Border Slovenia Austria

The border between Slovenia and Austria stretches over a length of around 330 kilometres. The largest part of the border is defined by the Karawanks, the Pohorje mountain range, and the Lavanttal Alps. Further border sections run along the rivers Kolpa, Mur, and Drava.

These particular geographical conditions mean that drivers have access to only comparatively few border crossings. For holidaymakers, the motorway crossings at the Karawank Tunnel and at Spielfeld (AT) – Šentilj (SVN) are of particular importance.

Border Controls and Entry Requirements

Within the Schengen Area of the European Union, no regular border controls generally take place. Exceptions are possible in certain situations, however, such as for the protection of public order and internal security. These include, for example, international sporting events or major political events. Due to increased illegal immigration, the border on the Austrian side is nevertheless being monitored more intensively as of 2023.

As an EU citizen, you can generally cross the border without any problems using a valid passport or national ID card and carry goods for personal use. However, please note that border controls can lead to longer waiting times. If you register your digital vignette in advance, you can at least avoid additional delays at toll stations and pass through them without stopping.

Important Border Crossings

For travellers, the Karawank Tunnel and the motorway crossing Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT) are of particular relevance.

Karawank Tunnel

The almost 8-kilometre-long Karawank Tunnel was built between 1986 and 1991 and connects the Slovenian motorway A2, which runs directly through Ljubljana, with the Austrian motorway A11. The construction of the tunnel reduced the travel time between Ljubljana and Villach by more than an hour.

During the travel season in the summer months, over 30,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel daily, which can lead to increased waiting times. In high traffic volumes and when there is a risk of congestion, the maximum speed in the tunnel is reduced from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, which further extends the travel time. Outside the main travel season, around 10,000 vehicles use the tunnel daily.

A second tunnel tube is expected from 2028. This could allow the maximum permitted speed to be increased to 100 km/h. Please note that the Karawank Tunnel is a special toll route. Further information on the special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.

Šentilj (SVN) – Spielfeld (AT)

At the border between Šentilj and Spielfeld there are two border crossings. One of them is the motorway crossing between the Austrian A9 and the Slovenian A1, the other connects the Austrian federal road B67 with the Slovenian main road 437.

The crossing between the B67 and the 437 offers a way to avoid toll fees. However, travelling off motorways and expressways involves a significantly longer travel time. Using the motorways is generally more relaxed for travellers, especially when digital vignettes have been registered in advance. For travellers passing through to Croatia, the motorway crossing Spielfeld – Šentilj is particularly useful, as the A1 near Maribor connects to the A4, which leads directly to the Croatian border.

Slovenia

In the following section you will find a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Slovenia, whether you need to pay a distance-based toll, or whether there are additionally special toll routes to be aware of. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

If you wish to use Slovenian motorways and expressways on your journey, you need an electronic vignette for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW, known as the E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a higher permitted gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement does not apply; instead, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll routes where additional fees apply regardless of vehicle weight, such as when using the Karawank Tunnel.

Distance-based Toll

If your vehicle has a permitted gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 t GVW, you need a DarsGo on-board unit instead of a vignette for the collection of the distance-based toll. This toll is based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles, and the Euro emission class of the vehicle. The Euro emission classes are divided into pollution classes 1 to 6. Pollution class 1 represents a high level of emissions, while pollution class 6 represents a comparatively low level of emissions.

Austria

In the following section you will find a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Austria, whether you need to pay a distance-based toll, or whether there are additionally special toll routes to be aware of. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Austria can be found in our guide.

Vignette requirement (or not?)

Fees in the form of the vignette requirement apply for the use of Austrian motorways and expressways. Vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible total weight therefore require a vignette, which is also available digitally. Further information on the toll in Austria and the various vehicle classes can be found in our guide.

Distance-based Toll in Austria

Please note that for vehicles over 3.5 t permissible total weight, the vignette requirement does not apply and instead a distance-based toll must be paid. This performance-based toll is settled using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.

Special Toll Routes in Austria

In addition to the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll, there are certain special toll routes in Austria for whose use additional fees apply. Further information on the various tunnels and certain mountain passes can be found in our article on the special toll in Austria.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Order your vignette for Slovenia or Austria online from us now and enjoy a relaxed journey on the motorways in Slovenia and Austria. If you have any further questions about tolls, we are available at any time by email. You can also find further information on the toll in Slovenia or on the toll in Austria in our guide.