The journey from the Czech Republic to Austria offers a fascinating mix of picturesque landscapes and modern transportation infrastructure. This blog post focuses on the border crossing between these two countries, the highways, and toll fees relevant for this route. We will discuss the key information and tips for your trip in this part of Europe.
The Czech Republic has a well-developed highway network connecting various regions of the country. One of the most important highways you will use in the Czech Republic is the D1. This highway stretches from Prague to the Austrian border and provides a fast connection towards Vienna. The D1 is generally in excellent condition and allows for a smooth drive. Road signs in the Czech Republic are usually bilingual (Czech and English), which makes navigation easier for foreign travelers.
The border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria are among the most important crossings in Central Europe. For example, they connect the Czech town of Mikulov with the Austrian town of Drasenhofen. This crossing is one of many and a popular junction for travelers between these two countries. Border controls between the Czech Republic and Austria are generally straightforward and quick. Due to both countries' membership in the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, there are usually no passport controls. You can travel from one country to another without needing to stop at the border.
The two most famous border crossings between the Czech Republic and Austria are:
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need to purchase a vignette or pay a route-based toll.
In the Czech Republic, you need a digital vignette to use the highways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t gross weight. The vignette is an efficient system to ensure the funding and maintenance of the Czech highway network. You can purchase the vignette at most gas stations in the Czech Republic, but also at selected sales points in Germany, mainly near the border. Another convenient option is to easily buy it online before you start your trip.
The Czech vignette is available in various validity durations, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The choice of validity period depends on your travel plans. For example, if you are only on a short holiday in the Czech Republic, the 10-day vignette is a practical choice. For longer stays or frequent trips to the country, the annual vignette may be more cost-effective.
Vehicles over 3.5 t gross weight must pay a toll on highways, expressways, and on marked sections of the road called "1st Class Toll" (indicated by an "M" on a yellow background). The satellite-based device (On-board-unit OBU 5051) ensures the toll collection.
Note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and a deposit must be made before using a toll road. Additionally, your on-board unit must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you don't yet have an on-board unit, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. At this sales point, you can buy the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech On-Board-Unit for automatic toll collection. Registration requires electronic identification. This option, especially for frequent travelers and foreign vehicles crossing the Czech Republic often, provides a convenient and hassle-free way to automatically pay the toll.
The toll amount varies depending on the road category, distance (number of kilometers), vehicle category (weight class and number of axles), CO2 emission class, and the time of day (higher prices may apply from 10 PM to 5 AM). Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t, which were previously exempt from tolls, are now considered toll-eligible as of March 2024. You can pay the toll either in advance or after using the road (pre-pay vs. post-pay).
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there are any specific toll sections.
To use the Austrian highway and expressway network, a vignette fee is required. Therefore, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross weight (technically permissible total weight including load) need a vignette. Depending on the vehicle class, you can choose between different durations for your trip. For more information, visit the digital vignette for Austria.
However, there are also toll-free highways. Ways to bypass the vignette requirement are possible. Whether bypassing the toll makes sense can be found here.
Note that for vehicles over 3.5 t gross weight, the vignette requirement is waived, and instead, a route-based toll must be paid. This performance-based toll is settled with a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.
For more information on special toll sections (tunnels and mountain roads), click here.
Order your vignette conveniently and easily from us. Benefit from the direct validity of the digital vignette and choose between various durations for a digital vignette for the Czech Republic.
The border crossings connecting Austria and the Czech Republic are not only road links between two nations but also gateways to different cultures and landscapes. Whether you are traveling for business or exploring the fascinating sights and sounds of this region, these border crossings offer you the opportunity to experience two different worlds in a single adventure.
Also discover the popular cities that the Czech Republic has to offer and the culinary specialties of the country.
