Last updated: 26.08.2025
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What is the Tauern Tunnel in Austria?
The Tauern Tunnel motorway is located in the southwest of Austria and is a 6,546-meter-long (6.5 km) road tunnel on the A10 Tauern Motorway. Alongside the Katschberg Tunnel, the Tauern Tunnel forms an important connection between Villach and Salzburg. The Tauern Tunnel was originally planned, like the Katschberg Tunnel, with two tubes. However, as the project progressed and it became clear that the budget was insufficient and traffic volumes were lower than expected, the decision was made in 1975 not to construct the second tube.
The Tauern Tunnel is also subject to a section toll (special toll), as it is a special toll route. This means there is no vignette required for this specific section of road or the Tauern Tunnel itself. You do not need a vignette to drive through the Tauern Tunnel.
FAQ about the Tauern Tunnel
On the night of May 29, 1999, a serious traffic accident occurred in the Tauern Tunnel due to an Austrian truck driver falling asleep at the wheel. The damage from the accident totaled €28 million and led to a three-month closure of the tunnel.
The Tauern Tunnel will undergo a full modernization between November 18, 2024, and July 4, 2025. Due to necessary maintenance work as part of these upgrades, the tunnel was completely closed from April 12, 2023, to May 17, 2023.
Yes. Since the B99 runs largely parallel to the Tauern Motorway, you can follow the B99 to Radstadt, then head toward Obertauern. In St. Michael im Lungau, you can rejoin the Tauern Motorway.
The entire drive through the Tauern Tunnel takes approximately 12 minutes.
Since bypassing the Tauern Tunnel takes around 45 minutes, it’s only really worth it if radio/traffic reports indicate a delay of 1 hour or more at the tunnel.
