The A5 motorway in Germany

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The A5 motorway in Germany

The A5 motorway is one of the most important north—south routes in Germany, linking Hattenbach in Hesse with Weil am Rhein on the Swiss border. It is 445 km long and serves as a key transit corridor for heavy goods transport between Scandinavia, Germany and southern Europe.

The route passes through densely populated and industrialised regions — Frankfurt am Main, Darmstadt, Karlsruhe and Freiburg im Breisgau — providing connections to major logistics centres and the A3, A6 and A8 motorway networks. Heavy goods vehicles travelling on the A5 are subject to the LKW-Maut toll system.

Main sections of the A5 motorway

The A5 motorway connects northern and southern Germany, running through the country’s key transit and industrial regions.

Hattenbach — Frankfurt am Main
The northern section connecting the A5 with the A7 motorway and serving traffic from northern Germany.
Frankfurt — Darmstadt — Karlsruhe
The central section of the route, vital for domestic and international transport in the Rhine region.
Karlsruhe — Freiburg — Weil am Rhein (Swiss border)
The southern section of the A5 leading towards the Swiss border, important for transit traffic to France and the countries of southern Europe.

How do you pay the A5 motorway toll in Germany?

Journeys on the A5 motorway are subject to the LKW-Maut toll system for heavy goods vehicles. Transport companies can pay tolls automatically using on-board units available 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 toll collection devices in Germany and other European countries, complete the E100 registration form. Registration is straightforward and allows you to set up the toll payment 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 heavy goods vehicles are subject to the LKW-Maut toll on the A5 motorway in Germany?

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

From what vehicle weight did the toll obligation on the A5 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 A5 motorway?

The toll is calculated per kilometre travelled and depends on the vehicle’s weight, the number of axles and the CO₂ emission class.

What are the LKW-Maut rates on the A5 motorway?

The rates vary according to weight, number of axles and emission class. The current tables are published by Toll Collect: https://www.toll-collect.de/en/toll_collect/bezahlen/maut_tarife/p1745_mauttarife_07_2024.html

Is there a free-flow tolling system for lorries (no stopping required) on the A5, and on which section?

Yes — the LKW-Maut system operates electronically (free-flow) on the federal road network and motorways, including the A5, without the need to stop at toll gates (payment via OBU, app or portal).

How does the Toll Collect system work on the A5 — what payment methods are available?

The most convenient method available for paying tolls on the A5 motorway in Germany for heavy goods vehicles is the on-board unit (OBU). Thanks to satellite technology, tolls are recorded automatically. The E100 range includes OBUs integrated with the Toll Collect system, such as the E-BOX or E-BOX T.

Is it possible to calculate the cost of travelling on the A5 motorway (taking into account weight, number of axles and distance)?

Yes, Toll Collect publishes tools and rate tables that allow you to calculate the cost once you have entered 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 toll on the A5?

Failure to pay the toll results in the outstanding amount being added to the bill, the imposition of an administrative fine, and enforcement proceedings conducted by the German enforcement authorities.

Do the charges apply along the entire length of the A5 or only on selected sections?

The charges apply along the entire length of the A5 motorway for all vehicles covered by the LKW-Maut scheme.

Are there any exemptions or concessions for certain vehicles (e.g. tradesmen’s vehicles) on the A5?

Zero-emission vehicles are exempt from tolls, whilst tradesmen’s vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass of more than 3.5 tonnes and less than 7.5 tonnes may be exempt, provided they meet the relevant conditions and are registered with Toll Collect.

Can transport companies based outside Germany apply for a partial refund of A5 toll charges?

The German system does not provide for a general refund of tolls for foreign hauliers.

Do LKW-Maut rates for the A5 depend on the CO₂ emission class?

Yes, the CO₂ component is included in the rates and affects the amount of the toll.

What changes to the LKW-Maut system have affected the A5 motorway 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.

Where on the A5 is the Frankfurter Kreuz junction, and what significance does it have for heavy goods vehicle traffic?

The Frankfurter Kreuz is the junction where the A5 intersects with the A3 near Frankfurt am Main; it is one of the busiest junctions in Europe and a key hub for heavy goods traffic.

Are there any sections of the A5 with overhead lines for hybrid lorries?

A trial system of overhead lines for lorries (‘eHighway’) was in operation on a section of the A5, but its operation has been suspended since the end of 2024.

How does the A5’s infrastructure (e.g. junctions, toll collection points, road equipment) affect tolls and traffic control?

Junctions and measurement points facilitate the recording of journeys, the monitoring and enforcement of the LKW-Maut, and influence capacity and hauliers’ logistics.

The A5 motorway in Germany — information and tolls for heavy goods vehicles

The A5 motorway in Germany connects Hattenbach with Weil am Rhein and is a key route for north—south heavy goods transport. Find out about the main sections, LKW-Maut rates, the Toll Collect system and the benefits of E100 on-board units.