The border between Slovenia and Italy is over 200 km long and runs from the northwest of Slovenia along the Alps to the Adriatic Sea in the southwest.
For many years, there were no border controls between Slovenia and Italy, as both countries are part of the Schengen Area. However, controls were reintroduced in 2023. The background to this was the increased threat of terrorism related to Hamas's attack on Israel as well as attacks in France and Belgium. These measures were extended by a further six months in June 2024. Even though no controls have officially been in place since January 2025, it is advisable to regularly check the current situation before travelling. As a general rule, it is recommended to carry valid identity documents.
Below you will find an overview of some of the most important border crossings between Slovenia and Italy.
Tarvisio (northern border crossing): This border crossing leads from Tarvisio to Kranjska Gora (Kronau). From there, if you follow the Sava River and take the A2/E61, you will reach Jože Pučnik Airport as well as Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana.
Muggia (southern border crossing): The port town of Muggia is only about 15 minutes from Trieste and offers another option for crossing the border. From Muggia you can reach Koper (Gafers) in Slovenia or use the route via Hrvatini. This crossing is also suitable if you wish to continue on to Croatia afterwards.
Fernetti – Sežana (near Trieste): This border crossing is located near Trieste and is one of the most frequently used crossings between the two countries. The port city of Trieste is situated on the Upper Adriatic and is only a few kilometres from the border. The route leads from Fernetti via the E61 (or E70) to the Slovenian municipality of Sežana (Zizan). At the same time, this European route is part of the route to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.
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 additional special toll routes to be aware of. Detailed information on the toll and special toll in Slovenia can be found in our guide.
If you wish to use Slovenian motorways and expressways on your journey, vehicles under 3.5 t GVW require an electronic vignette, known as the E-Vinjeta. For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 t GVW, no vignette is required. In this case, a distance-based toll is charged. In addition, there are special toll routes where additional charges apply regardless of vehicle weight, for example when using the Karavanke Tunnel.
If your vehicle is over 3.5 t GVW, you will need a DarsGo on-board unit instead of a vignette for the distance-based toll. This toll is calculated based on the kilometres driven, the number of axles, and the Euro emission class of the vehicle. The Euro emission classes are divided into emission categories from 1 to 6, where class 1 represents high and class 6 represents low pollutant emissions.
The Karavanke Tunnel is a special toll route for which additional charges apply. Even though the tunnel itself is not a vignette-required section, the access roads run via vignette-required routes. The tunnel connects Austria with Slovenia and is frequently used for crossing the border. If you are travelling from Austria to Slovenia and wish to use the Karavanke Tunnel, you should therefore take into account both the additional tunnel toll and a valid vignette for the access roads.
In the following section you will find a brief overview of whether you need a vignette in Italy or whether you need to pay a distance-based toll. Detailed information on the toll in Italy can be found in our guide.
In Italy there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based motorway toll is charged. Additional charges may also apply for certain tunnels, mountain passes, car-loading services, and so-called city toll zones.
Most Italian motorways are subject to tolls, while expressways can generally be used free of charge. The amount of the motorway toll depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle class or number of axles. Payment is made at toll stations. Italy has various systems for toll collection:
Closed toll system: This system is used on most motorways. When entering the motorway, a ticket is taken, which is paid upon leaving the route. The toll amount depends on the distance travelled.
Open toll system: Here a flat-rate amount is charged at a toll station. This system applies, for example, on sections of the A9 (Como–Milan), A8 (Varese–Milan) or A5 (Mont Blanc–Aosta).
Free-flow system: With this system, the licence plate is recorded automatically, so no stopping is required. This system is used, among others, on motorways A33, A36, A59 and A60.
At most toll stations, payment can be made in cash as well as by credit or debit card. In addition, various electronic payment systems are available, such as the ADAC toll box, Telepass, bip&go or the Camper toll box. With these systems you can use the yellow-marked Telepass lanes and pay the toll without stopping.
ADAC toll box: Suitable for vehicles regardless of height and weight.
Telepass: Also suitable for vehicles of all classes and available online or at special sales outlets.
bip&go: Suitable for vehicles up to 3.5 t.
Camper toll box: Suitable for motorhomes over 3.5 t.
Italy also has several toll tunnels and mountain pass roads, including:
Great St. Bernard Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
Munt-La-Schera Road Tunnel (Switzerland–Italy)
Mont Blanc Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
Fréjus Road Tunnel (France–Italy)
Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road (Austria–Italy)
In addition, there are toll car-loading services through tunnel connections:
Simplon Tunnel car-loading service (Switzerland–Italy)
Lötschberg and Simplon Tunnel car-loading service (Switzerland–Italy)
In some Italian cities, a flat-rate city toll is charged for entering certain restricted traffic zones (ZTL). These include, among others, the city centres of Milan, Bologna and Palermo.
We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovenia or Italy. Purchase your digital vignette for Slovenia from us now and benefit from our simple ordering process. With us you can be sure: you can enjoy your holiday in a relaxed manner. If you have any further questions about the toll in Slovenia or the toll in Italy, we are available at any time by email.