6, where class 1 indicates high and class 6 indicates low pollutant emissions.

Special feature of the Karawanks Tunnel (special toll route)

The Karawanks Tunnel is a special toll route for which additional charges apply. Even though the tunnel itself is not a vignette-required section, the access roads pass through vignette-required routes. The tunnel connects Austria with Slovenia and is frequently used for crossing the border. Therefore, if you are travelling from Austria to Slovenia and wish to use the Karawanks Tunnel, you should account for both the additional tunnel toll and a valid vignette for the access roads.

Italy

In the following section you will find a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Italy or whether you need to pay a distance-based toll. Detailed information on the toll in Italy can be found in our guide.

Italy: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Italy there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based motorway toll is charged. Additional fees may also apply for certain tunnels, mountain passes, car-carrying trains, and so-called city toll zones.

Distance-based toll

Most Italian motorways are toll-paying, while expressways can generally be used free of charge. The amount of the motorway toll depends on the distance travelled as well as the vehicle class or number of axles. Payment is made at toll stations. In Italy there are various systems for toll collection:

• Closed toll system: This system is used on most motorways. When joining the motorway, a ticket is taken, which is paid upon exiting. The toll amount depends on the distance travelled.

• Open toll system: Here a flat-rate amount is charged at a toll station. This system applies, for example, on sections of the A9 (Como–Milan), A8 (Varese–Milan) or A5 (Mont Blanc–Aosta).

• Free-flow system: With this system, the licence plate is recorded automatically, so no stopping is required. This system is used, among others, on motorways A33, A36, A59 and A60.

At most toll stations, payment can be made in cash as well as by credit or debit card. Additionally, various electronic payment systems are available, such as the ADAC toll box, Telepass, bip&go or the Camper toll box. With these systems you can use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes and pay the toll without stopping.

• ADAC toll box: Suitable for vehicles regardless of height and weight.

• Telepass: Also suitable for vehicles of all classes and available online or at specialist retailers.

• bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.

• Camper Mautbox: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.

Toll-paying tunnels and mountain pass roads

Italy also has several toll-paying tunnels and mountain pass roads, including:

• Great St. Bernard Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)

• Munt-La-Schera Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)

• Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France–Italy)

• Fréjus Road Tunnel (France–Italy)

• Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (Austria–Italy)

Toll-paying car-carrying trains

There are also toll-paying car-carrying services through tunnel connections:

• Simplon Tunnel car-carrying train (Switzerland–Italy)

• Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car-carrying train (Switzerland–Italy)

City toll: Access to the city centres of Milan, Bologna and Palermo

In some Italian cities, a flat-rate city toll is charged for entry into certain restricted traffic zones (ZTL). These include, among others, the city centres of Milan, Bologna and Palermo.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovenia or Italy. Purchase your digital vignette for Slovenia from us now and benefit from the simple ordering process. With us you can be sure: you can enjoy your holiday in a relaxed manner. If you have any further questions about the toll in Slovenia or the toll in Italy, we are available at any time by email.