Karavanke tunnel toll: what the Slovenia vignette does not cover
Last checked: 3 November 2026
The Karavanke tunnel (Karawankentunnel, predor Karavanke) on the border between Austria and Slovenia is a special toll section. Since 1 January 2026 the tunnel toll is €9.00. The Slovenia vignette does not cover the tunnel: even with a valid vignette, the tunnel toll has to be paid separately.
Where the tunnel is
The tunnel lies at the northern start of the Slovenian A2 motorway, which runs from the Karavanke border crossing via Ljubljana to the Croatian border at Obrežje. It is one of the main transit routes from Austria through Slovenia to Croatia.
How the toll is collected
| Direction | Where the toll is paid |
|---|---|
| southbound (Austria → Slovenia) | on the Austrian side; the toll is collected by ASFINAG, the Austrian motorway company |
| northbound (Slovenia → Austria) | on the Slovenian side, at Hrušica |
So you pay the tunnel toll once for each passage, regardless of whether you have a Slovenian or an Austrian vignette.
What you need on this route
- Tunnel toll: €9.00 per passage since 1 January 2026.
- Slovenia vignette: for the A2 motorway from the tunnel exit towards Ljubljana and further. The tunnel toll does not replace the vignette.
- Austrian toll: on the Austrian side, Austrian rules apply; these are not part of the Slovenian vignette.
If your vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes, you do not use a vignette in Slovenia but the DarsGo system with an on-board device. See Which Slovenia vignette category do I need?
Routes without the tunnel
The tunnel toll applies only if you cross the border through the Karavanke tunnel. Other main border crossings into Slovenia lead directly onto motorways covered by the vignette:
- from Austria via Šentilj on the A1 towards Maribor and Ljubljana,
- from Hungary via Pince on the A5,
- from Italy via Fernetiči on the A3 or via Vrtojba on the H4.
On these routes you need only the Slovenia vignette for the Slovenian part of the journey. Which route is best for travelling on to Croatia is explained in the guide Driving through Slovenia to Croatia.
Planning tips
- Buy the Slovenia vignette before the trip and choose the start day on which you will drive through the tunnel. A vignette bought in advance is valid only from the chosen day.
- Count the days: a trip from Saturday to Saturday lasts eight days and does not fit into one 7-day vignette. Details in the guide Slovenia vignette validity.
- Keep in mind that the tunnel toll is paid in addition, in both directions.
- Check the licence plate and country on your vignette confirmation. The vignette is checked electronically, by number plate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Karavanke tunnel included in the Slovenia vignette?
No. The tunnel is a special toll section with its own toll.
How much does the Karavanke tunnel cost?
Since 1 January 2026, €9.00 per passage.
Do I pay twice for there and back?
Yes. The toll is paid for each passage: southbound on the Austrian side, northbound at Hrušica.
Do I still need a vignette after the tunnel?
Yes. For the Slovenian motorways after the tunnel you need a valid Slovenia vignette.
You can order the Slovenia vignette online with us: choose the category, validity and start day, enter the licence plate and pay. You will receive the confirmation by e-mail.