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Last updated: 05.03.2025
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What is the Tauern Tunnel in Austria?
The Tauern Tunnel is located in the southwest of Austria and is a 6,546-meter (6.5 km) road tunnel on the Tauern Autobahn (A 10). Along with the Katschberg Tunnel, it forms an important connection between Villach and Salzburg.
Why does the Tauern Tunnel have only one tube?
The Tauern Tunnel was originally planned, like the Katschberg Tunnel, with two tubes. However, during the construction project, it was realized that the budget was insufficient and that traffic volume was lower than initially planned. Therefore, in 1975, the decision was made not to build the second tube.
Additionally, the Tauern Tunnel is a special toll section, meaning it is exempt from the vignette requirement. No vignette is needed, but a section toll is required to pass through the Tauern Tunnel.
FAQ about the Tauern Tunnel
On the night of May 29, 1999, a serious traffic accident caused by a truck driver’s microsleep occurred in the Tauern Tunnel. The damage caused by the accident amounted to a total of 28 million euros, leading to a three-month closure of the Tauern Tunnel.
The digital toll on the Tauern Autobahn costs 19.50 € (toll fee 14.50 €, processing fee 5 €) for one trip. Additionally, two trips and a multi-trip card are also available in
our online shop
The section toll for the Tauern Tunnel can easily and conveniently be paid through our online shop.
The digital section toll for the Tauern Autobahn tunnel can be paid through our shop.
The Tauern Tunnel is being completely modernized from November 18, 2024, to July 4, 2025. During the modernization, certain maintenance measures were necessary, so the Tauern Tunnel was completely closed from April 12, 2023, to May 17, 2023.
Yes. Since the B99 runs mostly directly parallel to the Tauern Autobahn, you can follow the B99 until Radstadt. Then, drive towards Obertauern. In St. Michael im Lungau, you can rejoin the Tauern Autobahn.
The total driving time through the Tauern Tunnel is about 12 minutes.
The round trip through the Tauern Tunnel (2 trips) is available in our online shop for 36 € (toll fee 29 €, processing fee 7 €).
Since bypassing the Tauern Tunnel takes about 45 minutes, it is really only worth bypassing if the radio/traffic reports announce a waiting time of about 1 hour or more in front of the Tauern Tunnel.
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