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Preparing your trip to Austria

Are you planning a trip to Austria? We have put together a range of recommendations and numerous tips to guarantee you a smooth start and an unforgettable travelling experience.

Free Flow in Austria

What is Free Flow?

Free Flow means barrier-free tolling – drive straight through without stopping. It improves traffic flow, safety, and reduces emissions.

Where is Free Flow already in place in Austria?

Free-flow toll systems are operated by ASFINAG and are currently used on specific special toll sections. These routes no longer have barriers.

Free Flow routes (as of 2025):

MotorwaySectionSpecial features
A10 Tauern MotorwayToll station St. Michael (since 2023)Fully automated system
A13 Brenner MotorwaySchönberg (conversion to Free Flow in progress, test phase)
A9 Pyhrn MotorwayToll stations Bosruck and GleinalmPartly Free Flow already, more expansion planned

Note: Motorways like A1, A2, A4, etc. still require a vignette. There is no Free Flow there yet because they are not subject to special tolls.

How does Free Flow work?

The system is based on automatic number plate recognition by cameras and/or transponder detection (e.g., “GO-Box” for trucks or digital toll for cars).

How it works:

  1. Drive through the toll section without stopping (detected via cameras and sensors).
  2. Your license plate is automatically recognized and checked against the database.
  3. If no valid payment is found, a follow-up or fine is issued.

How do you pay the Free Flow toll?

a) Buy digital toll in advance

Ideal for cars – online or via app:

  • Website: www.asfinag.at
  • App: “ASFINAG Unterwegs”
  • Valid on selected routes (e.g., A10, A13, A9)
  • License plate must be entered correctly!

b) Automatic deduction via transponder

If you have a GO-Box (for trucks) or another registered toll device.

c) Pay afterwards (limited time only)

If you didn’t buy a digital toll in advance, you can (depending on the route) pay online within 24 hours after driving through. After that, a replacement toll fee will apply.

Important:

  • No barriers anymore! – But the journey is still monitored.
  • License plate accuracy is key! – A wrong entry can lead to a fine.
  • Useful for tourists: The vignette remains mandatory on all regular motorways. Free Flow applies only to additional special toll sections.

Check out our article: Beware of the barrier-free toll trap

Tips for your trip to Austria

Are you going on holiday by car? We want to help you avoid a breakdown, which is always annoying and frustrating.

ACL is taking the lead to help you avoid stress and wasted holidays by providing you with a list of essential precautions to take before you go on holiday.

The checklist

Points to check yourself

  • In what condition are my tyres?
  • Are the various fluids up to standard?
  • Do I need to change my wiper blades?

Practical advice from our experts before setting off for Austria

Discover practical tips for maintaining and improving your vehicle in our video. Our specialists give you tips on how to maximise performance and take control of certain elements.

Our other tips and services for your trip to Austria

Take the “Holiday” test at the ACL Diagnostic Center

If you want to take off with peace of mind, the “Holiday” test (Summer/Winter) focuses on the safety and reliability of your vehicle before taking to the road with your family.

Book a test

 

Our useful articles to help you prepare for your trip to Austria

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