The A3 motorway in Germany

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The A3 motorway in Germany

The A3 motorway (Bundesautobahn 3) in Germany is one of the country’s main transit corridors for heavy goods transport, linking the Netherlands with Austria. The route runs from the border crossing at Elten in the west to the Austrian border at Pocking in the south, providing an important connection between major logistics and industrial centres in western and southern Germany.

The A3 motorway is approximately 778 km long and passes through key industrial and logistics centres, including Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, Würzburg, Nuremberg and Passau. The motorway is managed by Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, and heavy goods vehicles are subject to Germany’s mandatory LKW-Maut toll system. Toll rates are based on factors including the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and CO₂ emission class.

Main sections of the A3 motorway

The A3 runs through key industrial and logistics regions in Germany, making its various sections important for both domestic and international lorry transport.

Elten — Cologne
The section from the Dutch border to Cologne serves transit traffic and provides access to logistics centres in western Germany.
Cologne — Frankfurt am Main
An important freight route between Cologne and the Rhine-Main region, providing access to major distribution and industrial centres.
Frankfurt — Würzburg
A key section for traffic travelling south-east, connecting Hesse with Bavaria.
Würzburg — Nuremberg
A heavily used section for hauliers travelling towards the Czech Republic and Austria, with connections to regional logistics hubs.
Nuremberg — Pocking
The final section leading towards the Austrian border, serving lorry traffic travelling towards southern Europe.

How do you pay the A3 motorway toll in Germany?

Transport companies can pay the toll using on-board units from our range. The units automatically calculate and record toll charges while driving, without the need to stop or operate the system manually.

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 use our automatic toll payment devices in Germany and on other routes across Europe, please complete the registration form. Activation is quick, so your vehicle will be ready to hit the road in no time.

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

Which heavy goods vehicles are subject to the LKW-Maut toll on the A3 motorway in Germany?

The LKW-Maut applies to vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass (TPMLM) of more than 3.5 tonnes, provided they are intended or used for road haulage.

From what vehicle weight does the toll apply on the A3, and when did this rule come into force?

The LKW-Maut obligation on the A3 motorway applies to vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes. The rule came into force on 1 July 2024.

How is the toll calculated on the A3?

The toll is calculated based on the distance travelled and a rate per kilometre. The rate takes into account factors including the vehicle’s weight, number of axles, air pollution and CO₂ emission class.

What are the LKW-Maut rates for the A3?

LKW-Maut rates for lorries depend on factors including the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and CO₂ emission class. Current rates can be checked using the Toll Collect toll calculator https://www.toll-collect.de/en/toll_collect/bezahlen/maut_tarife/p1745_mauttarife_07_2024.html

How does the Toll Collect system work on the A3 motorway, and what payment methods are available?

The Toll Collect system automatically records the vehicle’s journey and calculates the applicable toll. Payment can be made automatically using an on-board unit (OBU), or the journey can be booked in advance via the Toll Collect website or app.

How does the OBU work on the A3?

The OBU automatically records a lorry’s journey along the A3 and calculates the toll based on the vehicle’s toll-relevant details and the distance travelled.

Where on the A3 are the toll gates (Kontrollbrücken) or other toll enforcement facilities located?

Toll enforcement is carried out using control gantries, while mobile checks take place on selected sections of the motorway.

Can I pay for a journey on the A3 in advance online or via an app?

Yes. You can book and pay for a journey in advance via the Toll Collect website or app.

What penalties apply for failing to pay the LKW-Maut on the A3?

Failure to pay the required toll may result in the outstanding toll being collected and a fine imposed by the relevant German authorities.

Does the toll apply to the entire length of the A3 in Germany, or only to selected sections?

The A3 is subject to tolls along its entire length for vehicles covered by the German LKW-Maut system.

Are there any exemptions or concessions for certain vehicles on the A3?

Yes. Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from tolls under the applicable German regulations. Toll Collect currently states that this exemption applies until 30 June 2031.

Do the toll rates on the A3 depend on the vehicle’s CO₂ emission class, and from what date does this apply?

Yes. The CO₂ emission class has been a factor in the calculation of German LKW-Maut rates since 1 December 2023.

Can foreign haulage companies claim a partial refund of A3 toll charges?

There is no general refund of German LKW-Maut charges specifically for foreign haulage companies.

What changes to the LKW-Maut system have affected the A3 route since 2024?

Since 1 July 2024, vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of over 3.5 tonnes have been subject to tolls, with the CO₂ component also included in the calculation of toll rates.

Is there a toll calculator for the A3 route in Germany?

Yes. The Toll Collect website provides a toll calculator that helps you determine the applicable toll rate based on your vehicle’s CO₂ emission class, emission class, axle class and weight class.

The A3 motorway in Germany — information and tolls for heavy goods vehicles

The A3 motorway in Germany connects the Netherlands with Austria, supporting domestic freight transport and international transit. Find out about the route, LKW-Maut rates, the Toll Collect system and payment methods, including E100 on-board units.