Brenner Tunnel/Motorway (Special toll)

The Brenner Motorway forms one of the central connections through the Alps and is part of the European north‑south axis (European Route 45). In 2022, 16.58 million cars and 2.73 million trucks passed through the Brenner, which connects Austria and Italy, resulting in considerable traffic congestion.

Brenner Motorway as a special toll route

On the A13 motorway, which crosses the Brenner from Austria to Italy, a route toll is required. Here a distinction must be made between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel.

The route toll (also called the special toll) is, on certain sections in Austria, a charge payable independently of the vignette. As a rule, a vignette is nevertheless required, since most approach and departure routes require a vignette.

The Europabrücke (Europe Bridge)

On the Brenner Motorway A13, in the area of the Brenner Tunnel, lies the Europabrücke, the centrepiece of the A13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley. Using the Europabrücke incurs a route toll. However, this route toll (special toll) is included in the fee for the entire Brenner Tunnel. If the route toll for the complete A13 has already been paid, no separate amount is due for the Europabrücke.

From 2040, a comprehensive renewal of the Europabrücke is planned. The complete reconstruction, expected to take around four years, will bring significant restrictions for travel traffic.

How much does the Brenner route toll cost?

The cost of the route toll (special toll) on the A13 Brenner Motorway depends on the passes purchased, i.e. the number of trips. The route toll can be purchased for a single trip, two trips (e.g. outbound and return), or as an annual pass. Unlike other special toll routes, which only cover certain sections of a motorway or expressway, the entire A13 is subject to the route toll. The toll station for the A13 Brenner Motorway is located near Schönberg.

With the annual pass, the Brenner Motorway can be used all year round. The advantage of the digital route toll is that – like the vignette – the route toll is registered via the licence plate and automatically recognised. At the toll stations of motorways subject to the route toll, green‑marked lanes are provided 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 an already registered route toll. As a result, waiting times are typically noticeably reduced.

Austria and Italy: Where does which toll apply?

Austria and Italy have different toll and vignette systems. The Italian Brenner Motorway A22 merges at the border into the Austrian A13 motorway. While the route toll applies on the Austrian motorway, there is no corresponding special toll obligation in Italy; the A22 is therefore not subject to the route toll.

In Italy there is also no vignette obligation. The toll for the A22 is charged as a distance‑based toll; the amount depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle class.

On site, the toll can be paid at the toll stations at the respective motorway exits in cash or by credit card. Payment via Viacard, a prepaid card for toll payment on Italian motorways, is also possible.

Brenner Base Tunnel (rail transport)

While the Brenner Tunnel is subject to the route toll obligation (also called special toll obligation) and serves motorway traffic, the Brenner Base Tunnel is being built for rail transport and is expected to be completed by 2032. Further information on travelling from Innsbruck to Fortezza 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 good trip to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Detailed information on the toll in Austria can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner 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.

FAQ: Brenner Motorway A13 and route toll

What is the Brenner Motorway?

The Brenner Motorway A13 is a central north-south connection through the Alps and part of European Route 45. It connects Austria and Italy and is one of the busiest Alpine crossings.

Do I need a vignette or route toll on the A13?

The route toll (also called the special toll) applies on the entire A13. This fee must be paid independently of the vignette. For most approach and departure routes, for example via the A12, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight additionally require a valid vignette. More on this in the guides Toll in Austria, on the Brenner Motorway A13 and on the route toll and special toll.

What is the difference between the Brenner Tunnel and the Brenner Base Tunnel?

The Brenner Tunnel belongs to the A13 motorway and is subject to the route toll. The Brenner Base Tunnel is being built for rail transport and is expected to be completed by 2032. It serves train traffic, not car traffic.

Do I have to pay extra for the Europabrücke?

No. The Europabrücke lies on the A13 between Patsch and Schönberg in the Stubai Valley. The route toll for the Europabrücke is included in the fee for the A13 or the Brenner Tunnel. Anyone who has already paid the route toll for the complete A13 does not pay a separate amount for the bridge.

How much does the Brenner route toll cost?

The cost depends on the product chosen, such as a single trip, two trips (outbound and return), or an annual pass. Current rates are published by the operator. Unlike many other special toll routes, the entire A13 is subject to the route toll. The toll station is located near Schönberg.

What is the digital route toll?

With the digital route toll (formerly video toll), the fee is registered via the licence plate and automatically recognised. Green‑marked lanes are provided for this at the toll stations. There are no terminals there for cash or card payment. These lanes may only be used by vehicles with an already registered route toll. This often shortens waiting times.

Does the special toll also apply on the Italian Brenner Motorway?

No. At the border, the Austrian A13 merges into the Italian A22. In Italy there is no vignette obligation and no Austrian special toll. On the A22, a distance‑based toll is charged, depending on the route and vehicle class. Payment is made at the toll stations at the exits, among other ways in cash, by credit card, or with prepaid cards such as the Viacard.

What restrictions are expected at the Europabrücke?

From 2040, a comprehensive renewal of the Europabrücke is planned. The complete reconstruction is expected to take about four years and will significantly restrict travel traffic. For current information, it is worth checking traffic information and ASFINAG reports before your trip.

What should I pay attention to when planning my trip?

Check in advance whether you need the appropriate route toll for the A13 and a vignette for the approach route. With our route planner you can plan your route and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions about the digital vignette or trip planning, you can reach us by email at any time.