Driving from Lindau to Bregenz is toll-free.
The route between these two beautiful towns does not require any toll payments, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for travelers.
You can enjoy the scenic drive along Lake Constance without worrying about additional expenses.
The Toll-Free Route: What You Need to Know
The distance between Lindau and Bregenz is approximately 10km (6 miles), and the journey takes 15-20 minutes via local roads.
The key strategy is to stay on B190 federal road or the scenic lakeside route (Seestraße) rather than the A14 motorway.
These routes connect Lindau directly to Bregenz while keeping you off Austria’s toll network entirely.
The B190 offers a straightforward route through local communities, while the Seestraße provides beautiful views of Lake Constance along the way.
NOTE: Using navigation apps with “avoid toll roads” selected will automatically guide you on these free routes, making the journey stress-free and straightforward.
Understanding Austria’s Vignette System
All Austrian motorways (Autobahns) and expressways require a vignette—a digital or physical toll sticker that serves as proof of payment.
According to the official ASFINAG website, vignette prices for 2024 include a 10-day pass for cars at €12.40 and an annual pass at €103.80.
However, Austria offers toll-free exceptions for short border crossings used by local traffic and tourists. This makes certain routes particularly valuable for travelers making brief cross-border trips.
The A14 Motorway Exception
A special toll-free section exists on the A14 Rheintal/Walgau motorway between the Hörbranz border crossing and the Hohenems junction.
You can legally use this motorway section without a vignette, according to official information from the Vorarlberg region and ASFINAG’s toll exceptions.
This exception specifically covers the Lindau to Bregenz route, making it one of the few toll-free motorway segments in Austria.
The section allows for faster travel while remaining completely legal without purchasing a vignette.
Critical warning: If you continue past Hohenems junction, the vignette becomes mandatory again.
NOTE: This exception zone ends at Hohenems, so travelers continuing further into Austria must ensure they have proper toll documentation.
Alternative Transportation: The Ferry Option
A scenic ferry service runs between Lindau and Bregenz across Lake Constance, providing a completely different travel experience.
The cost is approximately €7-10 per person, much cheaper than a 10-day vignette for solo travelers or couples.
The journey time is about 22 minutes with beautiful lake views that make the trip as enjoyable as the destination.
Ferry schedules run regularly during tourist season, making this a reliable alternative to driving.
NOTE: The ferry is ideal for travelers without cars or those wanting a relaxing, scenic journey that eliminates any concerns about toll roads entirely.
Practical Driving Tips to Avoid Toll Issues
- Use GPS navigation and select the “avoid toll roads” setting to automatically route around vignette-required sections.
- Follow B190 signs or Seestraße directions to stay off motorways and maintain your toll-free status.
- Watch for “Vignette required” warning signs near motorway entrances, as these clearly indicate when you’re approaching toll zones.
- When in doubt, purchasing a 10-day vignette (€12.40) provides peace of mind if you’re planning multiple Austrian trips during your visit.
- Keep your route simple by sticking to marked federal roads and avoiding any entrances marked as Autobahn or expressway access points.