Does the vignette in Austria cover tunnels and bridges? Rules and fees 2026
Planning a car trip through Austria in 2026? This is one of the most common questions for drivers: do I still have to pay for anything after buying a vignette? The answer is: **yes**. Although the vignette provides access to most motorways, the most technically challenging alpine tunnels and bridges are paid for separately. We explain how the Sondermaut system works.
🧾 What does the vignette in Austria cover in 2026?
The vignette (both the traditional sticker and the e-vignette online) is mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 t using motorways (*Autobahnen*) and expressways (*Schnellstraßen*). In 2026, this system covers approximately 90% of the road network managed by ASFINAG.
Types and prices of vignettes 2026 (Passenger cars):
🚧 Special sections (Sondermautstrecken) – where the vignette does not apply
In 2026, Austria maintains the system of so-called **special toll sections**. These are routes whose construction and maintenance (due to tunnels or bridges) were extremely expensive. They have been excluded from the general vignette system and require a separate section-specific toll.
| Section Name (Motorway) | Key Feature | Rate 2026 (1 passage) |
|---|---|---|
| A13 Brenner Autobahn | Europabrücke Bridge / Brenner Pass | approx. €11.00 |
| A10 Tauern Autobahn | Tauern and Katschberg Tunnels | approx. €13.50 |
| S16 Arlberg Schnellstraße | Arlberg Road Tunnel | approx. €11.50 |
| A11 Karawanken Autobahn | Karawanken Tunnel (direction Slovenia) | approx. €8.20 |
| A9 Pyhrn Autobahn | Bosruck and Gleinalm Tunnels | approx. €6.50 - €10.50 |
Tip: On the above sections, you **do not need a vignette** if you are only travelling on them. However, in 99% of cases, access to these tunnels leads through toll roads requiring a vignette, so in practice you need both fees.
📲 How to pay for tunnels and bridges in 2026?
In 2026, Austria relies on contactless systems. You have two main options:
- Toll booth: You can pay in cash or by card on site. However, during the holiday season, this can lead to significant traffic jams (up to 2 hours of waiting before the Tauern tunnel).
- Digital section toll (Digital Streckenmaut): The best solution. You buy a ticket online at Winiety24.eu, providing your license plate number. The camera system recognizes your car, and you pass through the **green lane** (Digital Toll Lane) without stopping.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Austrian Routes
Is the Arlberg tunnel always open?
In 2026, periodic maintenance work is to be expected. Always check the current status on Winiety24.eu before purchasing a Sondermaut ticket.
Does a tunnel ticket purchased online have a grace period?
No. Unlike ASFINAG annual vignettes for private individuals, tickets for special sections (Streckenmaut) and e-vignettes purchased through Winiety24.eu are valid **immediately** after purchase.
📝 **Conclusion:** In 2026, a vignette alone is not enough to travel through Austria to the south without stopping. When planning your route through the Tauern Tunnel or Brenner Pass, purchase an **e-section ticket** along with your vignette to save time and avoid 120 EUR fines.
🚀 **Buy a vignette and e-ticket for tunnels in one order!**
On Winiety24.eu, you will receive official confirmations within 15 minutes: