The Brenner Motorway A 13 (Special Toll)
What is the Brenner Motorway?
The Brenner Motorway is one of the central routes through the Alps and forms part of the European North–South axis (European Route 45). In 2022, 16.58 million cars and 2.73 million lorries crossed the Brenner, which connects Austria and Italy, resulting in significant traffic loads.
Brenner Motorway as a Special Toll Route
On the A13 motorway, which runs over the Brenner from Austria to Italy, a route toll is required. A distinction must be made between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel.
The route toll (also known as a special toll) is a fee payable in Austria on certain route sections independently of the vignette. As a rule, a vignette is still required, since one is needed for most approach and exit routes.
The Europa Bridge
The Europa Bridge, the centrepiece of the A 13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley, is located on the Brenner Motorway A 13 and in the area of the Brenner Tunnel. A route toll applies for use of the Europa Bridge. However, this route toll (special toll) is included in the fee for the entire Brenner Tunnel. Therefore, if the route toll for the full A 13 has already been paid, no separate amount is due for the Europa Bridge.
From 2040, a comprehensive renewal of the Europa Bridge is planned. The complete reconstruction over an estimated period of four years will bring significant disruptions for travelling traffic.
How much does the Brenner route toll cost?
The cost of the route toll (special toll) on the A 13 Brenner Motorway depends on the passes purchased, i.e. the number of journeys. The route toll can be purchased for a single trip, two trips (e.g. outward and return journey) or as an annual pass. Unlike other special toll routes, which only cover certain sections of a motorway or expressway, the entire A 13 is subject to a route toll. The toll station on the A 13 Brenner Motorway is located near Schönberg.
With the annual pass, the Brenner Motorway can be used throughout the year. The advantage of the digital route toll is that the route toll – like the vignette – is registered by licence plate and automatically recognised. At the toll stations of motorways subject to a route toll, green-marked lanes are designated for the Digital Route Toll (formerly: video toll).
No terminals for cash or card payment are available in these lanes. They may only be used by vehicles with a route toll already registered. As a result, waiting times are typically reduced considerably.
Austria and Italy: Which toll applies where?
Austria and Italy have different toll and vignette systems. The Italian Brenner Motorway A22 transitions into the Austrian motorway A13 at the border. While the route toll applies on the Austrian motorway, there is no equivalent special toll obligation in Italy; the A22 is therefore not subject to a route toll.
Italy also has no vignette requirement. The toll for the A22 is charged as a distance-based toll; the amount depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle category.
On-site, the toll can be paid at the toll stations at the respective motorway exits in cash or by credit card. Payment by Viacard, a prepaid card for toll payment on Italian motorways, is also possible.
Brenner Base Tunnel (Rail Traffic)
While the Brenner Tunnel is subject to the route toll obligation (also known as the special toll obligation) and serves motorway traffic, the Brenner Base Tunnel is being constructed for rail traffic and is expected to be completed by 2032. Further information on travelling from Innsbruck to Franzensfeste by train via the Brenner Base Tunnel can be found in our guide.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions about toll regulations. Detailed information on toll in Austria can be found in our guide. Feel free to use our route calculator to plan your trip perfectly and have suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.
