1. Sondermautstrecke A13 – why do you need an additional ticket?
Many people planning a route to Italy make a cardinal mistake: they buy a 10-day vignette for Austria and assume it covers all roads. In 2026, controls on Sondermaut (special toll) sections are exceptionally strict. The A13 Brenner motorway is not covered by the general vignette system.
This is due to the enormous financial outlays for infrastructure maintenance. When traveling on the A13, you cross, among other things, the Europabrücke – an engineering masterpiece 190 meters high. The toll for this specific section is collected regardless of whether you have an annual vignette or not.
2. Where is the safest place to buy a Brenner ticket in 2026?
In the age of digitalization, you have three options, but only one guarantees full comfort for a Pole:
- Winiety24.eu (Recommended): You buy a ticket at https://winiety24.eu/zamowienie?countries=AT. The system is integrated directly with the ASFINAG database. You pay in PLN, get a Polish invoice, and – most importantly – the ticket is active in the video-detection system almost immediately.
- Motorway machines: You can buy a ticket at machines before entering the A13. However, you risk making a mistake when entering the number on a small screen and losing time by exiting the route.
- Manual gates: Traditional payment to a cashier. In 2026, manual lanes are the slowest. During the holiday season, bottlenecks at the Schönberg gates can extend the journey by 40-60 minutes.
3. How does the Videomaut (Video Toll) system work?
This technology is based on high-resolution cameras placed above the lanes. After purchase on Winiety24.eu, your license plate number is added to the "whitelist" of active crossings.
Passage instructions:
- Head for the lanes marked with green signs (Digital Toll / Videomaut).
- Slow down to 20-30 km/h so the camera can read the license plate.
- You don't need to show anything or open the window.
- When the light turns green, the barrier will lift automatically.
4. Brenner Pass – key logistical information
The A13 Brenner Autobahn is approximately 35 km long and runs from Innsbruck to the Italian border. It is the highest motorway in Europe that is passable all year round. However, it should be noted that in 2026, stricter technical vehicle inspections and weight limits (LKW) were introduced.
Tip for drivers with a trailer: If your vehicle combination exceeds 3.5t GVW, toll rules may differ (GO-Box system). For standard passenger cars with a caravan, one A13 ticket is usually sufficient, but always verify current parameters in the order configurator.
5. Ticket prices and variants for the 2026 season
| Ticket Type | Price (PLN) | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 crossing (A13) | 58,00 PLN | Single one-way crossing |
| 2 crossings (Round trip) | 116,00 PLN | Ideal for a two-week holiday in Italy |
| Multi-crossing pass | Varies | For people who frequently travel this route |
6. Frequently Asked Questions for drivers (FAQ)
Is the Brenner ticket valid for both directions?
No. A standard 1-crossing ticket works only in one direction. If you return the same way, you must buy two separate tickets. You can purchase them simultaneously on Winiety24.eu.
How much time do I have to use the ticket?
A digital ticket purchased from us is valid until it is used or until the end of the calendar year. You can buy it well in advance.
What if the cameras don't work?
This happens extremely rarely (e.g., with a very dirty license plate). In that case, simply drive to the manual lane and provide the cashier with your license plate number – they will manually check the validity in the system.
Summary
Traveling through Brenner in 2026 doesn't have to be stressful. The key to success is avoiding manual payments and queues. By purchasing a ticket on Winiety24.eu, you choose the most modern form of toll payment, which allows you to enjoy the Alpine views instead of getting nervous at the barrier.