All about the Austrian Autobahn

Austrian Autobahn Everything You Need to Know

The Austrian Autobahn is the main part of the country’s road system. It provides a fast transportation network that links Austria with nearby countries and big cities. Unlike the German Autobahn, Austria has strict speed limits and requires a toll sticker or digital pass to use the roads. The Autobahn is managed by ASFINAG, which is important for travel within Austria and to other countries. It helps commuters, transport companies, and tourists find quick routes to enjoy Austria’s beautiful scenery.

 

The History of the Austrian Autobahn

Ideas for creating a limited-access road system with separated interchanges were thought of in the 1920s. This included a planned “Nibelungen” highway along the Danube River, going from Passau to Vienna and further to Budapest. However, these plans were never carried out because of the long economic struggles after Austria-Hungary ended in 1918, which got worse during the Great Depression.

The first autobahn in Austria was the West Autobahn, linking Salzburg to Vienna. However, by September 13, 1941, only 16.8 kilometers (10.4 miles) were finished, including the junction for the planned Tauern Autobahn.

By the late 20th century, Austria had established a well-structured autobahn network, managed by ASFINAG, the state-owned company responsible for road maintenance and toll collection. Unlike Germany, Austria introduced a toll system requiring drivers to purchase a “Vignette” for highway use.

Today, the Austrian autobahn network plays a vital role in connecting the country internally and linking it with neighboring nations. It supports trade, tourism, and daily transportation while incorporating modern technology to enhance safety and efficiency.

Ongoing developments focus on environmental sustainability, including noise reduction measures and eco-friendly infrastructure. The autobahn remains a crucial part of Austria’s transportation system, balancing historical significance with modern innovation.

The length of the Autobahn

Number  Name  Route  Length
A1 West Autobahn  Vienna – Linz – Salzburg – Germany  292 km
A2  Süd Autobahn  Vienna – Graz – Klagenfurt – Italy  377 km
A3 Südost Autobahn  Guntramsdorf – Eisenstadt  38 km
A4 Ost Autobahn  Vienna – Schwechat – Hungary  66 km
A5 Nord Autobahn  Eibesbrunn – Poysdorf  24 km
A6 Nordost Autobahn  Bruckneudorf – Slovakia  22 km
A7 Mühlkreis Autobahn  Linz – Unterweitersdorf  29 km
A8 Innkreis Autobahn  Voralpenkreuz – Wels – Germany  76 km
A9 Pyhrn Autobahn  Voralpenkreuz – Graz – Slovenia  230 km
A10 Tauern Autobahn  Salzburg – Villach  193 km

As of 2023, Austria’s major road network, which includes both autobahns (motorways) and expressways, spans approximately 2,249 kilometers.

This network is managed by ASFiNAG, a publicly owned company responsible for the construction, maintenance, and toll collection of Austria’s high-capacity roads.

The autobahn system comprises 18 routes, each designated with an ‘A’ followed by a number, such as the A1 West Autobahn and the A2 Süd Autobahn. These motorways are crucial for facilitating efficient transportation and connectivity across the country.

In addition to the autobahns, Austria has a network of expressways, known as ‘Schnellstraßen,’ which complement the motorway system by providing high-speed routes that often navigate the country’s challenging mountainous terrain. The current Schnellstraßen system has a total length of 466 kilometers.

Together, these networks play a vital role in Austria’s transportation infrastructure, supporting both domestic travel and international transit.

Where is the Autobahn? Key Routes & Entry Points

Autobahn A1

The Austrian Autobahn A1 (West Autobahn) spans 292 km, running from Vienna to the German border at Walserberg. It serves as a key transport corridor, connecting major cities such as Sankt Pölten, Linz, and Salzburg. As one of Austria’s most important highways, it facilitates both domestic and international travel, linking Austria with Germany. The route offers scenic drives through the Danube Valley and the Alpine foothills, featuring both high-speed sections and areas prone to congestion near urban centers. The A1 is an essential part of Austria’s motorway infrastructure, supporting freight transport and tourism across the country.

Autobahn A2

The Austrian Autobahn A2 (Süd Autobahn) is Austria’s longest motorway, stretching 377 km from Vienna to the Italian border at Arnoldstein. It connects key cities such as Wiener Neustadt, Graz, and Klagenfurt, serving as a major north-south corridor through the country. Known for its scenic yet challenging alpine terrain, the A2 includes steep gradients and tunnels, requiring careful navigation, especially in winter. As a crucial trade and transit route, it links eastern and southern Europe, facilitating both commercial freight transport and passenger travel.

Autobahn A3

The Austrian Autobahn A3 (Südost Autobahn) is a short but important route, spanning 38 km from Guntramsdorf (A2) to the Hungarian border at Klingenbach. It primarily serves as a connector between Vienna and Hungary, facilitating cross-border trade and travel. Despite its short length, the A3 plays a crucial role in regional and international transportation, linking Austria’s motorway network to Hungary’s M85 expressway. The route experiences steady traffic, especially from freight transport, as it is part of a key trade corridor between Western and Eastern Europe.

