Possible travel routes through Austria
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The fastest route from southern Germany to Tuscany leads through Austria and over the Brenner Pass: from Munich via Kufstein and Innsbruck on the Brenner motorway to South Tyrol and on to Modena. You need a vignette for Austria, and an additional toll for the Brenner motorway. Here you will find the routes, the costs for 2026, and the most important obstacles such as the Lueg Bridge construction site and driving bans in Tyrol.
Short answer: Brenner Route 2026
- Route: Munich – A8/A93 – Kufstein – A12 Innsbruck – A13 Brenner – A22 Bolzano – Modena – A1 to Tuscany
- Austrian vignette 2026: 1 day €9,60 (digital only), 10 days €12,80, 2 months €32,00, year €106,80
- Brenner toll (A13): €12,50 per trip in addition to the vignette
- Italy: No vignette, but distance-dependent motorway toll at the toll booth.
- Attention 2026: Lueg Bridge construction – on many days only one lane in each direction; on weekends, exit bans for through traffic in Tyrol.
The main route via Innsbruck and the Brenner Pass
The classic holiday route leads from Munich via the A8 and A93 to the border near Kufstein, then on the A12 through the Inn Valley to Innsbruck. Shortly before Innsbruck, follow the signs for Brenner/A13 . After the Brenner Pass, the route continues on the Italian A22 (Autostrada del Brennero) via Bolzano, Trento, and Verona to the A1 motorway near Modena. Since the route is entirely motorway, it is the first choice for most travelers.
From Modena: Tuscany inland or coast?
- Florence, Siena, Chianti: at the A22 junction near Modena onto the A1 towards Bologna/Florence.
- Versilia, Pisa, Livorno: Take the A1 towards Parma/Milano and at Parma take the A15 towards La Spezia, then continue along the coast.
Our route description for Italy describes other routes within Italy.
Toll and vignette 2026
| Section | Car costs (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Austrian vignette – 1 day (digital only) | 9,60 € |
| Austrian vignette – 10 days | 12,80 € |
| Austrian vignette – 2 months | 32,00 € |
| Austrian vignette – year | 106,80 € |
| Brenner motorway A13 (road toll) | €12,50 per trip |
| Italy (A22, A1 …) | Route-dependent at the payment point |
The Brenner motorway can only be reached via a motorway requiring a vignette – you will need the vignette even if you pay the A13 toll. All prices and where to purchase them can be found in our overview of vehicle tolls in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
Alternatives to the burner
Via Mittenwald, Seefeld and the Zirler Berg
Those traveling west of Munich on the A95 can reach Austria via Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald. Passing through Seefeld and over the steep Zirler Berg (B177), you'll reach the A12 near Zirl after about 30 km on country roads, leading to Innsbruck. Important for campers: The Zirler Berg is closed to cars with trailers over 750 kg when traveling uphill, i.e., on the return journey towards Germany. This route is not recommended at the start of the holiday season or in snowy conditions.
Via Fernpass and Reschenpass
From the west (A7 via Füssen), the Fernpass (B179) leads to Imst and on via Landeck and the Reschenpass into the Vinschgau valley, to Merano and Bolzano. Those taking the main road between Imst and Landeck instead of the A12 do not need a vignette; the Fernpass remains toll-free in 2026. However, this route is longer and more winding, and traffic jams are common on the Fernpass during peak travel weekends.
Through Switzerland
From southwestern Germany, the route via Switzerland (Gotthard or San Bernardino) can be shorter – however, you will need a Swiss vignette for CHF 40 per year. Details can be found under Routes through Switzerland.
Traffic jams, roadworks and driving bans in Tyrol
Luegbrücke construction site on the A13
The Lueg Bridge near Gries am Brenner has been undergoing renovation and replacement since 2025; the work is expected to last until approximately 2031. Traffic is mostly reduced to one lane in each direction, with two lanes available only on about 180 busy days per year. According to the ADAC (German Automobile Club) , you should travel as early in the morning as possible, preferably during the week.
Departure bans on weekends
From May 1st to November 1st, 2026, driving bans will be in effect on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays in Tyrol from 7 a.m. to 19 p.m. on secondary roads – including around Innsbruck and in the districts of Imst, Reutte, and Kufstein. Anyone exiting the motorway in a traffic jam to try to bypass the congestion by driving through villages will be turned back by the police. Exceptions are made for residents and local traffic, such as guests staying in the village (Source: State of Tyrol ).
Plan a stopover
Depending on your destination, it's roughly 650 to 850 km from Munich to Tuscany. If you're traveling with children or a campervan, an overnight stay along the way is worthwhile, for example in South Tyrol – you can find hotels in Bolzano, for instance, on Booking.com (Bolzano) . Further tips for traveling through Austria – from breakdown assistance to mandatory equipment – can be found in our travel advice for Austria.
Frequently asked questions about traveling via Austria
Do I need a vignette and additional tolls for the Brenner Pass?
Yes. You need a vignette for the journey via the Austrian motorway; for the Brenner motorway A13 you pay an additional €12,50 per journey (as of 2026).
How much does the vignette for Austria cost in 2026?
The 1-day vignette costs €9,60 (digital only), the 10-day vignette €12,80, the 2-month vignette €32,00 and the annual vignette €106,80.
Is it possible to drive to Italy without a vignette?
Yes, for example via the Fernpass and Reschenpass on federal highways. However, this route is longer and prone to traffic jams on busy weekends. Those using the motorway need a vignette.
Am I allowed to exit the motorway in Tyrol if there is a traffic jam?
On weekends and public holidays between May and the beginning of November, through traffic is prohibited: Driving bans apply on many secondary roads from 7 a.m. to 19 p.m. Local traffic is exempt.
When is the best time to drive over the Brenner Pass?
Ideally, travel early in the morning and during the week. Saturdays at the start of school holidays are particularly prone to traffic jams due to the construction work at the Lueg Bridge.
