Slovenia–Italy Border Crossing

The border between Slovenia and Italy is over 200 km long and runs from the northwest of 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 reason for this was the increased threat of terrorism in connection with the Hamas attack on Israel, as well as attacks in France and Belgium. These measures were extended for a further six months in June 2024. Even though no controls have officially been stipulated since January 2025, it is advisable to keep yourself regularly informed about the current situation before travelling. As a general rule, it is recommended to carry valid identification documents.

Border Crossings

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

• Tarvisio (border crossing in the north): This border crossing leads from Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora (Kronau). If you follow the Sava River from there and take the A2/E61, you can reach Jože Pučnik Airport as well as Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.

• Muggia (border crossing in the south): The port town of Muggia is located only around 15 minutes from Trieste by car and offers another option for crossing the border. From Muggia, you can travel to Koper (Gafers) in Slovenia or use the route via Hrvatini. This crossing is also suitable if you wish to continue travelling 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 lies on the Upper Adriatic and is only a few kilometres from the border, making it very popular with tourists. The route leads from Fernetti via the E61 (or E70) to the Slovenian municipality of Sežana (Zizan). At the same time, this European route forms part of the way to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.

Slovenia

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia and which toll road sections must additionally be taken into account.

Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

If you wish to use Slovenian motorways and expressways during your journey, vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require an electronic vignette, the so-called E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 t, the vignette requirement no longer applies. In this case, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll sections where extra charges apply regardless of the vehicle, for example when using the Karawanks Tunnel.

Distance-Based Toll

If your vehicle is over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, you will need a DarsGo transponder instead of a vignette for collecting the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometres travelled, the number of axles, and the vehicle’s Euro emissions class. The Euro emissions classes are divided into pollution classes from 1 to 6, with class 1 indicating high emissions and class 6 indicating low emissions.

Special Feature of the Karawanks Tunnel (Special Toll Section)

The Karawanks Tunnel is a special toll section for which additional charges apply. Although the tunnel itself is not a vignette-required section, the access roads to the tunnel run via vignette-required roads. The tunnel connects Austria with Slovenia and is frequently used for crossing the border between the two countries. Therefore, if you are travelling from Austria to Slovenia and wish to use the Karawanks Tunnel, you should take both the additional tunnel toll and a valid vignette for the access roads into account. Further information on the digital vignette in Austria can be found here.

Italy

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette in Italy and which toll road sections must be taken into account.

Italy: Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

There is no vignette requirement in Italy. Instead, a distance-based motorway toll is charged. In addition, fees may apply for certain tunnels, mountain passes, car shuttle services, and so-called city toll zones.

Distance-Based Toll

Most Italian motorways are subject to tolls, while expressways can generally be used free of charge. The amount of 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 toll collection systems:

• Closed toll system: This system is common on most motorways. When entering the motorway, a ticket is taken and paid when leaving the route. The amount of toll 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 there is no need to stop. This system is used, among others, on the A33, A36, A59, and A60 motorways.

At most toll stations, payment can be made in cash as well as by credit or debit card. In addition, 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 tolls 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 special sales points.

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

• Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.

Chargeable Tunnels and Mountain Pass Roads

In Italy, there are also several chargeable 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)

Chargeable Car Shuttle Services

In addition, there are chargeable car shuttle services through tunnel connections:

• Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)

• Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (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 entering certain restricted traffic zones (ZTL). These include, among others, the city centres of Milan, Bologna, and Palermo.

Your Journey Starts Now!

Order your vignette conveniently online. This allows you to use vignette-required motorways with ease. You can also find information on sights in Slovenia in our guide. We wish you a pleasant journey.