The A1 motorway in Germany

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The A1 motorway in Germany

The A1 motorway in Germany is a major route used by haulage companies operating domestic and international services. It connects Heiligenhafen in the north with Saarbrücken near the French border, providing an important link between the northern ports and the western industrial regions, as well as onward routes to France and the Benelux countries.

The route is approximately 748 km long and passes through major logistics and transport hubs, including Hamburg, Bremen, Münster, Dortmund and Cologne. It is managed by Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, and heavy goods vehicles are subject to Germany’s road toll system (LKW-Maut).

Main sections of the A1 motorway

The A1 motorway is divided into sections running through various industrial and logistics areas. It provides an important link for hauliers transporting goods between northern and western Germany:

Heiligenhafen — Lübeck
A route connecting the port areas with Germany’s motorway network.
Lübeck — Hamburg
A section serving traffic heading towards the Port of Hamburg and numerous distribution centres.
Hamburg — Bremen — Münster
An important transit route providing access to motorways leading towards western and southern Germany.
Münster — Dortmund — Cologne
A section heavily used by hauliers transporting goods within North Rhine-Westphalia.
Cologne — Trier — Saarbrücken
A route leading to the French border, frequently used for international freight transport.

How do you pay the A1 motorway toll in Germany?

Haulage companies can pay the toll using on-board units available in our range, such as the E-BOX, E-BOX T and Toll Collect. These devices automatically calculate and record toll charges while driving.

E-BOX

On-board device:
E-BOX

E-BOX

Coverage
Roads
Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, France, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Denmark (bridges), Sweden (bridges), Netherlands
Parking spaces
France, Spain
Bridges
Denmark, Sweden
Tunnels
Liefkenshoek BE, Herren DE and Warnow Crossing DE
Discounts
Spain up to 50%, France up to 13% and Italy up to 13%

E-BOX T

On-board device:
E-BOX T

E-BOX T

Coverage
Roads
Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Poland (+A4, A1), Germany, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Norway, Hungary, Netherlands
Parking spaces
France, Spain, Italy, Portugal
Bridges
Denmark, Sweden
Tunnels
Belgium – Liefkenshoek, Netherlands – Blankenburg, Norway
Ferries
Italy, Norway
Discounts
Spain up to 50%, France up to 13%, Italy up to 13%

Toll Collect

Toll Collect device

Toll Collect

Coverage
Roads
Germany, Austria

To start using toll collection devices in Germany and on other European routes, simply complete the registration form. The activation process is straightforward, allowing you to get your device up and running quickly and prepare your vehicle for the journey.

Benefits of E100 toll collection

Quick and convenient activation

The registration process is simple and straightforward. We ensure swift delivery and activation of the available solutions.

Cost savings and straightforward billing

With a single contract and one provider for road tolls, you can simplify toll payments and reduce administrative work.

Online transaction monitoring

The E100 Customer Portal allows you to monitor your toll transactions and keep track of your transport-related expenditure.

24/7 driver support

A 24-hour helpline for E100 users provides immediate assistance and answers questions about road tolls.

FAQ

How much does it cost to use the A1 motorway in Germany?

There is no fixed charge for using the A1 motorway in Germany. Instead, the toll is calculated under the LKW-Maut system based on the distance travelled. The rate per kilometre varies depending on the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and emission class.

You can check the current rates on the official Toll Collect website.

How do you pay motorway tolls in Germany?

For heavy goods vehicles, one of the most convenient ways to pay tolls in Germany is by using an on-board unit (OBU). Using satellite technology, the toll is recorded automatically.

The E100 range includes OBUs integrated with the Toll Collect system, such as the E-BOX and E-BOX T.

Do you have to pay tolls on the German A1 motorway?

Yes. A road toll (Maut) applies to heavy goods vehicles travelling on the A1 motorway in Germany.

Which vehicles are subject to the Maut in Germany?

The toll applies to heavy goods vehicles and vehicle combinations used or intended for the carriage of goods. The system covers vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes.

From what vehicle weight do tolls apply on the A1?

The obligation to pay road tolls applies to vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes, in accordance with the LKW-Maut system.

How is the road toll calculated in Germany?

The toll depends on the distance travelled and the vehicle’s specifications. Factors taken into account include the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and emission class, including CO₂ emissions and air pollutants.

Who manages the road toll system in Germany?

The German road toll system is operated by Toll Collect GmbH on behalf of the federal government. The company is responsible for toll collection, billing and the technology used to operate the system.

How can you pay the Maut on the A1 motorway?

Maut charges on the A1 motorway can be paid using on-board units and electronic toll collection systems. Hauliers can use solutions available in the E100 range, such as the E-BOX, E-BOX T and devices compatible with the Toll Collect system, which automatically record toll charges while driving.

What are the current Maut rates in Germany?

The current toll rates under the Toll Collect system, effective from 1 July 2024, are set out in a table showing the rates in cents per kilometre. The rates take into account the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and CO₂ emission class: https://www.toll-collect.de/en/toll_collect/bezahlen/maut_tarife/p1745_mauttarife_07_2024.html

Do Polish lorries pay the same toll rates as German ones?

Yes. The LKW-Maut rules in Germany apply equally to vehicles registered in Germany and abroad, including Poland, provided they meet the relevant weight, axle and emission-class criteria.

However, operators from outside Germany must provide the required documentation confirming the vehicle’s details, such as its emission class. If the required information is not provided, the vehicle may be assigned a higher default toll rate.

What are the consequences of failing to pay the Maut in Germany?

Failure to pay the required toll may result in fines and additional administrative charges. Compliance is monitored through automatic systems and road inspections.

Can I calculate the cost of travelling on the A1 motorway in Germany?

Yes. You can calculate the cost using the toll calculator provided by Toll Collect GmbH. Simply enter your route and vehicle details to calculate the applicable toll.

The A1 motorway in Germany — information and tolls for heavy goods vehicles

The A1 motorway in Germany — rules and tolls for lorries. Check the route, the Maut system, current rates, payment methods and available toll collection devices.