Exploring The Swiss-Austrian Border: Is There A Crossing?

Switzerland and Austria share a border that is divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein, with a total length of 180 km (110 mi). The longer, southern stretch runs across the Grison Alps, and the shorter one follows the Alpine Rhine. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint located within Upper Lake Constance. Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area in 2008 removed all passport checks between the two countries, but customs checks are still carried out as Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union. This means that it is possible to cross the Swiss-Austrian border on foot, by car, or via public transport such as trains and buses.

Border crossings by foot

Switzerland and Austria share a 180-kilometre border that is divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein. The border's course reflects the success of the House of Habsburg's rivals in limiting the influence of the Habsburg Archdukes of Austria in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Most of the border north of Liechtenstein runs along the Rhine, so you will need to cross via a bridge. However, there are not many bridges, and not all of them have footpaths. The border south of Liechtenstein runs through the mountains and often follows the crest line, so it may be quite challenging in some places unless you have the proper equipment and experience.

Switzerland's implementation of the Schengen Agreement in 2008 removed all passport checks for travellers crossing the Swiss-Austrian border. However, customs officers from both countries are still authorised to carry out customs checks, as Switzerland is not in the EU Customs Union.

There are several cross-border train and bus services connecting towns and cities on both sides of the border. For example, you can take a train from Feldkirch in Austria to St. Gallen in Switzerland. There are also passenger boat services on Lake Constance that connect Austrian and Swiss harbours.

Border stations

Switzerland and Austria share a 180-kilometre-long border, which is divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein. The border mostly follows the Alpine Rhine, except near Diepoldsau and between Lustenau and Lake Constance, where it follows the Old Rhine bed. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint located within Upper Lake Constance.

Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area in 2008 removed all passport checks between the two countries. However, Swiss and Austrian customs officials retain a presence at well-frequented border crossings as they still have the authority to stop travellers to carry out customs checks, as Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union.

Some railway stations are border stations, where there are customs and previously passport control of both countries in the building. Such stations include Basel Badischer Bahnhof (located on Swiss territory near the border, but operated as a German station) and Konstanz station. It is possible to change trains without going through any border or customs control.

There were three border crossings for rail traffic, but none now survive:

• Mäder IRR - Kriessern IRR
• Lustenau Wiesenrain IRR - Widnau IRR
• (Bregenz -) Lustenau Markt ÖBB - St Margrethen SBB
• Höchst Bruggerloch IRR - St.Margrethen IRR

Border crossings by car

Switzerland and Austria share a 180-kilometre-long border, which is divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein. The border mostly follows the Alpine Rhine, except near Diepoldsau and between Lustenau and Lake Constance, where it follows the Old Rhine bed. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint located within Upper Lake Constance.

Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area in 2008 removed all passport checks between the two countries. However, customs officials from both countries retain the authority to stop travellers to carry out customs checks, as Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union.

The border between Switzerland and Austria can be crossed by car. There are several border crossings by road, including:

• The St. Margrethen-Lauterach line between Lustenau and St. Margrethen, served by S3, R5, S7, and EC trains.
• The Feldkirch-Buchs railway, which passes through Liechtenstein, with Austria-Liechtenstein border stations at Tisis and Nendeln and Liechtenstein-Switzerland border stations at Schaan-Vaduz and Buchs SG, served by S2, EC, EN, NJ, and RJX trains.
• The International Rhine Regulation Railway, an industrial heritage railway on the Austrian side.
• The Basel Badischer Bahnhof, a border station located on Swiss territory near the border but operated as a German station.
• The Konstanz station, a border station on the German side.

It is important to note that while there are no permanent passport controls, customs controls are still in operation due to Switzerland not being part of the European Customs Union.

Border controls

Switzerland and Austria share a border that is divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein, with a total length of 180 km (110 mi). The longer, southern stretch runs across the Grison Alps, and the shorter one follows the Alpine Rhine, except near Diepoldsau and between Lustenau and Lake Constance. The border continues northward to the Austrian-Swiss-German tripoint located within Upper Lake Constance.

Switzerland's accession to the Schengen Area in December 2008 removed all passport checks between the two countries. However, Swiss and Austrian customs officials are still authorised to carry out customs checks at well-frequented border crossings, as Switzerland is outside the EU Customs Union.

Border crossings between Austria and Switzerland can be done on foot, by car, or by rail. The majority of the border between Switzerland and Austria, north of Liechtenstein, follows the Rhine, and there are several bridges that can be crossed by pedestrians and vehicles. However, not all bridges have footpaths, and the availability of border crossings may vary depending on the season.

There are also several railway lines that cross the border between the two countries. Since the December 2023 timetable change, cross-border railway services have been available on the St. Margrethen-Lauterach line between Lustenau and St. Margrethen and the Feldkirch-Buchs railway, which passes through Liechtenstein. Additionally, there are cross-border bus and boat services connecting the two countries.

It is important to note that while identity checks have been abolished between Switzerland and Austria, travellers should always carry a passport or ID card as proof of identity when crossing the border.

Border crossings by train

Switzerland and Austria share a 180km border, divided into two parts, separated by the Principality of Liechtenstein. The countries are connected by train lines, with cross-border services existing on two railway lines crossing the Alpine Rhine.

The first line is the St. Margrethen-Lauterach line between Lustenau and St. Margrethen, served by S3, R5, S7, and EC trains. The second is the Feldkirch-Buchs railway, which passes through Liechtenstein, with Austria-Liechtenstein border stations at Tisis and Nendeln, and Liechtenstein-Switzerland border stations at Schaan-Vaduz and Buchs SG, served by S2, EC, EN, NJ, and RJX trains. These cross-border S-Bahn services are marketed as Bodensee S-Bahn.

There is also the International Rhine Regulation Railway, an industrial railway built for the straightening of the Alpine Rhine, which is now used as a heritage railway on the Austrian side.

Currently, no railway line exists across the southern section of the border. However, there have been plans in the past to connect the Rhätische Bahn network in Switzerland with the Arlberg Railway in Austria via the Reschenscheideckbahn, but this has not been completed. There are proposals to build this line in the future, with a connector to Scuol.

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