Navigate the Austrian Autobahn Like a Local
Up-to-date routes, tolls & insider tips in one place.
Scroll for GuideAutobahn & Tunnel Overview
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Major Autobahn Routes
- A1 West Autobahn: Vienna → Salzburg → German border. Heavy holiday traffic; smooth toll plazas.
- A2 Süd Autobahn: Vienna → Graz → Villach → Italy. Panoramic Wechsel & Pack passes.
- A10 Tauern Autobahn: Salzburg → Villach. Includes Tauern & Katschberg tunnels (extra toll).
- A12 Inntal Autobahn: German border → Innsbruck → Landeck. Gateway to Tyrol & Arlberg.
- A13 Brenner Autobahn: Innsbruck → Italy. Brenner Pass, Europe’s busiest Alpine crossing (extra toll).
Long Tunnel Highlights
- Arlberg Road Tunnel: 13.97 km — vignette covers toll. Bi-directional traffic; obey speed limits.
- Tauern Tunnel: 6.5 km — €13.50 (passenger car). Separate bore with lane signalling.
- Bosruck Tunnel: 5.5 km — €6.50. Automatic height control for campers.
Remember: driving without a valid vignette can cost you at least €120 in spot fines.
Österreich Vignette – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Österreich Vignette? ▼
The vignette is a road tax permit required for vehicles up to 3.5 t on Austrian motorways and S-roads. It can be a physical windshield sticker or a digital registration linked to your licence plate.
How much does the Österreich Vignette cost? ▼
Cars: 10-day €9.90, 2-month €29.00, annual €96.40. Motorcycles are cheaper, motorhomes follow car rates if below 3.5 t. Prices valid for 2024.
Where can I buy the Österreich Vignette? ▼
Purchase at border fuel stations, ÖAMTC/ARBÖ offices, tobacco shops, ASFINAG’s “Unterwegs App”, or online as a digital vignette (note the 18-day consumer cooling-off period unless you waive it).
What happens if you don't have a vignette? ▼
An on-the-spot replacement toll of at least €120 is imposed. Failure to pay may lead to fines up to €3,000 and vehicle registration holds.
Are there any additional toll roads in Österreich? ▼
Yes. Certain alpine passes and long tunnels (e.g., A13 Brenner, A10 Tauern, S16 Arlberg) require a separate section toll even if you have a vignette.
Safe-Driving Tips, Road Signs & Weather Alerts
Speed Limits
- Urban: 50 km/h
- Rural: 100 km/h
- Autobahn: 130 km/h (unless posted lower)
Seasonal & Safety Rules
Winter Tyres: 1 Nov – 15 Apr, minimum tread 4 mm; snow chains where signed.
Alcohol Limit: 0.5 ‰ (0.1 ‰ for novice drivers).
Driving Etiquette
- Keep right, overtake left – lane discipline is enforced.
- Always switch on headlights in tunnels.
- During traffic jams, create an Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) for rescue vehicles.
For real-time weather & avalanche warnings, consult ZAMG or the ÖAMTC live map before departure.
About Astome Travels
Founded in the heart of Austria, Astome Travels simplifies the driving experience for international visitors through first-hand research and local expertise.
- Accuracy first – every route inspected annually.
- Sustainability – promoting eco-friendly transport modes & carbon-offset partnerships.
- Community – collaborating with local tourism boards & safety agencies.
Our website runs on a lightweight Jamstack stack (Astro + Markdown) and Tailwind CSS, delivering sub-50 ms Largest Contentful Paint on 4G connections.
Author: Maria Hinterseer, ÖAMTC-certified driver with over 250,000 km of Alpine experience and active member of ASFINAG user panels.
Reader Testimonials
“Thanks to Astome, I bought the right vignette before crossing the border and avoided a hefty fine.” — Liam O’Connor, Cork
“The tunnel list was a lifesaver during our ski trip to Tyrol. Clear, concise and spot-on.” — Sofia Marin, Valencia
“Loved the emergency corridor explanation. It made navigating a traffic jam near Graz stress-free.” — Jürgen Weiss, Hamburg
“Maria’s winter tyre advice meant our rental car was ready for sudden snowfall on the A13.” — Chloe Smith, Edinburgh
“Readable on my phone, fast to load, and all the info I needed — brilliant!” — Marco Bianchi, Milano
Contact & Newsletter
Got a question about Austrian roads or need a personalised route plan? Reach out:
Phone: +43 660 7965777
Email: [email protected]
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