The border between Slovenia and Hungary extends over 102 kilometers from the tripoint Austria-Slovenia-Hungary to the tripoint with Croatia. While there are many road and rail crossings, three are particularly important for international traffic: the border crossing at Tornyiszentmiklós (HU) - Pince (SVN) and Dolga Vas (Lindau SVN) - Rédics (HUN).
Both border crossings are popular due to their good connections to the motorway and expressway networks. However, both countries require a vignette for motorways. The e-vignettes can be conveniently purchased online for both Slovenia and Hungary.
Normally, there are no border controls within the EU Schengen Area. Exceptions include international sports events or major political events. However, border controls may still be conducted for the protection of internal security and order on special occasions. Due to high numbers of migrants, the border between Slovenia and Hungary is regularly monitored as of late 2023, which may lead to long waiting times.
Waiting times at border control are usually unavoidable. However, with a digital vignette purchased in advance, you do not have to wait at the toll stations as well and can drive through without stopping.
In Slovenia, the e-vignette and in Hungary, the e-matrica are required for almost all motorways and expressways. Since both countries have introduced a digital vignette system, you can plan your trip in advance. Vignettes can be registered online for the travel period.
For Hungary, there are digital vignettes for one week (10 days), one month, or one year, and in Slovenia, for 7 days, one month, six months, or one year. It is advisable to purchase the appropriate vignette online in advance. If you drive on a toll section without a vignette, you have only 60 minutes to purchase one; otherwise, penalty fees apply—definitely not a stress-free drive.
The most important border crossings between Slovenia and Hungary are Tornyiszentmiklós (HUN) - Pince (SVN) and Dolga Vas/Lindau (SVN) - Rédics (HUN).
Pince is a small town in Slovenia right before the border with Hungary. Here, the Slovenian A5 motorway from Maribor connects to the Hungarian expressway M70, which at the town of Letenye continues into the M7 towards Budapest. If you are not heading towards Budapest but in the opposite direction, you will soon be on the Croatian A4 motorway to Zagreb.
Due to border controls, there can be long waiting times at the Tornyiszentmiklós (HUN) - Pince (SVN) border crossing. However, those who purchase the digital vignettes for Slovenian motorways and Hungarian expressways marked with M online in advance can save time, as no additional stop for tolls is necessary. Both the Slovenian A4 and the M70, M7, and Croatian A4 motorways are subject to vignette requirements.
The border crossing at Dolga Vas (in German: Lindau) is only about 10 km from the border crossing at Pince. If long waiting times occur at one of the border crossings, the other can be used as an alternative.
To cross the Slovenian-Hungarian border at Lindau, exit the A5 motorway at Dolga Vas and take the Slovenian H7. From the border, the H7 becomes the Hungarian road 86.
To reach a Hungarian expressway again, you will travel a considerable distance on country roads: From the 86, continue to the 75 at Rédics, and finally, at Bac, onto the 74 heading south. This joins the M7 motorway. Therefore, traffic connections for transit through Hungary are faster and easier at the Pince (SVN) - Tornyiszentmiklós (HUN) border crossing. At the Dolga Vas/Lindau (SVN) - Rédics (HUN) crossing, tolls apply only for the A5 in Slovenia, not for the Hungarian country roads.
The border crossings between Slovenia and Austria are not only connections between two nations but also gateways to different cultures and landscapes. Whether you are traveling for business or want to explore the sights and sounds of this region, these border crossings offer the chance to experience two worlds in a single adventure. Don’t forget to arrange a digital vignette for Slovenia here.
