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 in connection with Hamas's 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 in place since January 2025, it is advisable to check the current situation regularly before traveling. As a general rule, it is advisable 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 will reach Jože Pučnik Airport as well as Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.
Muggia (border crossing in the south): The port city of Muggia is only about 15 minutes from Trieste and represents 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 would like 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 lies on the Upper Adriatic and is only a few kilometers from the border. The route 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 Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.
Slovenia
In the following section, you will get a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you have 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 want to use Slovenian motorways and expressways on your trip, vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require an electronic vignette, the so-called E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a permissible total weight of over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement does not apply. In this case, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll routes where additional fees apply regardless of vehicle weight, for example when using the Karawanken Tunnel.
Distance-based toll
If your vehicle is over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, you will need a DarsGo transmitter device instead of the vignette to collect the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometers driven, the number of axles, and the vehicle's Euro emission class. Euro emission classes are divided into pollutant classes from 1 to 6, with class 1 representing high pollutant emissions and class 6 representing low pollutant emissions.
Special feature of the Karawanken Tunnel (special toll route)
The Karawanken Tunnel is a special toll route, for which additional fees apply. Even though the tunnel itself is not a vignette-required section, the access roads run over vignette-required routes. The tunnel connects Austria with Slovenia and is frequently used to cross the border. So, if you are traveling from Austria to Slovenia and want to use the Karawanken Tunnel, you should take into account both the additional tunnel toll and a valid vignette for the access roads.
Italy
In the following section, you will get a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Italy or have 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. In addition, fees may apply for certain tunnels, mountain pass roads, car shuttle trains, as well as for 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 the motorway toll depends on the distance traveled as well as the vehicle class or number of axles. Payment is made at toll stations. There are various systems for toll collection in Italy:
Closed toll system: This system is common on most motorways. When entering the motorway, a ticket is issued, which is paid for upon exiting the route. The amount of the toll depends on the distance traveled.
Open toll system: Here, a flat rate 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 license plate is automatically captured, so no stopping is required. This system is used, among others, on motorways A33, A36, A59 and A60.
At most toll stations, you can pay 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 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 special points of sale.
bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.
Toll tunnels and mountain pass roads
There are also several toll tunnels and mountain pass roads in Italy, 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 car shuttle trains
There are also paid car shuttle trains through tunnel connections:
Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)
Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car shuttle (Switzerland–Italy)
City toll: access to the city centers 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 centers of Milan, Bologna and Palermo.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a pleasant journey to Slovenia or Italy. Purchase your digital vignette for Slovenia from us now and take advantage of the simple ordering process. With us, you can be sure: you can enjoy your vacation relaxed. If you have any further questions about the toll in Slovenia or the toll in Italy, we are available to you at any time via email.
