Situated on the Tauern Motorway A10, the 6546-meter-long Tauern Tunnel is a road tunnel. In conjunction with the Katschberg Tunnel, it is an essential component of the route linking Villach and Salzburg.
Many travelers on their way to the Balkans, Croatia, and Slovenia use the Tauern Tunnel and the Karawanken Tunnel on the A11 to save time and avoid dangerous pass roads. The Tauern Autobahn allows drivers to get from Northern Europe to the South in the fastest way. Also, it is often used by travelers heading to Italy, Albania, Romania, and Montenegro.
The route between the Katschberg and Tauern Tunnel, which includes traveling through both tunnels, is classified as a unique toll route. It is not subject to the Austrian vignette requirement, just like any other special toll route in Austria. Instead, the special toll must be paid directly on-site or recorded electronically via video toll.
As part of an extensive refurbishment, Tauern Tunnel will be closed for many months. The duration of this measure is from November 18, 2024, to July 4, 2025. The Tauern Tunnel was closed for a month in the spring of 2023 (from April 12 to May 17, 2023) due to an inspection that found preventive measures were necessary over a 20-meter part of the tunnel.
There are typically kilometer-long traffic jams on the Tauern Autobahn heading south on weekends or at the start of the holidays.
Where can I purchase the Tauern Tunnel toll?
It is possible to cover the Tauern Tunnel toll in a straightforward way online from the comfort of your home. You can pay the digital toll via numerous online payment methods, for example, a debit/credit card, Paypal, Klarna, or bank transfer. Once payment has been successfully completed, the license plate number of your vehicle will be automatically registered in the ASFINAG system. It becomes valid immediately.
Fees for the Tauern Tunnel toll
The rates for using Tauern Tunnel in 2024 are as follows:
- Single route ticket – € 13,50
- Multi-trip card – € 81,00
- Multi-trip card for commuters – € 13,50
- Multi-trip card for drivers of vehicles for the disabled* – free of charge
Benefits of paying the Tauern Tunnel toll online
Paying the Tauern Tunnel toll online has numerous benefits, namely:
- You can cover the digital toll for the Tauern Autobahn from any place and at any time without the need to stop at the toll booth.
- You can use various convenient online payment options.
- After paying the toll, your license plate number is digitally registered in the ASFINAG database.
- You can get an email confirming your purchase within several minutes.
- You get the opportunity to use the green lane on the left side of the toll booth which enables a quick passage.
Tauern Autobahn individual sections
You can choose to drive on certain A10 segments and then get off the Tauernautobahn early. It benefits you in a way that you need to cover only a part of the toll. This is the only option for you if you haven’t paid the toll online beforehand. There are three options available to you:
- Flachau to Zederhaus / Zederhaus to Flachau
- Flachau to St. Michael / St. Michael to Flachau
- St. Michael to Rennweg / Rennweg to St. Michael
Traffic jams on the A10
Recently, especially during the holidays, traffic jams on the A10 in front of the Tauern Tunnel have been extremely heavy. Big holidays almost always mean block handling at the Tauern Tunnel. Sometimes, lines of vehicles can stretch as long as nearly 40 km. However, after the opening of the first tube, which is undergoing renovation work at the moment, many traffic jams will leave in the past.
Is it safe to drive through the Tauern Tunnel?
Billions of euros have been committed by ASFINAG to ensure the security of the Tauern Tunnel. Modern equipment monitors the Tauern Tunnel in real time, ensuring that automobiles can travel through it safely. Acoustic tunnel monitoring (AKUT), which is installed in the tunnel, is able to identify irregularities and disturbances in tunnel operation early on. Due to the means of acoustic tunnel monitoring, the rescue services can be promptly notified in case of any emergency. The sensor technology comprises temperature sensors, CO2 sensors for air quality monitoring, traffic monitoring, and smoke and fire alarms.
FAQ
How long is the Tauern Tunnel?
The first tube of the Tauern Tunnel, with a length of 6,401 meters, was finished in 1975. The second tube was completed in 2010 and has a 6,546-meter length.
How much is the Tauern Tunnel toll in 2024?
In 2024, the Tauern Tunnel toll for a single route ticket is €13.50, multi-trip card – €81.00, multi-trip card for commuters – €13.50, while a multi-trip card can be obtained by drivers of vehicles for the disabled free of charge.
How to buy Tauern Tunnel toll online?
You can cover the Tauern Tunnel toll digitally using Paypal, Klarna, debit/credit cards, or other online payment methods. The confirmation of your payment will be delivered to you via email. The registration plate number of your vehicle will be recorded in the Austria database.
Does the Tauern Tunnel toll get valid immediately?
The digital toll for the A10 Tauernautobahn and the Katschbergpass is valid immediately. Therefore, travelers do not have to wait 18 days, as in the case of purchasing the vignette via ASFINAG.
How long does the drive through the Tauern Tunnel take?
Driving through the Tauern Tunnel takes about 12 minutes. However, take into account that travel time may differ based on the situation, for example, traffic jams and vehicle speed.
What is the width and height of the Tauern Tunnel?
The first and second tubes’ roadway is 7.50 meters long. The Tauern Tunnel is 4.70 meters high.