The Essential Guide to Austria's Autobahn Vignette & Tolls

Drive Austria's scenic routes with confidence. Everything you need to know about the mandatory vignette, special tolls, and avoiding hefty fines.

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What is the Österreich Vignette?

The Austrian Vignette is a mandatory toll sticker—or its digital equivalent—required for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes using the country's motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen). It is managed by ASFINAG, the national motorway authority.

Failure to display a valid vignette results in on-the-spot fines. You have two options: the traditional adhesive sticker that you affix to your windscreen, or a modern digital vignette linked to your vehicle's license plate, which can be purchased online. Both serve the same purpose but have different purchase rules and application methods.

Ensuring you have the correct vignette is crucial for a smooth journey across Austria's breathtaking landscapes. It helps fund the country's extensive and well-maintained road network, allowing you to enjoy your drive worry-free.

Side-by-side comparison of the physical Austrian vignette sticker and a digital vignette confirmation on a smartphone.

Vignette Costs & Where to Buy

2024 Vignette Prices (Passenger Cars)

Duration	Price
1-Day	€8.60
10-Day	€11.50
2-Month	€28.90
Annual	€96.40

Note: Motorcycle prices are lower. Prices are subject to change by ASFINAG. Always check the latest official ASFINAG website for the most current information before your journey.

Where to Purchase Your Vignette

Online: The easiest way is via the official ASFINAG webshop or mobile app (beware the 18-day consumer protection waiting period for digital vignettes applicable to private individuals). Plan your purchase well in advance if opting for the digital route.
Border Crossings: Kiosks and offices at all major border entry points into Austria, providing convenience for immediate travel.
Petrol Stations: Most petrol stations in Austria and near its borders in neighboring countries typically stock both physical and sometimes digital vignettes. Look for official ASFINAG partners.
Tobacconists: Look for 'Tabak Trafik' shops throughout Austria. These are easily recognizable by their distinctive signs and are a common point of sale for various official items, including vignettes.

Warning: Special Toll Routes (Sondermaut)

It's a common misconception that the standard vignette covers all Austrian roads. The vignette does NOT cover all roads. High-maintenance Alpine crossings, particularly tunnels and panoramic routes, require an additional, separate toll paid directly at toll plazas or online. These are some of the most common routes you'll encounter:

A 13 Brenner Autobahn: A vital north-south connection over the Alps, often frequented by travelers from Germany and Italy.
A 10 Tauern Autobahn: Specifically the Tauern and Katschberg Tunnels, which are essential for crossing the central Alps.
S 16 Arlberg Expressway: The Arlberg Tunnel is a key link between Tyrol and Vorarlberg, especially important in winter when the pass road is closed.
A 9 Pyhrn Autobahn: Features the Gleinalm and Bosruck Tunnels, offering a direct route through parts of Styria and Upper Austria.
A 11 Karawanken Autobahn: Specifically the southbound section through the Karawanken Tunnel, connecting Austria with Slovenia.

Be sure to factor these additional costs into your travel budget to avoid surprises at the toll booths. Digital options for these special tolls are also often available for pre-purchase.

A map of Austria highlighting the main special toll routes not covered by the standard vignette.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will face an on-the-spot fine, known as a 'substitute toll payment,' which is typically €120 for passenger vehicles. For larger vehicles, this fine can be higher. If you refuse to pay this immediate fine, the penalty can increase significantly through administrative proceedings, potentially reaching hundreds or even thousands of Euros. It's far more economical and stress-free to purchase the vignette in advance.

No. Due to EU consumer protection laws, a digital vignette purchased online by a private individual is only valid from the 18th day after purchase. This allows for a 14-day right of withdrawal plus a few days for processing. If you absolutely need it sooner, you must either buy it from a physical sales point (like a petrol station or tobacconist) or select 'business customer' during online purchase (which waives your right to a refund, but allows immediate validity). Plan ahead!

The sticker must be affixed directly and securely to the inside of the windscreen, ensuring it is clearly visible from the outside. Recommended spots are the top left corner of the windscreen or behind the rearview mirror. It is absolutely crucial that the vignette is stuck directly onto the glass—do not use tape, do not place it on the dashboard, and do not carry it loosely. Failure to properly affix it can still result in a fine.

Cars rented within Austria almost always come with a valid vignette pre-installed, as it's a standard requirement for vehicles registered there. However, if you rent a car from a neighboring country (e.g., Germany, Italy, Czech Republic) and plan to drive into Austria, you are solely responsible for purchasing one before entering the Austrian motorway network. Always confirm the vignette status with your rental company, especially if crossing borders.

Have More Questions?

At Austria Fest Travel, we're dedicated to making your journey through Austria as smooth and informed as possible. For further inquiries or personalized travel tips beyond the vignette, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you navigate Austria's roads with confidence.

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