The Slovakia and Austria share a significant common border that stretches about 106 kilometers. This border plays a central role in European traffic, as it connects important trade and travel routes. In this blog post, we take a detailed look at the crossings between these two countries, current regulations, and the particularities that travelers should be aware of.
The border between Slovakia and Austria is relatively short but features a variety of crossings that are significant for road traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. These crossings range from highways to ferries over the March River, providing multiple ways to cross the border.
Austrians occupy approximately 83,879 square kilometers and have a population of around 9.13 million. This means the area is almost a quarter of Germany's, while its population is less than one-tenth of Germany's population.
Since Slovakia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, systematic border controls at the crossings between Slovakia and Austria have been abolished. This means that travelers can generally pass the border without passport checks. However, temporary controls may be introduced due to special events or security measures. It is therefore advisable to always carry a valid passport or ID card.
For European Union citizens, including Slovakia and Austria, there are no special entry requirements. However, for travelers from third countries, the general Schengen visa requirements apply. They must present a valid passport and, if necessary, a visa when entering. It is important to inform oneself about the specific entry requirements beforehand to avoid unexpected problems at the border.
A landlocked country in Central Europe, Austria is known for its rich cultural history, impressive landscapes, and high quality of life. The country is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, which simplifies cross-border traffic. Vienna, the capital, is a cultural and economic hub and is only a few kilometers away from the Slovakian equivalent, Bratislava. This proximity fosters close economic and cultural ties between the two cities. The official language in this EU country is German, though in some areas, Slovak and other minority languages are also recognized as official languages.
Austria is a federal parliamentary republic composed of nine states. The government is controlled by the parliament, consisting of the National Council and the Federal Council. The Federal President is the head of state, while the Federal Chancellor leads the government. Since December 2021, Karl Nehammer from the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) has been the Federal Chancellor. The government operates according to the principle of the separation of powers and is democratically legitimized through regular elections. Austria's political system and administration are characterized by stable democracy and a high level of political participation by citizens.
While Slovakia has been using the euro as its official currency since January 1, 2009, the euro has been in circulation in Austria since January 1, 2002. Therefore, there is no currency exchange when crossing the border between these two countries. This significantly simplifies trade and tourism, as no exchange fees between Slovakia and Austria are involved.
Toll fees for Austrian highways and expressways must generally be paid before using the roads. This can be done either in the form of a sticker vignette or, increasingly preferred, a digital vignette for Austria. The digital vignette has the advantage that it can be conveniently purchased online.
The options for border crossings between Slovakia and Austria are diverse and offer suitable crossing opportunities for various modes of transport. Below are the main crossings and their particularities:
Kittsee (Highway) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This highway crossing is one of the major traffic hubs in the east, directly connecting the two capitals. It is heavily trafficked and plays a significant role, especially for international trade and commuter traffic.
Kittsee (Old Road) – Bratislava–Jarovce: This alternative route to the highway also leads to the Slovak capital and is often used by travelers who wish to avoid the traffic on the highway.
Berg – Bratislava–Petržalka: This crossing leads directly into the Petržalka district and is an important access point for daily commuting.
Schloss Hof / Freedom Bicycle Bridge – Devínska Nová Ves: This bridge is specifically designed for cyclists and pedestrians and connects the picturesque landscapes of Schloss Hof in Austria with the city of Devínska Nová Ves in Slovakia.
Marchegg Bicycle Bridge – Vysoká pri Morave: Another bridge exclusively accessible to cyclists and pedestrians, offering a peaceful alternative for cross-border tours.
Angern – Záhorská Ves (Ferry): This ferry connection over the March River is particularly important for local traffic and provides a charming way to cross the border.
Hohenau – Moravský Svätý Ján: This crossing in the north is primarily for car traffic and is often used by travelers taking less-traveled routes.
The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and if there is a toll based on the route.
Almost all sections of highways and express roads in Slovakia require a vignette. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons GVW. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Furthermore, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if the weight exceeds 3.5 tons GVW). Additionally, for trailers (car + trailer), it should be noted that if the total weight is under 3.5 tons GVW, only the vignette for the car is required, while for a total weight of over 3.5 tons GVW, an additional vignette for the trailer must be purchased.
Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay tolls for using highways and express roads!
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll sections.
For using Austria's highways and express roads, fees are charged in the form of a vignette requirement. Thus, vehicles up to 3.5 tons require a (digital) vignette. Depending on the vehicle class, you can choose between different durations. More information can be found here.
However, there are also toll-free highways. Ways to bypass the vignette fee can be found here.
Note that for vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW, the vignette requirement is waived, and instead, a route-based toll must be paid. This mileage-dependent toll is settled using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.
For more information on various tunnels and specific mountain pass roads, you can find a guide here.
Order your vignette easily and conveniently from us and choose between different durations for Austria and Slovakia. Discover the beautiful hiking areas of Austria.We wish you a pleasant journey!
Would you like to register your digital vignette for Slovakia directly after reading this information? Then start here:
