Vignette's - Austria & Slovenia

[kiethton]

Next months sees my road tip to Croatia alongside my girlfriend.

On our second day of driving (Stuttgart - Split) via the Neuschwanstein Castle it looks like we have to pass through both of the above countries and again 2 weeks later on the first and second legs of our return Split - Vienna & Vienna - London.

From reading it seems like we will need to purchase Vignette's for both countries (I presume the roads we will be on (motorways ideally) require them).

Is there any way of getting them in advance of our travel so its one less worry, or do we have to get them when we are there (presume Kiosk's/Petrol stations?)

Dates of travel:

21 June - London to Stuttgart
22 June - Stuttgart - Split via Neuschwanstein Castle
4 July - Split - Vienna
6 July - Vienna - London

I see that the first and last days (of tolls for the above) are bang on 2 weeks apart so presume that you can get 2 week passes?

Also I presume there are no tolls in Belgium or Germany (hopefully we can escape france without them and am looking at a-roads for progress in Croatia but may end up on the tolled motorway - Hope Slovenia Border - Split isn't too extortionate!)

Sorry for all the questions one of my first ventures into europe, the only other being Le Mans last year

[AlexIT]

Hi,

you might want to give a look at the respective websites, afaik you can't get the Austrian toll sticker in advance, no idea about Slovenia.

For Austria:
http://www.asfinag.at/en/maut/vignette

And Slovenia:
http://www.slovenia.info/?faq=201&lng=2&re...

[kiethton]

AlexIT said:

Hi,

you might want to give a look at the respective websites, afaik you can't get the Austrian toll sticker in advance, no idea about Slovenia.

For Austria:
http://www.asfinag.at/en/maut/vignette

And Slovenia:
http://www.slovenia.info/?faq=201&lng=2&re...

Thanks for that, much appreciated. Will take a look now, just hope work hasn't blocked them

ETA just seen that they have 10 days or 2 months.....is there not a day/2 week option?

Edited by kiethton on Wednesday 22 May 13:52

[Wozy68]

22 June - Stuttgart - Split via Neuschwanstein Castle

Surely not in a day?

Becareful in Slovenia. I have read somewhere about very dodgy tactics used for speeding on their motorways. I didn't look further into it as I'm not going anywhere near, only picked up on it in the first place as one of my customers is driving his 993 cab through there for a holiday.

I've always fancied your route, so please keep us informed on what you thought about driving through Croatia. ....... plus plenty of pics of course.:-)

No tolls all the way to Stuttgart

[kiethton]

Wozy68 said:

22 June - Stuttgart - Split via Neuschwanstein Castle

Surely not in a day?

Becareful in Slovenia. I have read somewhere about very dodgy tactics used for speeding on their motorways. I didn't look further into it as I'm not going anywhere near, only picked up on it in the first place as one of my customers is driving his 993 cab through there for a holiday.

I've always fancied your route, so please keep us informed on what you thought about driving through Croatia. ....... plus plenty of pics of course.:-)

Yeah 1 day, planning on getting to the breakfast as it opens at 6ish, heading to the castle for a few photo's and then down to Split (maybe Zadar for dinner & sunset). Our hotel is actually in Bol (Brac island) so have a 50 min ferry and 1/2 hour drive on that side too! I have had the car fully serviced, fitting higher suspension this weekend and its getting a new clutch next week. On top of this I will have the AC checked over before we go so the car should be all good for the 3.2k miles I'll likely put on it.

Don't worry on the photo front, planning on taking far too many, would be rude not to as my girlfriend recently got me a DSLR

[Griffithy]

Hi Kieran!

if you cross France via Dunkerque and Lille there is no toll.
Fill up in Luxembourgh as petrol is about EUR 1,30 there.
No toll in Belgium, Luxembourgh, Germany.
Speedlimits are 130 kmph / 81 mph in France, Luxembourgh, Austria.
Speedlimit is 120 kmph / 75 mph in Belgium (very strictly).

The Vignette for Austria is already available on the motorwaystations
before you reach the border. Usually at the border as well.
You can opt for a 10-day vignette or the 2-month vignette which is about EUR 20,00.
Do not move any further without vignette,
if you get caught the fine will be about EUR 150,00.

I have no idea of Slovenia.

As Croatia joins EC from 1st of July it will make bordering much easier from that moment.

[kiethton]

Griffithy said:

Hi Kieran!

if you cross France via Dunkerque and Lille there is no toll.
Fill up in Luxembourgh as petrol is about EUR 1,30 there.
No toll in Belgium, Luxembourgh, Germany.
Speedlimits are 130 kmph / 81 mph in France, Luxembourgh, Austria.
Speedlimit is 120 kmph / 75 mph in Belgium (very strictly).

The Vignette for Austria is already available on the motorwaystations
before you reach the border. Usually at the border as well.
You can opt for a 10-day vignette or the 2-month vignette which is about EUR 20,00.
Do not move any further without vignette,
if you get caught the fine will be about EUR 150,00.

I have no idea of Slovenia.

As Croatia joins EC from 1st of July it will make bordering much easier from that moment.

Thanks for that, much appreciated.

I'm coming across on the shuttle so will head towards Dunkerque from there and the way you suggest to Stuttgart. I reckon I may be able to get about 400 miles to a tank on the motorway at 80? but am thinking whether petrol will be cheaper here or in France/Belgium/Germany but will venture into Luxemburg as you suggest.

Thanks for the pointers on the Austrian Vignettes, as the time between the legs is annoyingly 14 days or so it looks like I'll have to get one of the 2 month passes (unless I see somebody retuning with a valid one in the opposite direction....).

From reading it looks like the Slovenia one will be ok, I think I can get it from the Shack on the boarder or motorway petrol stations for a nominal sum (just the only speaking english and schoolboy german may be a problem though).

re. the car; lthough initially we had intended to go in either a moon miles Merc E220 (I didn't buy it in the end) or my dad's 318d (my girlfriend or I are not insured and can't be added for Europe) we are now stuck with my EP3 civic....(her mum suggested that her 4 year old never serviced base spec 60bhp fiesta would be better but I stongly disagreed...)

Last jobs are being done to the car, I'm swapping off the coilovers for springs and standard struts this weekend and will be getting a new clutch on Wednesday (standard stiff changes, low bite point and trouble engaging new gears in Vtec) which on top of a AC service before we go and the full service done last month should see us good

[tgr]

Keith vignettes are non-transferable and are designed to fall apart when you try to get them off the windscreen. I would just swallow the €20.

There's plenty of work going on on the German autobahns at the moment - this usually results in narrow lanes involving the hard shoulder and 80 kmh restrictions which tend to be observed. Boring, but that's what cruise control is for.

Lane discipline is way better than in the UK. Good luck, check your oil level, fluids and tyre pressures and enjoy!

I assume you have reflective vests and spare bulbs, copy of your V5 and insurance certificate? Breathalyser not needed any more

[kiethton]

tgr said:

Keith vignettes are non-transferable and are designed to fall apart when you try to get them off the windscreen. I would just swallow the €20.

There's plenty of work going on on the German autobahns at the moment - this usually results in narrow lanes involving the hard shoulder and 80 kmh restrictions which tend to be observed. Boring, but that's what cruise control is for.

Lane discipline is way better than in the UK. Good luck, check your oil level, fluids and tyre pressures and enjoy!

I assume you have reflective vests and spare bulbs, copy of your V5 and insurance certificate? Breathalyser not needed any more

Thanks for the pointers, was thinking to bite the bullet on them (although was invistigating A roads from the Castle on the Germany/Austria border to Slovenia or Italy dependant on timings)

All set on the other points thanks, barring the cruise control. Car is having a new clutch today and had a service two weeks ago so should be all good on that point. Only issue of concern is the V5 though, I currently only have the New keepers suppliment (which the seller wants me to return to remove the plate....):

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[s_zigmond]

Looks like you have the answers you require, but i use http://www.tolltickets.com/country/austria/vignett... for vignettas and telepasses. You can buy them in advance and saves me getting out of the car (I normally dont have anyone in the front passanger seat)

Edited by s_zigmond on Wednesday 29th May 14:01

[s_zigmond]

Just to add just realised they do slovenia also

[kiethton]

That's brilliant thanks, much appreciated.

Think I'll do that

[Wozy68]

kiethton said:

Wozy68 said:

22 June - Stuttgart - Split via Neuschwanstein Castle

Surely not in a day?

Becareful in Slovenia. I have read somewhere about very dodgy tactics used for speeding on their motorways. I didn't look further into it as I'm not going anywhere near, only picked up on it in the first place as one of my customers is driving his 993 cab through there for a holiday.

I've always fancied your route, so please keep us informed on what you thought about driving through Croatia. ....... plus plenty of pics of course.:-)

Yeah 1 day, planning on getting to the breakfast as it opens at 6ish, heading to the castle for a few photo's and then down to Split (maybe Zadar for dinner & sunset). Our hotel is actually in Bol (Brac island) so have a 50 min ferry and 1/2 hour drive on that side too! Don't worry on the photo front, planning on taking far too many, would be rude not to as my girlfriend recently got me a DSLR

I think you are going to struggle. I came back from Stuttgart in a day and Google maps states 10 hours 30 minutes.
I was travelling at over 150MPH on the unrestricted parts of the Autobahn and no traffic the whole way back, even managed to get straight on the ferry so no delay there. It still took me around 9.5 hours. I only stopped for fuel.

Stuttgart to Split on Google maps states 10 hours 30 minutes also, and I'm guessing your not on your own, and wont be travelling at times in excess of 100mph......

Just a thought, but whatever have a fab enjoyable and safe trip. :-)

Edited by Wozy68 on Wednesday 29th May 14:29

[kiethton]

Wozy68 said:

kiethton said:

Wozy68 said:

22 June - Stuttgart - Split via Neuschwanstein Castle

Surely not in a day?

Becareful in Slovenia. I have read somewhere about very dodgy tactics used for speeding on their motorways. I didn't look further into it as I'm not going anywhere near, only picked up on it in the first place as one of my customers is driving his 993 cab through there for a holiday.

I've always fancied your route, so please keep us informed on what you thought about driving through Croatia. ....... plus plenty of pics of course.:-)

Yeah 1 day, planning on getting to the breakfast as it opens at 6ish, heading to the castle for a few photo's and then down to Split (maybe Zadar for dinner & sunset). Our hotel is actually in Bol (Brac island) so have a 50 min ferry and 1/2 hour drive on that side too! Don't worry on the photo front, planning on taking far too many, would be rude not to as my girlfriend recently got me a DSLR

I think you are going to struggle. I came back from Stuttgart in a day and Google maps states 10 hours 30 minutes.
I was travelling at over 150MPH on the unrestricted parts of the Autobahn and no traffic the whole way back, even managed to get straight on the ferry so no delay there. It still took me around 9.5 hours. I only stopped for fuel.

Stuttgart to Split on Google maps states 10 hours 30 minutes also, and I'm guessing your not on your own, and wont be travelling at times in excess of 100mph......

Just a thought, but whatever have a fab enjoyable and safe trip. :-)

Edited by Wozy68 on Wednesday 29th May 14:29

Yeah, will be tight, but am sharing the driving with my girlfriend so should be ok in that regard, although were planning to travel at 80ish for fuel consumption reasons (barring the occasional blat) as the EP3 we are taking is probally not as suited to sustained 120mph+ runs as previous cars. Only planned stops throughout the journey are for petrol (barring the castle where we plan to stop for photo's/coffee and move on in a hour or so).

We were always planning on leaving fairly early each morning - 6:30am - with the hope on that day making it to Zadar for dinner before heading down to Split and coming back from vienna we were thinking to leave at a similar time as we are on the 10pm tunnel, so 15 hours or so?

[Wozy68]

kiethton said:

Yeah, will be tight, but am sharing the driving with my girlfriend so should be ok in that regard, although were planning to travel at 80ish for fuel consumption reasons (barring the occasional blat) as the EP3 we are taking is probally not as suited to sustained 120mph+ runs as previous cars. Only planned stops throughout the journey are for petrol (barring the castle where we plan to stop for photo's/coffee and move on in a hour or so).

We were always planning on leaving fairly early each morning - 6:30am - with the hope on that day making it to Zadar for dinner before heading down to Split and coming back from vienna we were thinking to leave at a similar time as we are on the 10pm tunnel, so 15 hours or so?

lol, wish I could get my wife to sit in a car that long.
Why arn't you taking the 924?

[tgr]

Having done these long continental drives a few times I also think you're going to have your work cut out. But good luck anyway

[s_zigmond]

I do Rotterdam to Venice in about 12 hours every year. I did Venice to Leeds including waiting for a ferry at calais in under 20 hours, but never again....

but both these are with kids in the car so having to stop for them

Edited by s_zigmond on Wednesday 29th May 15:24

[kiethton]

Wozy68 said:

lol, wish I could get my wife to sit in a car that long.
Why arn't you taking the 924?

Insurance and practicality unfortunatly, as much as I'd love to! It's also stuck on a 5k mileage limit policy and I've already done 3k in it this year (most they offered so couldn't extend it).

It's also getting rather tempramental as of late and isn't viewed as being as suitable by the girlfriend for long trips (she loves it though!). Current issues include:

Radio that works when it wants - couldn't be without one for this trip!
Very tappety - need adjusting i think
Due a full service
Brake balance is well out
In-secure targa roof
Steering column/bushes need attention (clunks, notches and grinds on occasion)

It was either the EP3 or a base spec, in every sense of the word, fiesta...

[kiethton]

s_zigmond said:

I do Rotterdam to Venice in about 12 hours every year. I did Venice to Leeds including waiting for a ferry at calais in under 20 hours, but never again....

True, we are lucky in the sense that we will share the drive in every sense and only live 1/2 hour from folkestone.

It will be a push, but we are young, and at the same cost as flying (justified to the GF as being able to see things & bring unlimited clothes/shoes within reason) it seemed like a good idea. Vienna wasn't my idea, I had origionally suggested Stuttgart & Munich for logistical and "factory attraction" reasons but only got one wish

We do have Sunday to recover before work though

[kiethton]

tgr said:

Having done these long continental drives a few times I also think you're going to have your work cut out. But good luck anyway

Thanks hopefully we'll make it! (without too many rows!)