Cross-border route
Switzerland Austria
Switzerland 
AustriaDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Switzerland 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. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromSwitzerland
ToAustria
IDP in AustriaRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in AustriaEUR
Switzerland → Austria
Crossing the border
Switzerland and Austria share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.
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
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Switzerland 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.
02
Does the driving side change between Switzerland and Austria?
No. Both Switzerland and Austria drive on the right.
03
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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