The A4 motorway in Germany

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The A4 motorway in Germany

The A4 motorway in Germany runs from the Belgian border near Aachen to the Polish border near Görlitz. On the Polish side, the border crossing is at Jędrzychowice near Zgorzelec

The route consists of two non-contiguous sections: the western section (Aachen—Cologne—Olpe), which is 156 km long, and the eastern section (Kirchheim—Erfurt—Dresden—Görlitz), which is approximately 430 km long. In total, the A4 is approximately 580 km long, forming an important transport corridor linking Western Europe with Poland and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Heavy goods vehicles are subject to Germany's LKW-Maut toll system

Main sections of the A4 motorway

The A4 motorway links the west and east of Germany, running from the Belgian border to the Polish border at Jędrzychowice. It is an important transit route for heavy goods transport:

Aachen—Cologne
Connects the Belgian border with the logistics centres of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Cologne—Erfurt
Links western and central Germany
Erfurt—Dresden
Provides a key route towards Saxony and the Czech Republic
Dresden—Görlitz (Polish border)
A key section connecting Germany with Poland and Central and Eastern Europe

How do you pay the A4 motorway toll in Germany?

In Germany, the LKW-Maut toll system applies to eligible heavy goods vehicles. Hauliers can pay tolls automatically using on-board units from E100.

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 an on-board device for automatic toll payment in Germany and other European countries, complete the registration form. The activation process is straightforward, allowing you to start using the service quickly.

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 vehicles are subject to the LKW-Maut toll on the A4 motorway in Germany?

The LKW-Maut applies to heavy goods vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes.

When did the toll obligation for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes come into force?

The extension of the toll obligation to vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes came into force on 1 July 2024.

How is the toll calculated on the A4?

The toll is calculated based on the distance travelled. The applicable rate depends on factors including the vehicle’s weight, number of axles, air pollution class and CO₂ emission class.

What are the LKW-Maut rates on the A4?

LKW-Maut rates depend on the vehicle’s weight, number of axles and CO₂ emission class. Current rates are available in Toll Collect’s tariff tables: 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 A4 motorway?

Toll Collect automatically records journeys using on-board units. The system calculates the applicable toll and records the journey for toll collection.

How do I pay for a journey on the A4 — via an on-board unit (OBU), the app or payment terminals?

The toll can be paid automatically using either the E-BOX or E-BOX T on-board unit.

Can I calculate the cost of a journey on the A4 based on the vehicle’s weight and route length?

Yes. Toll Collect provides tariff tables and a toll calculator that allows you to estimate the cost of a journey based on the vehicle and route parameters: https://www.toll-collect.de/en/toll_collect/bezahlen/maut_tarife/p1745_mauttarife_07_2024.html

What penalties apply for failing to pay the LKW-Maut on the A4?

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

Does the toll apply along the entire length of the A4, or only on selected sections?

The LKW-Maut applies along the entire length of the A4 motorway to vehicles covered by the German toll system.

Are there any toll exemptions on the A4, for example for tradespeople’s vehicles?

Yes. Zero-emission vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, are exempt from the German truck toll, subject to the applicable rules.

Eligible tradespeople’s vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes and less than 7.5 tonnes may also be exempt when used for qualifying journeys, such as transporting equipment, materials or their own handcrafted goods. Specific conditions apply, and the journey must meet Toll Collect’s requirements for the tradespeople’s exemption.

What changes to the LKW-Maut system have affected the A4 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.

Do LKW-Maut rates on the A4 depend on the CO₂ emission class?

Yes. The CO₂ emission class is one of the factors used to determine the applicable LKW-Maut rate.

Can transport companies based outside Germany apply for a partial refund of A4 tolls?

There is no general refund mechanism specifically for foreign haulage companies under the German LKW-Maut system.

Where is the Königshainer Berge Tunnel located, and what significance does it have for heavy goods vehicle traffic?

The Königshainer Berge Tunnel is approximately 3.3 km long and is located on the A4 motorway in Saxony, near Görlitz. It is an important part of the A4 route for traffic travelling between Germany and Poland.

Are there any charges or restrictions applicable to the Königshainer Berge Tunnel, such as height limits or bans on certain types of vehicles?

The tunnel is subject to the standard motorway regulations applicable to heavy goods vehicles. The standard LKW-Maut applies; there is no separate tunnel toll.

Are there any changes to traffic or additional charges during repair or modernisation works on the A4 tunnel?

During repair or modernisation works, temporary measures such as diversions, speed limits and lane restrictions may be introduced. These do not result in an additional tunnel charge; the standard LKW-Maut continues to apply.

What safety measures are in place in the Königshainer Berge Tunnel?

The Königshainer Berge Tunnel is equipped with safety and emergency systems, including ventilation, adaptive lighting, emergency areas and escape routes, as well as detection and communication systems to support rescue operations.

The A4 motorway in Germany runs from Aachen to Jędrzychowice on the Polish border, providing an important route for lorry traffic between Western and Central and Eastern Europe.

Find information about the main sections of the route, LKW-Maut rates, the Toll Collect system and E100 on-board toll solutions.