Border Slovenia Austria

The border between Slovenia and Austria stretches for approximately 330 kilometres. Most of the border is shaped by the Karawanks, the Pohorje mountains and the Lavanttal Alps. Further sections run along the Kučnica, Mur and Drava rivers.

These particular geographical features mean that drivers have only comparatively few border crossings available. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings at the Karawanks Tunnel and at Spielfeld (AT) – Šentilj (SVN) are especially important.

Border controls and entry requirements

Within the European Union's Schengen Area, there are generally no regular border controls. However, exceptions are possible in certain situations, for example to protect public order and internal security. These include, for instance, international sporting events or major political events. Austria is currently temporarily reinstating checks at the border with Slovenia, presently ordered until 15 March 2027. You should therefore expect controls and waiting times.

As an EU citizen, you can usually cross the border without any problems using a valid passport or national identity card, and bring goods for personal use. Please note, however, that border controls can lead to longer waiting times. If you purchase your digital vignette in advance, you can avoid stopping at a sales point before the border. The toll for the Karawanks Tunnel is not included in this.

Important border crossings

For travellers, the Karawanks Tunnel and the motorway crossing at Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT) are of particular relevance.

Karawanks Tunnel

The nearly 8-kilometre-long Karawanks Tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991 and connects the Slovenian A2 motorway, which runs directly through Ljubljana, with the Austrian A11 motorway. The construction of the tunnel shortened the travel time between Ljubljana and Villach by more than an hour.

During the summer travel season, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel every day, which can lead to increased waiting times. In cases of heavy traffic and the risk of congestion, the maximum speed in the tunnel is reduced from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, which further extends travel time. Outside the main travel season, around 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel daily.

Since 18 March 2026, the second tunnel tube has been in operation. The old tube is expected to be renovated until 2029, during which time traffic will flow in both directions through the new tube. Please note that the Karawanks Tunnel is a special toll route. You can find further information on the special toll in Slovenia in our guide.

Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT)

There are two border crossings at the border between Šentilj and Spielfeld. One is the motorway crossing between the Austrian A9 and the Slovenian A1, while the other connects the Austrian federal road B67 with the Slovenian main road 437.

The crossing between the B67 and the 437 offers a way to avoid toll charges. However, travelling away from motorways and expressways involves a significantly longer travel time. Using the motorways is generally more relaxing for travellers, especially if digital vignettes have been registered in advance. For those travelling through to Croatia, the Spielfeld – Šentilj motorway crossing is particularly useful, as the A1 near Maribor connects to the A4, which leads directly to the Croatian border.

Slovenia

The following section gives you a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you must pay a distance-based toll, or whether there are additionally special toll routes to be aware of. You can find detailed information on the toll and special toll in Slovenia in our guides.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

If you plan to use Slovenian motorways and expressways during your trip, you will need an electronic vignette, known as the e-vinjeta, for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. There are three toll classes: Class 1 for motorcycles, Class 2A for vehicles up to 1.30 m in height above the front axle (most cars) as well as all motorhomes up to 3.5 t, and Class 2B for vehicles over 1.30 m in height above the front axle (e.g. many vans). For vehicles with a higher permissible total weight, the vignette requirement does not apply; instead, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll routes where further charges apply regardless of vehicle weight, for example when using the Karawanks Tunnel.

Distance-based toll

If your vehicle has a permissible total weight of more than 3.5 t, you will need a DarsGo on-board unit instead of the vignette to collect the distance-based toll. This toll is based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles and the vehicle's Euro emission class. In addition, the rate takes into account the vehicle's CO₂ emission class. This also applies to motorhomes over 3.5 t.

Austria

The following section gives you a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Austria, whether you must pay a distance-based toll, or whether there are additionally special toll routes to be aware of. You can find detailed information on the toll and special toll in Austria in our guides.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for using Austrian motorways and expressways. Vehicles up to 3.5 t maximum permissible gross weight therefore need a vignette, which is also available digitally. Further information on the toll in Austria and the various vehicle classes can be found in our guide.

Distance-based toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t maximum permissible gross weight, the vignette requirement no longer applies, and a distance-based toll must be paid instead. This mileage-based toll is billed using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data recording.

Special toll routes in Austria

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria for whose use additional fees apply. You can find further information on the various tunnels as well as certain mountain pass roads in our article on the special toll in Austria.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Order your vignette for Slovenia or Austria online with us now and enjoy using the motorways in Slovenia and Austria with peace of mind. If you have any further questions about tolls, we are always available by email. You can also find further information on the toll in Slovenia or the toll in Austria in our guide.