Traveling by Motorhome
Austria is an excellent travel destination for a motorhome trip. Which vignette you need, what costs are involved, and what other aspects to consider are explained in this article. We answer the key questions about tolls and vignettes for motorhome travel in Austria. In addition, you'll receive helpful travel tips as well as pointers to highlights you definitely shouldn't miss.
A brief overview
A toll obligation applies on Austria's motorways and expressways.
Motorhomes under a technically permissible total mass of 3.5 t tzGm require a vignette.
Motorhomes over 3.5 t tzGm require a toll box (GO-Box) and are therefore subject to the distance-based toll
Driving on special toll routes requires payment of an additional fee (regardless of the digital vignette or the distance-based toll)
The vignette can be purchased quickly and easily online as a digital version.
Toll in Austria
Thanks to its impressive landscape and good road conditions, Austria is an attractive holiday destination for motorhome travelers. Please note, however, that a toll obligation applies when using motorways and expressways in Austria. Most road users settle the toll via a vignette, which can be purchased online. For certain vehicles, however, a so-called GO-Box is required. Which option applies to you depends on the technically permissible total mass (tzGm) of your motorhome. The tzGm refers to the maximum weight a vehicle may carry according to manufacturer specifications (including payload).
Vignette: motorhome up to 3.5t tzGm
For motorhomes with a tzGm of up to 3.5 tonnes, a standard vignette is sufficient. With it, you can use all Austrian motorways and expressways. Vignettes are available at petrol stations and rest stops as well as online, and are offered for various validity periods.
Go-Box: motorhome over 3.5t tzGm (distance-based toll)
For motorhomes with a tzGm of over 3.5 tonnes, however, a GO-Box is required. The GO-Box is an electronic device for calculating and paying the toll. Billing is done automatically and is based, among other things, on the distance traveled, the number of axles, and the vehicle's emission values. You can obtain the GO-Box at special GO sales points, where it can also be installed. The toll can be paid either in advance or afterwards.
What you should keep in mind
To ensure your motorhome tour through Austria goes as smoothly as possible, it's advisable to consider a few points in advance. You'll find the most important tips below:
Buy your vignette online in advance
We recommend purchasing online your vignette for Austria for your motorhome in advance. With a digital vignette, you ensure a smoother journey and avoid the risk of fines. If you use toll-vignette-required routes on your trip without owning a vignette, this can result in hefty fines.
Plan your route and research the roads
Ideally, you should find out about your rough travel route in advance. This way, you'll be informed early on about possible construction sites, heavily trafficked roads, and special toll routes. This knowledge helps you plan your route sensibly and specifically avoid unexpected traffic jams. You can find more information on special toll routes in our guide.
Reserve pitches
Austria is a popular destination for motorhome travelers. Accordingly, campsites and pitches can fill up quickly. We therefore recommend reserving pitches in advance, especially during the high season. This ensures you have a suitable place to stay overnight and avoids unnecessary stress from an extensive search for a pitch.
These highlights you shouldn't miss
Traveling through Austria by motorhome: toll sorted, off you go. Austria offers a great variety of appealing destinations and impressive landscapes. However, there are some highlights you should definitely plan for during your motorhome tour:
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road: fascinating panoramic views
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road leads through the heart of the Austrian Alps and is considered one of the country's most impressive panoramic routes. The winding road requires careful driving but rewards you with spectacular views, high peaks, mountain lakes, and glaciers. There are also camping options in Grossglockner National Park. Alternatively, numerous overnight options for motorhome travelers can be found in the surrounding valleys.
Lake Wolfgang: a dreamlike expanse of water, right in the mountains
Lake Wolfgangsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria and lies nestled between steep peaks and idyllic villages. Here you can easily spend several relaxing days. Particularly appealing are campsites right by the clear water. It's also worth visiting the town of St. Wolfgang as well as taking hikes in the surrounding area, from whose heights you get an impressive view of the lake.
The Wachau: picturesque World Heritage site
The Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its history, vineyards, and castles. The valley stretches along the Danube and offers charming natural and cultural landscapes. You can also visit places such as Dürnstein and Melk. Anyone wishing to stay longer will find numerous campsites in the region, some even right on the banks of the Danube.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
Austria offers motorhome travelers an impressive variety of landscapes and sights. To enjoy your trip stress-free, it's advisable to arrange the right vignette early on. If your motorhome exceeds the technically permissible total mass of 3.5 t tzGm, however, you'll need a GO-Box instead. Once these points are settled, you can set off on your trip to Austria worry-free.
We wish you a safe journey to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about the 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 see the suitable toll products displayed. Contact us with any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette via our email.
