Austria is a country with an incredibly diverse terrain. Thanks to this, a trip along it will give you unforgettable views. High mountains crossed by gorges and waterfalls. Picturesque villages on the slopes of the mountains and beautiful cities that please with their architecture. All this can be seen in one trip, because there is a very well-developed network of highways and expressways. In this article you will find the necessary information about traveling by car in Austria.
Toll roads and highways in Austria
Due to the great difference in altitude and location in the mountainous regions, the Austrian road infrastructure was a serious engineering challenge. These conditions required the use of expensive solutions and constant monitoring of the state of roads and their modernization. For these reasons, among others, motorway and expressway tolls in Austria are required even for motorcycles or cars. Austrian autobahns have only a few short sections where no tolls are charged. However, they are located in such a way that they are practically irrelevant for tourists. So, when going on vacation to Austria, you need to add the cost of the vignette to the cost of the trip .
An electronic toll collection system for trucks and buses weighing more than 3.5 tons on toll road sections has been introduced. It is registered using a device designed for this vehicle, which is mounted on the windshield. At the same time, the tolls depended on the number of vehicle axles, the exhaust class and the number of kilometers traveled on highways. Austria pays particular attention to exhaust gas emissions in order to reduce environmental pollution.
Tolls in Austria
Austria has a very transparent toll system for toll roads and motorways. In the case of motorcycles, vignette prices:
- 4.6 euros for 10 days,
- 11.5 euros for 2 months,
- 38.5 euros per year.
The following vignettes apply to passenger cars:
- 11.5 euros for 10 days,
- 28.90 euros for 2 months,
- EUR 96.40 per year.
In Austria, in addition to the purchased vignette, an additional toll is charged on 6 motorway sections. These include, in particular, the Tauern motorway in the tunnel section, the Brenner motorway in the section near the Italian border and the Karavanken motorway in the Karavanken tunnel section. This surcharge applies to sections of Austrian motorways that pass over bridges and tunnels or are built on extremely difficult terrain. Tolling is an additional way of financing highways.
Vignettes in Austria
Passenger cars need a vignette to drive on motorways. Austria offers different types of vignettes . Traditional vignettes are available in the form of stickers, they must be stuck on the windshield of the car. You can also purchase electronic vignettes. This is a very convenient option. Please note, however, that e-vignettes available online are only valid for 18 days after purchase due to the rules for this form of sale. If the trip is spontaneous and you go suddenly, a vignette bought at gas stations or border crossings is better for you, because it is valid immediately. Do not forget to buy a vignette, because not having a vignette is expensive.
Also, don’t forget to buy vignettes in the countries you will pass through to get to Austria. We are talking about the Czech Republic (see information about vignettes in the Czech Republic ) or Slovakia (see vignettes in Slovakia ). In both of these countries, you can buy a vignette online. After that, it is necessary to specify the registration number of the car.
By car in Austria
When going abroad, it is best to make your own travel map before departure. There are many interesting places in Austria, below we mention a few that may interest you.
Vienna
When visiting Austria, you cannot miss this city. why If you’re into architecture and art, you’ll love the Innere Stadt old town. And also the Hofburg – the residence of the Habsburgs, which now houses, among other things, the museum of Princess Sissi. Schönbrunn Palace is another complex built in the Baroque style. The luxury and atmosphere that prevails here will allow you to feel the taste of the old manor life, the balls of that time and its inhabitants. And outside, a truly royal garden awaits you. Another Baroque masterpiece that we recommend to you is the Belvedere Palace and its elegant French garden. And in the evening, you can go to a performance at the Vienna State Opera – the cultural pearl of Austria.
If you don’t like visiting monuments, don’t worry. In Viennese parks, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the greenery and the view of beautiful avenues with a variety of plants. Minutes of relaxation also await you in the side streets of the old town. Here you can drink delicious Viennese coffee and taste the famous chocolate cake, as well as other specialties of Austrian cuisine. And if you like to have fun or you have children, a trip to the Prater amusement park is a great idea. In addition to having fun here, you will also see the panorama of the city from the Ferris wheel.
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse
If you are a mountain lover, this is a must see. Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is the most famous and one of the most beautiful high mountain routes. Its length is approximately 48 kilometers. The height difference is more than 1700 meters. On this road you will see breathtaking views. However, you can visit it only from May to November. It is closed to tourists during the rest of the year. Entrance to it is paid.
Saalachtal natural forces
This is a slightly less popular place, but still worth a visit. It consists of 3 different natural attractions located at a short distance from each other. You can start from the Vorderkaserklamm – walk along the path and then through the gorge around the waterfall. You will then visit the Lamprechtshohle which is a cave system. You can visit some of them yourself. The last point of the hike is the Seisenbergklamm – a gorge among rocks of an interesting shape. You can see all these 3 places by buying 1 ticket.
Auto equipment in Austria
In Austria you must have in your car:
- warning triangle,
- first aid kit,
- reflective vests,
- winter tires from November 1 to April 15.
Austria – the most important traffic rules and speed limits
When traveling by car in Austria, remember that, as in most countries, special traffic rules apply. As for the low beam of the headlights, it is not necessary to use it under favorable weather conditions, but if the weather conditions limit visibility, you are obliged to turn it on. You should also use them when going through tunnels. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. If you are traveling with children, always remember that the seats are suitable. You can have a breath level below 0.5 ppm without any consequences as long as you have had your driver’s license for at least 2 years.
As for the speed limit, the main values are:
- 50 km/h in populated areas,
- 100 km/h outside populated areas,
- 130 km/h on autobahns and expressways.
By following the above rules, you will avoid a serious fine.
Important phone numbers when traveling in Austria
When traveling abroad, you should know useful phone numbers in case of an emergency. Here are some of them that you may find useful:
- 144 Emergency service,
- 133 Police,
- 122 Fire department.
The telephone number of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vienna is (0-0431) 870-15 -0 to 46 and the 24-hour number is 870015-100.
What should you know?
- When traveling on autobahns and expressways, do not forget to purchase a vignette.
- Austria offers traditional vignettes in the form of stickers that can be bought at gas stations and border crossings.
- You can also easily purchase an Austrian vignette electronically, but it is only valid for 18 days after purchase.
- There are many places to see in Austria, but we especially recommend Vienna, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse and the Saalachtaler Naturgewalten.
- When leaving, make sure that your car is equipped with the necessary equipment, follow the traffic rules and do not exceed the speed, this will protect you from a high fine.
FAQ – the most frequently asked questions about highways in Austria
How are vignettes checked in Austria?
The police conduct random checks that may reveal the absence of a vignette. But that’s not all. Toll roads have cameras that scan the license plates of passing vehicles. The collected data is compared with the register of electronic vignettes. In this way, you can quickly catch drivers without a valid charge.
What is the penalty for not having a vignette in Austria?
The fine is 120 euros. This is more than the cost of an annual vignette for a passenger car. Therefore, it is much better to decide to buy a vignette and avoid a fine.
What is the maximum fine in Austria?
In September 2021, fines were increased in Austria. Since then, the maximum fine is 5,000 euros. The good news is that you can pay the fine with a credit card, but it’s better to take your foot off the gas pedal and not be exposed to unnecessary costs.