Border Crossing Austria and Czech Republic

The border crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic serve as connecting points between the two countries, where cross-border traffic occurs. Therefore, the border crossing holds particular significance for international trade and tourism.

The Border between Austria and the Czech Republic

Within the EU Schengen Area, there are generally no border controls. Therefore, border controls are only conducted at the Austrian-Czech border in exceptional cases. Such exceptions include international sporting events like the Football World Cup or major political events. Border controls are also implemented in cases of internal security threats.

Famous Border Crossings between Austria and the Czech Republic

Some of the most important border crossings are:

• Drasenhofen - Mikulov: This border crossing is the only highway crossing between Austria and the Czech Republic. The Austrian A5 becomes the Czech D52 highway. These highways are part of the European Route 461 and represent the fastest connection between Vienna and Brno.
• Kleinhaugsdorf - Haté: This border crossing is located on the European Route E59, which runs from Zagreb through Maribor, Graz, and Vienna to Jihlava in the Czech Republic. The roads on both sides of the border can be used without a vignette. The vignette is required only when entering a highway or expressway.
• Leopoldschlag Border Crossing (Wullowitz): Another European Route crossing on the Austrian-Czech border is located in Wullowitz (Leopoldschlag district, Austria). It lies on European Route 55 from Denmark to Greece, forming a direct connection between Linz, České Budějovice, and Prague. In Austria, the border crossing is reached via the toll road Mühlviertler Schnellstraße S10. However, no vignette is needed at the border crossing itself—only when entering the next highway or expressway.

Around Austria

This section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are specific toll sections.

Around Austria: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

To use Austria's highway and expressway networks, a fee in the form of a vignette is required. Therefore, vehicles up to 3.5 tons require a (digital) vignette. You can choose between various validity periods depending on your vehicle class for your trip. Here, you can find more information about the digital vignette.

However, there are also toll-free highways. There are ways to bypass the vignette requirement. To find out how bypassing toll roads is practical, you can read more in our article on the topic of Bypassing Toll Roads.

Route-Based Tolls in Austria

Note that for vehicles over 3.5 tons, the vignette requirement does not apply, and instead, a route-based toll is charged. This toll, based on distance traveled, is collected using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.

Special Toll Routes

• Arlberg Tunnel S16: Payment on-site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card.
• Felbertauern Tunnel: Payment on-site by cash or credit card.
• Gleinalm Tunnel, Bosruck Tunnel/Pyhrn Autobahn: Payment on-site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card.
• Karawanken Tunnel: Payment on-site by cash, credit card, or Maestro card. The Karawanken Tunnel is a connecting point between Austria and Slovenia, and therefore also a special toll route in Slovenia. The toll must be paid in the direction of Slovenia-Austria at the toll station in Hrušica. If you come from Austria, the regulations mentioned above apply, as explained in more detail here.

Here, you can find more information about the various toll roads and tunnels.

Czech Republic

Czech Republic: Vignette Requirement (or not?)

On the Czech side, you need a vignette to drive on highways and expressways. This vignette was once a small adhesive label that had to be clearly visible on your windshield. Nowadays, it has been replaced by a digital vignette.

The vignette is an efficient system to ensure the financing and maintenance of the Czech highway network. You can purchase the vignette at most gas stations in the Czech Republic, as well as at select retail outlets in Germany, mainly near the border. Another convenient option is to buy the vignette easily online before your trip.

The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The choice of validity period depends on your travel plans. For example, if you're only staying in the Czech Republic for a short holiday, the 10-day vignette is a practical choice. For longer stays or frequent trips to the country, the annual vignette may be more cost-effective.

It is important to note that driving without a valid vignette on Czech highways and expressways is subject to high fines. Therefore, it is advisable to acquire the vignette in advance and affix it correctly to your vehicle to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The differences in toll and vignette regulations between Germany and the Czech Republic highlight the importance of informing yourself about the respective rules before your trip. This ensures compliance with the laws and smoothens your journey while you enjoy the impressive landscapes and culture of both countries.

Route-Based Toll

In the Czech Republic, no route-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 tons. Vehicles over 3.5 tons must pay a toll on highways, expressways, and certain marked sections of the road known as Class 1 toll sections. These sections are marked with an "M" on a yellow background, and the toll is collected using an On-Board Unit (OBU).

Your Journey Starts Now!

Order your vignette easily and conveniently with us. Benefit from the immediate validity of the digital vignette and choose between different validity periods for Austria and Czech Republic. Discover the beautiful hiking areas in Austria. We wish you a great trip!