Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? For the use of certain roads, tunnels, and bridges, toll charges are collected. The money generated through tolls is invested back into the road network, enabling you to enjoy a smooth journey on your way to your vacation. The primary areas of investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Tolls can be collected in various forms. These include the vignette requirement, the distance-based toll, and the special toll routes.
With the vignette requirement, toll fees are charged that are not based on kilometers driven, but on a flat rate that varies depending on the duration of the trip. Depending on the vehicle class, the price of a vignette may differ.
When purchasing the vignette, you make a one-time purchase that allows you to use all toll roads (except special toll routes, also called route tolls). The vignette requirement in Austria applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (gross vehicle weight, excluding passengers). However, there are country-specific exceptions. Motorcycles in Austria are also subject to the vignette requirement. You can find more detailed information about the different vehicle classes and vignette requirements in our guide.
The distance-based toll applies in most countries to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (trucks, buses, motorhomes). Unlike the vignette requirement, the distance-based toll is not a flat rate, but depends on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollution level). Accordingly, the toll fee can vary greatly. The distance-based toll is collected with the help of a transponder (transmitting device). This transponder, often also called an On-Board Unit, must be purchased country-specific either online or at points of sale, and installed in your vehicle. This enables contactless payment, and the amount due is automatically debited from your registered payment method.
In Austria, you must purchase a so-called GO-Box (transponder) to pay the toll fees for distance-based tolls. For vehicles subject to distance-based tolls (over 3.5 t GVW), the vignette requirement (for vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW) does not apply.
Special toll routes are often tunnels or mountain passes. In Austria, the special toll is also referred to as a route toll (note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). If you pass through a special toll/route toll, you must pay an additional fee. This fee, like the vignette, is a flat rate that varies depending on the vehicle class.
The special toll is charged for specific routes that are not subject to the vignette requirement or the distance-based toll. This means for your trip: Even if you have purchased a vignette to use motorways or are already paying the distance-based toll via the transponder (GO-Box), there are certain sections where an additional fee applies. The special toll therefore applies to anyone who wants to use these specific routes.
All vehicle owners who wish to use a special toll route must pay the route toll. Vehicles with a vignette pay an additional fee on top of the vignette and must purchase a route toll ticket to use the special toll route. Vehicles subject to the distance-based toll do not need a ticket for the route toll. The amount is automatically accounted for when driving through the route with the GO-Box (transponder).
It should also be noted that most special toll routes can only be reached via roads that are subject to either the vignette requirement or the distance-based toll. Therefore, it always makes sense to obtain a vignette or a transponder regardless of the special toll route. More detailed information about the various special toll routes in Austria can be found in our guide.
Order your digital vignette now conveniently from home with us. Benefit from the exclusive offer of the immediate validity of your digital vignette for Austria and avoid the 18-day waiting period. Choose from various validity periods and vehicle classes for your vacation. We want your trip to be as pleasant as possible with our digital vignette. Traveling should be simple!
With our free route planner, you can quickly and easily find out which toll products you need for your journey through Austria.
We wish you a great trip to Austria and are happy to assist with any further questions regarding Austria and the relevant toll regulations. Contact us via email.
