The border between Austria and Hungary stretches over 356.4 kilometers. In addition to numerous road and railway border crossings, there is a motorway crossing at Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN), which plays the largest role for holidaymakers. The road crossing at Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) is also widely known due to its historical significance at the fall of the Iron Curtain and is often used due to its proximity to Vienna.
Smooth border traffic is crucial for the economic and social integration within the European Union. In this context, the border crossing between Hungary and Austria plays an important role. The connection between these two countries is not only an important transport corridor in Central Europe, but also a symbol of cross-border cooperation in the EU.
The history of this border crossing dates back a long time and reflects the changing political and economic developments in Europe. Today, the border crossing between Hungary and Austria is a key point for passenger and freight traffic and plays a central role in the European road network.
There are numerous road crossings between Austria and Hungary. The most famous are Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) and the motorway crossing Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN). Both are about 45-50 minutes away from the Austrian capital, Vienna. Other road crossings are in Pamhagen, Schachendorf, and Heiligenkreuz im Lafnitztal, as well as many other country road crossings that hardly play a role in international traffic. Due to border controls, toll checks, and construction sites, waiting times at the borders range from 5 minutes to over an hour. The risk of traffic jams depends on the number of vehicles on the routes. Especially during peak travel times, the motorway crossing is often very crowded. The border crossings and waiting times at the Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN) border can be monitored via live images.
The Klingenbach (AT) / Sopron (HUN) border crossing is probably the most famous crossing between Austria and Hungary. The Austrian A3 motorway becomes the B16 shortly before the border. In Hungary, one travels on the main road 84. The border crossing is well-known because it was one of the first crossings between Austria and Hungary to open in 1989. On July 27, 1989, Austrian Foreign Minister Alois Mock and Hungarian Foreign Minister Gyula Horn cut a symbolic hole in the “Iron Curtain” that divided Eastern and Western Europe.
The only major motorway crossing between Austria and Hungary is Nickelsdorf (AT) / Hegyeshalom (HUN). The Austrian A4 motorway connects to the Hungarian M1 motorway, which leads directly to the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Due to toll checks, waiting times may be longer here than in Klingenbach.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll sections to consider.
In Hungary, there is a vignette requirement for cars, trailers, and motorhomes. It is called the e-Matrica (Hungarian vignette), which electronically checks the toll via the vehicle's license plate. You should purchase the e-vignette online before your trip, as failing to have an e-vignette while driving on a toll section can result in fines.
Your vehicle will be tolled differently depending on its class. For example, cars with more than 7 seats are subject to higher tolls than cars with fewer than 7 seats. You can find more information about the different vehicle classes here:
Within the different vehicle classes, you can choose between different durations. If you're unsure about your vehicle class, you can find more detailed information here.
If your vehicle is over 3.5 t GVW, you will have to pay tolls based on the distance traveled. This means that motorhomes, buses, and trucks must pay a distance-based electronic toll, which is calculated through the HU-GO System (electronic toll collection). Thus, the distance-based toll replaces the vignette, and you no longer need one.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll sections to consider in Austria.
To use Austria's motorway and expressway network, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW need a (digital) vignette. You can choose between different validity periods based on your vehicle class.
However, there are also toll-free motorways. You can find out whether bypassing the toll is worthwhile here.
Note that for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement is waived, and instead, a distance-based toll must be paid. This performance-based toll is settled using a GO-Box, which must be installed in your vehicle for data collection.
In addition to the vignette requirement and distance-based toll, there are certain special toll roads in Austria that you should be aware of during your trip. For using these special toll roads, additional fees apply.
For more information on the various tunnels and certain mountain pass roads, you can find our guide.
Now, let's introduce eight remarkable sights and attractions that are waiting for you near this border crossing.
Order your vignette easily and conveniently with us. Choose between the different durations for Hungary and Austria. Travel stress-free through the country of your dreams with your pre-purchased vignette. We wish you a great time on your journey!