Autobahn A4

The Austrian Autobahn A4 (Ost Autobahn) spans 66 km, connecting Vienna to the Hungarian border at Nickelsdorf. It serves as a crucial east-west transit route, linking Austria’s capital with Bratislava (Slovakia) and Budapest (Hungary). The A4 passes through key locations such as Schwechat (Vienna International Airport) and Neusiedl am See, making it essential for both commercial and passenger transport. Due to its role in facilitating international trade and tourism, the A4 experiences heavy truck traffic, particularly near border crossings and major logistics hubs. As one of Austria’s most important autobahns, it plays a vital role in European transit and economic connectivity.

Autobahn A5 

The Austrian Autobahn A5 (Nord Autobahn) spans 24 km, connecting Eibesbrunn (north of Vienna) to Poysdorf, with plans for future extension to the Czech border at Drasenhofen. It serves as a crucial north-south corridor, linking Vienna to the Czech Republic via the D52 expressway. The A5 passes through Mistelbach, supporting both local and international traffic. Known for its modern infrastructure, the A5 plays a vital role in trade and tourism between Austria and its northern neighbors. Although relatively short, it is part of a broader effort to enhance connectivity between Austria and Central Europe.

Autobahn A7

The Austrian Autobahn A7 (Mühlkreis Autobahn) spans 29 km, connecting Linz with Unterweitersdorf, where it links to the S10 expressway toward the Czech Republic. It serves as a key regional and international route, facilitating traffic between Austria and its northern neighbors. The A7 passes through Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, making it an essential commuter and freight corridor. Known for its urban congestion, especially during peak hours, the A7 also features important infrastructure like the Voest Bridge over the Danube. Although shorter than its German counterpart, it plays a crucial role in Upper Austria’s transportation network.

Autobahn Driving Rules

The Austrian Autobahn is well-known for its regulated speed limits and strict traffic rules, ensuring both safety and efficiency. Unlike Germany, Austria enforces speed limits on all autobahns, typically 130 km/h, with lower limits in construction zones, tunnels, and areas with environmental restrictions. Safe driving on Austria’s motorways requires understanding key rules and etiquette, including keeping the left lane free for overtaking, using headlights in tunnels, and adhering to the toll system (Vignette). Respecting these regulations helps maintain smooth traffic flow and a safer driving environment for both locals and international travelers.

Know the Emergency Protocols

If you experience car trouble on the Austrian Autobahn, immediately pull over to the emergency lane, activate your hazard lights, and place a warning triangle approximately 150 meters behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. Emergency phones are available every 2 km, providing a direct connection to roadside assistance.

Watch for Speed Limit Signs

Certain sections of the Austrian Autobahn, especially near cities, construction zones, and busy interchanges, have strictly enforced speed limits. These limits are mandatory, and violations can result in hefty fines. In some areas, dynamic digital signs adjust speed restrictions based on traffic flow, weather conditions, or air quality regulations.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

The faster you drive on the Austrian Autobahn, the more stopping distance you need to react safely. A general rule is to maintain a following distance of at least half your speed in meters—for example, if driving at 120 km/h, leave a 60-meter gap between you and the vehicle ahead.

Our Premium Fleet for the Autobahn Experience

 

Some automobile enthusiasts visiting Austria might have different expectations when experiencing the Austrian Autobahn for the first time. However, driving through Austria’s scenic Alpine landscapes in a high-performance car remains an exhilarating experience.

If you’ve ever dreamed of driving a supercar on Austria’s Autobahn, the opportunity to experience luxury and performance with Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, or Porsche makes the journey unforgettable. While speed regulations apply, the smooth roads, breathtaking mountain passes, and dynamic driving conditions ensure an adventure that blends both thrill and sophistication.

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Engine

3.9L V8 Twin-Turbo

Power

710 bhp

Acceleration

(0-100 km/h): 2.9 seconds

Top Speed

340 km/h (211 mph)

Lamborghini Huracan

Engine

5.2L Naturally Aspirated V10

Power

640 bhp

Acceleration

0 to 100 km/h in 3.1s

Top Speed

325 km/h

Ford Mustang

Engine

5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8

Power

486 bhp

Acceleration

0 to 100 km/h in 4.2s

Top Speed

250 km/h

Porsche 992 Carrera GTS

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbo Flat-6

Power

473 bhp

Acceleration

0 to 100 km/h in 3.4s

Top Speed

311 km/h

€2.08 billion
per year maintenance
130 km/h
recommended speed
18,000
per day traffic volume
4.7 deaths
per billion kilometers driven

More Autobahn Guides & Essential Resources

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