Explore Austria
Austria rewards careful preparation. The Alpine scenery is world-class, the roads are beautifully engineered, and the campsites are clean, efficient, and often in spectacular locations. The catch is that Austria expects you to pay your way: a vignette for any motorway driving, additional section tolls for the big mountain passes, and winter tyres in season. Get those sorted and it is one of the most enjoyable countries in Europe to tour. This guide covers the essentials before you cross the border.
Last verified: 21 April 2026
Got a specific question?
Got a question about the vignette, Brenner tolls, or winter tyres in Austria? Ask here without going through the full trip planner.
Driving rules
Speed cameras are widespread, both fixed and mobile, and enforcement is strict. Section control (Abschnittskontrolle) measures your average speed over several kilometres of motorway, not just at a single point.
Driving tips
- A valid vignette must be displayed on your windscreen (or digitally linked to your plate) before you join any Austrian motorway or expressway. Checks are automatic via camera gantries.
- Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes cannot use the vignette system. You must register for a GO-Box and pay a distance-based toll instead.
- Form a rescue lane (Rettungsgasse) in slow or stopped motorway traffic, as in Germany. Left-lane vehicles move left, others move right, leaving a gap in the middle for emergency services.
- Dipped headlights are not compulsory during the day, but recommended in tunnels and bad weather. Most modern vehicles use automatic daytime running lights.
- In Alpine valleys, IG-L (air pollution) signs display reduced speed limits automatically - look for the yellow-bordered matrix signs. Limits apply to all vehicles and are enforced.
- Snow chains may be required on signed routes even outside the 1 November - 15 April window if weather is poor. The sign is a blue circle showing a tyre with chains.
- Fines for speeding are levied on the spot in cash and can be very high, particularly on the A22 and around Vienna.
- Driving with daytime running lights or dipped beam is mandatory in all tunnels, regardless of length.
Required kit
Vehicles over 3,500 kg
Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes must register for a GO-Box electronic tag before using the motorway. The device is free, but you pay a per-kilometre toll with higher rates than vignette holders. Apply in advance at go-maut.at or collect at a border GO distribution point.
Towing a caravan
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
Section tolls apply in addition to the vignette on the following routes: A9 Pyhrn (Gleinalm and Bosruck tunnels), A10 Tauern, A11 Karawanken (to Slovenia), and A13 Brenner (to Italy). Pay by card or cash at toll plazas, or via electronic tag.
Some scenic Alpine passes run by private operators charge their own tolls too. The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a well-known example at around EUR 40 for a car and up to EUR 55 for a motorhome.
Vignette
Buy online at asfinag.at (digital vignette) or at border petrol stations and newsagents (sticker). The digital version is linked to your number plate and activates after an 18-day cooling-off period by default, so order at least 3 weeks ahead or tick the waiver at checkout for immediate activation.
Low emission zones
Austria does not use a windscreen sticker scheme. Instead, IG-L zones restrict older diesel vehicles (typically pre-Euro 4) and enforce reduced speed limits automatically via matrix signs. When the IG-L sign is lit, motorway limits may drop from 130 to 100 km/h or lower on the A12 and A22. Check your Euro class before travelling through the Inn valley.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
Austria follows a strict Sunday trading ban, similar to Germany. Railway station supermarkets (Bahnhof Billa, Bahnhof Spar) are the main exception and open Sundays and public holidays. In rural areas, many shops also close 12:00-15:00 for lunch.
Alcohol
Austrian supermarkets sell beer, wine, and spirits. Local wine from Wachau, Burgenland, and Styria is excellent and competitively priced. Beer deposits (Pfand) apply as in Germany.
Local tips
- Carry cash. Rural Austria remains cash-friendly and some small Stellplatze, Alpine huts, and ski-area kiosks do not take cards.
- Bakeries (Backerei) and butchers (Fleischhauerei) often open early and close by early afternoon. Go in the morning for the best selection.
- Tankstelle shops are the Sunday lifeline. Expect higher prices but a reasonable selection.
- Weekly farmers' markets (Bauernmarkt) are common in towns. They are good for local cheese, cured meats, and fruit.
Motorhome LPG and gas in Austria
Austria uses the ACME fitting for Autogas refills, the same as Germany. The network is smaller than in Germany or France, with roughly 200 LPG stations nationwide, concentrated along main routes and around cities. Plan ahead if you run a refillable tank, particularly in Alpine areas.
The main providers are OMV and BP. The main bottle brands are Tyczka and Shell Gas, sold at fuel stations and hardware stores. UK Calor bottles cannot be swapped.
An ACME adapter is essential if your UK-fitted tank uses the Dish (French) fitting. Read our complete guide to motorhome gas and LPG in Europe.
Motorhome electric hook-ups in Austria
Austrian campsites typically offer 16A hook-ups with standard 230V supply, using the blue CEE industrial plug. This gives you around 3,680 watts to work with, so running a kettle, heater, and fridge together is rarely a problem.
Reverse polarity is uncommon on Austrian sites, which generally have modern electrical installations. A socket tester is still worth carrying as a five-minute sanity check on arrival.
On Stellplatze, power is often metered and dispensed via a pillar that takes coins or contactless cards. Rates are typically EUR 0.60 to EUR 1.00 per kWh.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- Passport
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Insurance Certificate
- Travel Insurance Proof
Rental or hire vehicle
- VE103 Certificate
- Driving Licence Check Code
- International Driving Permit (if you still hold a paper licence)
Travelling with dogs
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Muzzle (required on public transport and in some cities)
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
Meat, milk, and products containing either cannot be brought into Austria from the UK. The main exceptions are powdered baby milk and medically prescribed pet food.
Border and entry
Useful links
Common questions
Do I need a vignette for my motorhome in Austria?
Yes. Any vehicle under 3.5 tonnes using an Austrian motorway or expressway (Autobahn or Schnellstrasse) must display a vignette or have a digital one linked to its number plate. The 10-day vignette costs 12.40 EUR, 2-month 31.10 EUR, and annual 103.80 EUR (2026 prices). Buy from asfinag.at, at border petrol stations, or via the ASFINAG app. Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes use a GO-Box distance toll instead.
What are the rules for winter tyres in Austria?
Winter tyres are compulsory between 1 November and 15 April if conditions are wintry (snow, ice, or slush). You do not need to fit them regardless of date, only when conditions require it. Snow chains are also required on certain signed mountain roads. Non-compliance carries a fine of around 35 EUR, or up to 5,000 EUR if you cause an obstruction.
How do the extra section tolls (Brenner, Tauern) work?
Certain mountain sections of motorway charge a separate toll on top of the vignette. These include the A9 Pyhrn, A10 Tauern, A11 Karawanken, and A13 Brenner. You pay per passage at a toll plaza, by card or cash, or via an electronic tag. Each charge is typically 10-15 EUR for a car or motorhome under 3.5 tonnes.
Can I take my dog to Austria in a motorhome?
Yes. Your dog needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by your vet within 10 days of travel. For the return to the UK, your dog must have a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 hours and 120 hours before arrival back in the UK.