The Brenner Pass (Brennerpass) is an absolutely crucial point on Europe's road map, representing the lowest crossing of the main Alpine range. It connects Austria with Italy, specifically Tyrol with South Tyrol. For thousands of drivers from Poland who travel to ski in the Dolomites, holiday on Lake Garda, or visit Tuscany each year, this route is the first choice. However, many questions arise regarding tolls: where exactly is the Brenner Pass toll road and why is a standard vignette not enough here?

It's important to start with a fundamental issue: passage through Brenner is not covered by the regular Austrian vignette. It is a so-called special toll route (Streckenmaut), for which a separate fee is paid regardless of whether you have a sticker on your windshield or a digital vignette. To avoid stress and queues, the safest solution is to purchase your entitlements in advance. All necessary vignettes for Austria and section tolls can be purchased quickly on the winiety24.eu service.

Exact location of the A13 toll section (Brenner Autobahn)

The toll section of the road through the Brenner Pass is located on the Austrian motorway A13. This route is approximately 35 kilometers long and runs from the Innsbruck-Süd junction right up to the Italian border at the Brenner Pass itself.

Route step by step:

• Innsbruck: The city where important routes intersect (A12 and A13). This is where the ascent to the pass begins.
• Europabrücke Bridge (European Bridge): An impressive engineering structure, which you cross just a few kilometers after Innsbruck. This is the heart of the toll section.
• Schönberg toll booth: Located about 10 km south of Innsbruck. This is the main point (Mautstelle) where physical toll control and collection from drivers who have not purchased a ticket in advance take place.
• Gries am Brenner village: The last major town before the border itself.
• Brenner Pass (1370 m a.s.l.): The culmination point where the A13 motorway ends and the Italian A22 motorway (Autostrada del Brennero) begins.

Why is Brenner separately tolled?

The road system in Austria is divided into vignette-covered roads and special sections. The cost of building and maintaining tunnels and gigantic bridges in difficult, high-mountain terrain is so high that the road operator (ASFINAG) charges additional fees for them. In addition to the Brenner Pass, similar rules apply, among others, to the Arlberg Tunnel or the Tauern Motorway.

Remember that if your route to Innsbruck passes through other motorways (e.g., you enter from Munich via the A12 motorway), you still need a standard vignette, e.g., a 10-day vignette, to legally reach the start of the A13 toll section.

How to efficiently pass the Schönberg toll booth?

Many drivers fear traffic jams at the toll booths. However, there are ways to pass through them almost without stopping:

1. Digital Section Toll (Videomaut): By purchasing a ticket online on winiety24.eu, you assign the toll to your license plate number. At the Schönberg toll booths, you then choose the lanes marked in green or with a camera symbol. The system will recognize your car and the barrier will open automatically.
2. Green lanes: These are dedicated exclusively to holders of digital tickets. Using them significantly shortens travel time, especially during peak winter and summer seasons.
3. Traditional payment: Possible in other lanes (cash, card). However, be prepared for queues, which can extend up to several kilometers on Saturdays.

Driving through Brenner in winter – what to remember?

The route's location at an altitude of over 1300 m a.s.l. means that weather conditions can be extreme here. Even if the sun is shining in the valley, a snowstorm can rage on the Brenner Pass itself. Austrian regulations regarding winter tires are very strict, and snow chains are often required on access sections. When planning a ski trip, check the validity of your entitlements and buy a one-day vignette or a longer one well in advance.

Prices and vehicle categories on A13 Brenner

The toll fee is constant for passenger cars up to 3.5 tons, regardless of whether you are towing a caravan or not (provided that the total weight does not require a different type of registration). Tickets are valid for one passage – if you plan to return the same way, you must purchase two entitlements.

Continuing your journey – Italy and A22

Once you pass the border sign on the Brenner Pass, you enter Italian territory. The toll road continues as the A22 motorway. The system here is different – there are no vignettes, but you take a ticket at the entrance (Telepass or paper ticket) and pay when exiting the motorway. This makes settling the Austrian A13 section online even more important – it helps avoid accumulating stops at both toll system borders.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)