A13 Brenner in Austria – Section Toll (Streckenmaut)
A13 Brenner – toll section in Austria (Streckenmaut). How to pay and travel stress-free?
The A13 motorway (Inntal–Brenner) connects Tyrol with the Brenner Pass and Italy. A section toll (Streckenmaut) applies to part of the route, which is separate from the classic vignette. Below you will find a complete guide: who pays, how to buy a digital ticket, rules for cars, motorcycles, and campers, as well as tips on weather, detours, and controls.
Related: · Slovenia · Czech Republic
What is Streckenmaut on A13 Brenner and who does it apply to?
Streckenmaut is an additional toll for using a specific section of a motorway or a tunnel. In Austria, besides the e-vignette (which covers most motorways), there are several special sections where payment is collected separately. This group includes A13 Brenner – a popular holiday and transit route (Austria ↔ Italy). This means that having a valid national vignette does not exempt you from paying for this section. The ticket can be bought traditionally at stationary points or – which we recommend – in digital form (Digital Section Toll).
The rule is simple: vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (passenger cars, motorcycles, light campers) purchase an A13 section toll ticket. Vehicles over 3.5 t (e.g., trucks, coaches) are subject to a different system (GO toll), but some camper drivers might be on the borderline – if in doubt, check the entry in your vehicle registration document and the permissible gross combined weight with a trailer.
Key differences: Vignette vs. A13 ticket
| Feature | Vignette (e-vignette) | Streckenmaut A13 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Most motorways and expressways in Austria | Specific A13 section (Brenner) |
| Form | Digital (linked to registration number) or sticker | Digital or paper ticket |
| Validity | 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, annual | For one journey / multiple journeys (depending on the selected ticket) |
| Control | Cameras + patrols | Section toll gates, cameras, patrols |
| Purchase | Online / stations / apps | Online (Digital Section Toll) / toll gates / points of sale |
How to buy an A13 Brenner ticket – step by step
- Choose product: AT e-vignette + Digital Section Toll for A13 (single trip or multiple trips – depending on your plan).
- Provide registration number: verification is done by cameras – the number must be error-free.
- Set date and direction of travel: if buying in advance, set the start of validity according to your route plan.
- Pay for the order online: fast transfers, card – confirmation arrives by email.
- Drive: you pass through the A13 toll gates without stopping – the system recognizes the license plate.
If you change your vehicle before departure, please contact us – we will advise you on how to correctly update the data.
What to watch out for (common mistakes)
- !Incorrect registration number – the system will not recognize the vehicle, which may result in a substitute toll. Check the letter "O" vs "0".
- !Wrong validity date – if you set the ticket for the wrong day/time, the toll gates will treat you as if you have no toll.
- !No vignette – the A13 ticket does not replace the vignette; access to and from the section is via general toll sections.
- !Trailer and GVW – make sure your combination fits into the category up to 3.5 t. For heavier vehicles, a different toll system applies.
Examples of travel plans via Brenner
Weekend in South Tyrol: start from Poland → Czech Republic/Slovakia → Austria (A12 + A13) → Italy. It's most convenient to choose a 10-day e-vignette and a single-trip A13 ticket, plus another ticket for the return if you're taking the same route.
Ski trip to the Dolomites: winter season can be snowy – remember chains and winter tires. Plan your transit time window to avoid the busiest hours (Friday afternoon, Saturday morning).
Tourist detour through Tyrol: if you are stopping in Innsbruck, consider purchasing a multi-trip A13 ticket – it allows you to plan entry/exit more freely without having to buy a ticket each time.
Conditions on A13: weather, traffic, and safety
The A13 runs through mountainous terrain. In winter and early spring, heavy snowfall and icing are possible; in summer – increased tourist traffic and roadworks. Maintain a greater distance, use engine braking on descents, and monitor brake temperature, especially when driving a camper or with a trailer. In case of an emergency corridor formation, move as far as possible to the edge of your lane.
- ✓Chains and winter tires – may be mandatory during the season; check signs and announcements.
- ✓Stations and service areas – refuel earlier; prices can be higher in the mountain section.
- ✓EV charging – plan a stop in Innsbruck or A12 junction; on A13 itself, the number of fast chargers is smaller.
Alternatives and detours
The historic route Brennerstraße (B182) is sometimes used as a detour, but remember local traffic restrictions (especially for trucks and during peak season). It's a scenic route, but slower and with numerous speed limits. If time and comfort are important to you, the A13 with a digital ticket is a better choice.
Controls and penalties – how to avoid them?
The A13 system uses cameras and checking gates. In the absence of a valid ticket, a substitute toll (colloquially a "fine") is charged. To drive peacefully:
- ✓buy a ticket before entering the A13 section,
- ✓check if you also have an e-vignette for other sections in Austria,
- ✓keep the confirmation in your email and offline (PDF) – it comes in handy during controls.
Passenger cars
The most common category. You buy an e-vignette (e.g., 10 days) and an A13 ticket. If you are returning via the same route – add a return ticket.
A combination with a trailer still fits into the system up to 3.5 t, as long as the GVW of the entire combination does not exceed the limits – check your documents.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists benefit from cheaper vignette and ticket rates. Remember the increased risk of side gusts in the pass area.
On steep descents, don't coast – use engine braking and take regular breaks.
Campers
Most tourist campers fall into the category up to 3.5 t, but increasingly popular superstructures can be heavier. If the GVW exceeds 3.5 t – a different toll collection system (GO) and different rules apply at the pass.
The center of gravity and brakes of a camper on long descents require more attention than in a passenger car.
Checklist before entering A13
- ✓I have bought an e-vignette for Austria.
- ✓I have an A13 ticket (single or multi-trip) for the correct date/time.
- ✓The registration number has been entered exactly as in the document (no typos).
- ✓The car has safety vests, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit; in winter – chains and an ice scraper.
- ✓Stop plan: fuel, toilet, snacks; for EVs – planned fast charging.
Ready to go?
Buy an A13 ticket and e-vignette now – save time at toll gates and avoid stress.
FAQ – A13 Brenner (Streckenmaut)
Does the A13 ticket replace the Austrian vignette?
No. The A13 ticket applies only to the special section. On access roads and other motorways, a vignette (e-vignette) is still required. It is safest to buy both products in one order.
How does the Digital Section Toll work?
In the digital system, your ticket is linked to your registration number. As you pass, cameras and toll gates read your license plate and automatically verify the payment – you pass without stopping.
What if I make a mistake in the registration number?
This is the most common mistake. Contact us as soon as possible, before you start your journey – we will help you correct the data according to the operator's rules. In case of control, an incorrect number may result in a substitute toll.
Can I buy an A13 ticket for a round trip?
Yes. If you plan to return via the same route, it is convenient to buy two passes at once or a multi-trip ticket (if available). This way you avoid downtime and looking for points of sale.
Do motorcycles also pay on A13?
Yes, motorcycles have their own rate. Remember gloves and wind-protective clothing – conditions at the pass can change within minutes.
I'm driving a camper – what about tolls?
It depends on the permissible gross vehicle weight. Campers up to 3.5 t pay like passenger cars (vignette + A13 ticket). Above 3.5 t, you enter the toll system for heavy vehicles – the rules are different, as is the gate infrastructure.
Are there frequent traffic jams on A13?
During peak seasons and weekends, traffic can be very heavy. Choose earlier morning hours or late evening. In case of heavy snowfall, the speed limit may be lowered, and heavier vehicles checked for winter equipment.
What if the section is suddenly closed?
In mountainous terrain, weather-related and technical incidents occur. Announcements will direct you to local detours (often B182). Stay calm, follow the instructions of the services, and do not make U-turns on the motorway.
Can I cross Brenner without the motorway?
Theoretically yes – via route B182 – however, this solution is slower, has more restrictions, and is not always available for heavier vehicles. For comfort and travel time, we recommend the motorway with a digital ticket.
How to store confirmations?
Preferably in two places: email + saved PDF on your phone. With poor mobile coverage, accessing your inbox can be difficult – an offline file is invaluable then.
Planning a trip through Brenner – what else to remember?
Brenner is one of the oldest and lowest Alpine passes, which is why its popularity is enormous not only during the holiday season. If your destination is Italy (South Tyrol, Trentino, Verona, Modena, Tuscany) or you are heading further to Liguria and France, crossing the A13 with a digital ticket will be the fastest. For trips from Poland (via the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary or Germany), also check our pages about tolls: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and if you choose the route through Slovenia – Slovenia.
It is worth booking a transit overnight stay in the Innsbruck area if you are traveling with children or late in the evening. A long ascent/descent in the mountains is tiring – a break and a calm morning often save nerves and help avoid traffic jams.