Slovenia Austria Border

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

These particular geographical conditions mean that drivers only have comparatively few border crossings available to them. 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 Schengen area of the European Union, 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 international sporting events or major political events. Due to increased illegal immigration, the border is nevertheless being monitored more intensively on the Austrian side, according to information as of 2023.

As an EU citizen, you can usually cross the border without any problems using a valid passport or identity 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 will at least avoid additional delays at toll stations and can pass through without stopping.

Important border crossings

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

Karawanks Tunnel

The almost 8-kilometre-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 every day, 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 extends the travel time even further. Outside the peak travel season, around 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel daily.

A second tunnel tube is expected to be built from 2028. This could allow the permitted maximum speed to be increased 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)

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, 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 is associated with a significantly longer travel time. Using the motorways is generally more relaxed for travellers, especially if digital vignettes have been registered in advance. For those travelling on to Croatia, the Spielfeld – Šentilj motorway crossing is particularly useful, as the A1 near Maribor leads to the A4, which goes directly to the Croatian border.

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 consider. 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 GVW. For vehicles with a higher permitted 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 permitted total weight of more than 3.5 t GVW, you will need a DarsGo transponder instead of a 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. The Euro emission classes are divided into pollutant classes 1 to 6. Pollutant class 1 stands for high pollutant emissions, while pollutant class 6 stands for comparatively low pollutant emissions.

Austria

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 consider. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of a vignette requirement apply for the use of Austrian motorways and expressways. Vehicles up to 3.5 t max. 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 max. permissible weight, the vignette requirement does not apply, 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 collection.

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 which additional fees apply for use. Further information on the various tunnels and certain mountain pass roads can be found in our article on the special toll in Austria.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

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