Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ section! Here you'll find answers to the most common questions regarding road fees, vignettes, GO-Box, special toll routes, and general travel cost estimation for your journeys across Austria. We aim to provide clear, concise, and helpful information to ensure your trip is as smooth and predictable as possible.

General Road Fee Questions

What is the difference between a vignette and a GO-Box?

The primary distinction lies in the type of vehicle and how the toll is collected. A vignette is a time-based road tax required for most vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (e.g., cars, motorcycles) using Austrian motorways and expressways. It signifies that you've paid for a certain period (10 days, 2 months, or 1 year) to use these roads, irrespective of how far you drive. Vignettes can be purchased as physical stickers or digitally.

The GO-Box, on the other hand, is an electronic toll collection device used for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3.5 tonnes and also for buses. It's a distance-based system, meaning you pay for the exact kilometres driven on toll roads. The GO-Box calculates the toll based on the vehicle's axle count and emission class, and it deducts the amount automatically from a pre-paid or post-paid account.

For most private car drivers, the vignette is the relevant system. If you're driving a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes, you will need a GO-Box, not a vignette.
Are there any roads in Austria that require additional fees beyond the vignette/GO-Box?

Yes, absolutely. Besides the general vignette or GO-Box requirement for motorways and expressways, Austria has several special toll routes. These are typically tunnels, scenic mountain passes, or bridges that incur an additional, separate fee. Examples include the Brenner Pass (A13), the Arlberg Tunnel (S16), the Tauern Autobahn (A10) sections (Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel), and the Karawanken Tunnel (A11).

These special tolls are usually paid directly at toll booths or, for some, can be purchased online in advance. They are not covered by either the vignette or the GO-Box. It's crucial to factor these into your travel budget if your route includes any of these specific sections, as fines for non-payment can be substantial.
Where can I purchase a vignette for Austria?

Vignettes can be purchased through several convenient channels:

Physical Vignette: Available at most border crossings into Austria, petrol stations near the border in neighbouring countries (e.g., Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Switzerland), and at many Austrian petrol stations and tobacco shops (Trafiken).

Digital Vignette: This is the most convenient option and can be purchased online via the official ASFINAG website (www.asfinag.at) or through the ASFINAG app. When purchasing online, please be aware of the 18-day consumer protection period for B2C transactions, meaning the digital vignette becomes valid 18 days after purchase. If you need it immediately, ensure you select the option for businesses (B2B) or purchase it physically.

Always ensure you purchase your vignette before entering a toll road to avoid hefty fines.
How do I know if my vehicle needs a vignette or a GO-Box?

The determining factor is the maximum permissible gross weight of your vehicle:

Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes: This includes most passenger cars, motorcycles, and smaller motorhomes. These vehicles require a vignette.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes: This category includes heavier motorhomes, vans, buses, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). These vehicles require a GO-Box.

If you are towing a trailer, only the towing vehicle's weight is relevant for the vignette requirement. However, if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes, but the towing vehicle itself is under 3.5 tonnes, you still only need a vignette for the towing vehicle. The GO-Box applies when the *single* vehicle exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

Cost Estimation & Seasonal Pricing

Does seasonal pricing apply to Austrian road fees? Generally, no. The standard vignette prices (for 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year) are fixed and do not change based on the season. Similarly, the GO-Box tariffs, which are distance-based, also remain constant throughout the year, with rates determined by axle count and emission class. However, while the direct road fees don't have seasonal pricing, other travel costs might. For example, fuel prices can fluctuate, and accommodation or ferry costs might vary significantly between peak season (summer, winter holidays) and off-peak periods. Our cost calculator helps you factor in these broader travel expenses, but the core road fees themselves are stable.
How can I accurately estimate the total road costs for my trip through Austria?

To accurately estimate your total road costs, consider these steps:

Identify Your Vehicle Type: Determine if your vehicle is under or over 3.5 tonnes to know whether you need a vignette or a GO-Box.

Vignette Duration: For vignette-requiring vehicles, decide on the appropriate duration (10-day, 2-month, or 1-year) based on your trip length.

Map Your Route: Carefully plan your route to identify if you will be using any special toll routes (e.g., Brenner Autobahn, Arlberg Tunnel, Tauern Autobahn). List these specific sections.

Check Special Toll Prices: Look up the current prices for each special toll section you plan to use. These are typically per passage.

Use a Cost Calculator: Our Cost Calculator page is designed to help you consolidate these costs. Input your vehicle type, vignette duration, and any special toll routes, and it will provide an estimated total.

Fuel Costs: Don't forget to factor in fuel. While not a road fee, it's a significant travel cost. Research current fuel prices in Austria and estimate your consumption.

By following these steps, you can build a comprehensive and accurate estimate for your journey's road-related expenses.

Transit Routes & Regulations

Are there any specific regulations for driving through Austrian tunnels?

Yes, Austrian tunnels, especially the longer ones and those on special toll routes, have specific safety regulations. These typically include:

Mandatory Lights: Headlights must be switched on (even during the day).

Speed Limits: Tunnels often have reduced speed limits, which are strictly enforced.

Minimum Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Emergency Procedures: Be aware of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency phones. In case of a breakdown or incident, switch on your hazard lights and position your vehicle as far right as possible.

No Overtaking: Overtaking is generally prohibited in tunnels unless explicitly allowed by signage.

Radio Tuning: Some longer tunnels broadcast emergency information on specific radio frequencies, which may be indicated.

Always pay attention to the signage before and within tunnels. Compliance with these rules is crucial for safety and avoiding fines.
What happens if I forget to buy a vignette or use a toll road without a GO-Box?

Driving on a vignette-mandated road without a valid vignette, or on a GO-Box-mandated road without a properly functioning GO-Box, is considered a toll violation and carries significant penalties.

For Vignette Violations: If caught without a valid vignette (either digital or physical, correctly affixed), you will typically face an immediate substitute toll (Ersatzmaut). This fine is considerably higher than the cost of a vignette itself (e.g., several hundred euros). If you refuse to pay or if the violation is more severe (e.g., manipulating a vignette), further legal proceedings and even higher fines can follow.

For GO-Box Violations: If a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes is detected without a GO-Box, or with a GO-Box that is not correctly registered for the vehicle (e.g., wrong axle count, insufficient credit), a substitute toll will be issued. The GO-Box system is highly automated, and violations are quickly detected. Again, this substitute toll is substantially higher than the actual toll would have been. Persistent or severe violations can lead to administrative penalties.

It is always far more cost-effective and stress-free to ensure you have the correct and valid toll payment method before commencing your journey on Austrian motorways and expressways.