Border Austria Germany

The Border Crossings Between Germany and Austria

The border between Germany and Austria stretches over 817 km from the Czech Republic to Lake Constance. The majority of the border lies in the state of Bavaria. In total, there are over 50 border crossings at the German-Austrian border. For vacationers, the most relevant are the highway crossings at Kiefersfelden, Walserberg, and Suben.

Within the EU Schengen Area, there are virtually no border controls. However, border controls may still take place on certain occasions to ensure public order and internal security. This is the case, for example, during international sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup or large political events. EU citizens can pass through border controls without difficulty with a valid passport or ID card. Any goods for personal use can also be carried—only tobacco and alcohol may have exceptions in some cases.

Famous Border Crossings Between Austria and Germany

For vacationers, the most important border crossings are the three highway crossings where one can make the fastest progress. These are:

• Kiefersfelden (DE) / Kufstein (AT) - Kiefersfelden is a Bavarian town located directly at the Austrian border. The German A93 highway merges here with the Austrian A12. Kiefersfelden is about 110 kilometers from the Austrian-Italian border and the Brenner Pass. The route from Kiefersfelden via the A12 and then onto the A13 Brenner Autobahn near Innsbruck is a classic vacation route from Germany to Italy.
• Walserberg (AT) / Reichenhall (DE) - Walserberg is an Austrian town near Salzburg, located directly at the German-Austrian border. The German A8 highway becomes the Austrian West Autobahn A1 toward Vienna. The highway interchange at Walserberg connects the A1 and A10. The A10 leads almost directly to the Slovenian border. The section of the A1 from Walserberg to Salzburg North has been toll-free since 2019. However, a digital vignette is still required for further travel through Austria.
• Suben (AT) / Neuhaus am Inn (DE) - The third highway crossing between Germany and Austria is in the Austrian town of Suben. Here, the German A3 becomes the Austrian A8. From the A8, you can continue to the A9 Pyhrn Autobahn toward Slovenia or to the A1 toward Vienna.

To avoid waiting times, the highway crossings can be bypassed via country roads. However, in most cases, this takes longer than waiting about 30 minutes at the border crossing. The reward is a beautiful landscape panorama.

Austria

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there are any specific toll routes to consider.

Austria: Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

To use Austria's highway and expressway networks, fees are charged in the form of a vignette. Therefore, vehicles up to 3.5 t require a (digital) vignette. Depending on the vehicle class, you can choose between different validity periods for your trip. Here you can find more information and purchase the appropriate vignette.

However, there are also vignette-free highways. To learn how to bypass the vignette, you can read about it in our article "Bypassing Tolls".

Route-Based Toll in Austria

Note that for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement is waived, and instead, a route-based toll is charged. This performance-based toll is calculated via a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.

Special Toll Routes

• Arlbergtunnel S16: Payment on-site with cash, credit card, or Maestro card.
• Felbertauerntunnel: Payment on-site with cash or credit card.
• Gleinalmtunnel, Bosrucktunnel/Pyhrn Autobahn: Payment on-site with cash, credit card, or Maestro card.
• Karawankentunnel: Payment on-site with cash, credit card, or Maestro card. The Karawankentunnel, as a connection between Austria and Slovenia, is also part of Slovenia and thus constitutes a special toll route in that country as well. The toll must be paid in the Slovenia-Austria direction at the Hrušica toll station. If coming from Austria, the above-mentioned conditions apply, which are explained in more detail here.

Here you can find more information about the various toll tunnels and certain mountain passes.

Germany

The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there are any specific toll routes to consider.

Germany: Vignette Requirement (or Not?)

In Germany, there is no specific vignette requirement for highways. This means that most highways in Germany can be used toll-free. However, there are exceptions, such as certain highway tunnels and bridges, for which fees are charged. These fees serve to finance and maintain these specific infrastructures and are typically paid at toll stations or via electronic payment systems.

Route-Based Toll

No route-based toll is charged for vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Trucks must pay a toll on federal highways, including truck stops and rest areas, as well as on federal roads. The toll for trucks can be paid, for example, with 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 from various durations for Austria. Discover the beautiful hiking areas in Austria or visit the impressive cities of Slovenia. We wish you an enjoyable trip!