Cross-border route

Slovakia Austria

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Slovakia into Austria, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Austria expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both 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 Austria Austria requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance

FromSlovakia

ToAustria

IDP in AustriaRequired

Accepted formatBoth

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in AustriaEUR

Slovakia → Austria

Crossing the border

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

Driving rules in Austria

Motorway vignette (Pickerl) mandatory.
Headlights recommended day and night.
Reflective vest and triangle required.
0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for novice drivers.

What to see when you arrive in Austria

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
Salzburg's old town and Mozart sites
the Hallstatt lakeside village
the Tyrolean Alps
the Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Common questions

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

Yes — Austria requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Austria recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.

Does the driving side change between Slovakia and Austria?

No. Both Slovakia and Austria drive on the right.

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.

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