When you rent a car in Austria, you'll discover a country filled with breathtaking landscapes and charming cities. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about toll roads, road quality, and car ferries to make your Austrian road trip a breeze.
Quality of Roads in Austria
Austria is known for its well-maintained roads and highways, ensuring a comfortable driving experience. The country uses a vignette system, which is a sticker you attach to your car's windshield, granting you access to the majority of highways and expressways. Vignettes can be purchased at most gas stations, post offices, and border crossings. They are available in 10-day, 2-month, or 1-year increments, depending on your travel plans. The prices are roughly €9.40 for a 10-day vignette, €27.40 for a 2-month vignette, and €92.50 for a 1-year vignette for cars.
Toll Roads and Fees in Austria
In addition to the vignette system, there are some major highways with tolls in Austria. These roads often cut through mountains, providing faster and more direct routes. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- A9 Pyhrn Autobahn: Linz to Graz; ideal for travelers visiting both cities, toll fees range from €6.50 to €11.50.
- A10 Tauern Autobahn: Salzburg to Villach; perfect for those exploring the Alps, toll fees range from €7.00 to €12.50.
- A13 Brenner Autobahn: Innsbruck to the Italian border; commonly used for trips to Italy, toll fees range from €10.00 to €19.00.
Toll fees can be paid either at toll booths or using a credit card via the ASFINAG app or website.
Car Ferries in Austria
While Austria is a landlocked country, there are a few car ferries available on its lakes. One of the most popular is the Lake Constance car ferry, which connects the Austrian city of Bregenz with the German town of Lindau. The one-way fare for a car and driver is approximately €14.40.
