Cross-border route

Austria Slovakia

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Austria into Slovakia: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Slovakia expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The A6/D2 motorway links Vienna with Bratislava, just an hour apart.

Get my permit for Slovakia Slovakia requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromAustria

ToSlovakia

IDP in SlovakiaStrongly recommended

Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in SlovakiaEUR

Emergency number112

Top speed limit130 km/h motorways

Austria → Slovakia

Crossing the border

The A6/D2 motorway links Vienna with Bratislava, just an hour apart.

Driving rules in Slovakia

Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
Motorway e-vignette required.
Headlights on at all times.
Winter tyres mandatory in snow.

What to see when you arrive in Slovakia

the old town and castle of Bratislava
the High Tatras mountains
the Spiš Castle
the caves of Slovak Karst
the medieval town of Banská Štiavnica

Once you're driving in Slovakia

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

EU/EEA licences are fully valid; visitors from outside the EU should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, which rental companies typically require for non-EU/non-Latin-script licences.

Tolls & road charges

Cars under 3.5 t need an electronic vignette (no stickers, no booths) bought online, via the eznamka app, or at border fuel stations; a 1-day vignette costs about EUR 8.10, with 10-day and annual options, enforced by plate-reading cameras.

Parking in the cities

Bratislava's PAAS residential zones charge for street parking (typically 08:00-16:00 in the centre); pay via the ParkDots app or machines, as unpaid or non-resident parking risks a roughly EUR 100 fine, clamping or towing.

Fines & camera enforcement

On-the-spot fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use, and driving with zero blood alcohol is required; missing a vignette draws a reduced on-the-spot fine of EUR 150 (up to EUR 800 administratively), and rental firms pass camera fines on with a fee.

If you have an accident

Call 158 for police or 112 general emergency; police must be called for injuries or damage over EUR 4,000, otherwise complete the European Accident Statement, and do not move vehicles before documenting an injury scene.

Driving in the capital

Bratislava's Old Town is largely pedestrianised with restricted PAAS zones, and the SNP Bridge and D1/D2 junctions around the city are the usual congestion points.

Sources: tollguru.com · easypark.com · vignetim.com

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Austria to Slovakia?

Yes — Slovakia commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Slovakia recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Austria and Slovakia?

No. Both Austria and Slovakia drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 130 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Slovakia?

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.