Border Slovenia Austria

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

These particular geographical conditions mean that drivers have only comparatively few border crossings available. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings at the Karawanks Tunnel as well as at Spielfeld (AT) – Šentilj (SVN) are of particular importance.

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. This includes, for instance, international sporting events or major political events. Due to increased illegal immigration, the border is reportedly being controlled more intensively on the Austrian side as of 2023.

As an EU citizen, you can generally cross the border without any problems using a valid passport or national ID card and carry goods for personal use. However, please note that border controls can lead to longer waiting times. If you register your digital vignette in advance, you can at least avoid additional delays at toll stations and pass through without stopping.

Important border crossings

For travelers, the Karawanks Tunnel as well as the motorway crossing Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT) are particularly relevant.

Karawanks Tunnel

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

During the travel season in the summer months, more than 30,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel daily, which can lead to increased waiting times. In cases of heavy traffic and 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 of peak travel times, about 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel daily.

It is expected that a second tunnel tube will be added starting in 2028. This could increase the permitted maximum speed to 100 km/h. Please note that the Karawanks Tunnel is a special toll route. Further information on the special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.

Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT)

At the border between Šentilj and Spielfeld, there are two border crossings. One is the motorway crossing between the Austrian A9 and the Slovenian A1, 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 fees. However, traveling away from motorways and expressways is associated with a significantly longer travel time. Using the motorways is generally more relaxing for travelers, especially if digital vignettes have been registered in advance. For those traveling through to Croatia, the motorway crossing Spielfeld – Šentilj is particularly convenient, since the A1 near Maribor connects to the A4, which leads directly to the Croatian border.

Slovenia

In the following section, you will get a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you must 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, you will need an electronic vignette, the so-called e-vinjeta, for vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. 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 additional fees apply regardless of the vehicle's 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 gross vehicle weight, you will need a DarsGo transmitter device instead of the vignette to collect the distance-based toll. This toll is based on the kilometers driven, the number of axles, and the vehicle's Euro emission class. The Euro emission classes are divided into pollutant classes 1 to 6. Pollutant class 1 represents high emissions, while pollutant class 6 represents comparatively low emissions.

Austria

In the following section, you will get a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you must 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?)

Using Austrian motorways and expressways incurs fees in the form of the vignette requirement. Vehicles up to 3.5 t maximum permissible weight therefore require 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 weight, the vignette requirement does not apply and instead a distance-based toll must be paid. 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, the use of which incurs additional fees. Further information on the various tunnels as well as certain mountain pass roads can be found in our article on the special toll in Austria.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!

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