Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
15–60 min vehicles
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Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, freight
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Peak Times
7:00–10:00 AM, weekends
Daily Crossings
12,000–18,000 daily
Currency Exchange
Nearby towns: EUR
Safety Information
Steady flow; orderly
Languages Spoken
German
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
About Linz & Passau
Monthly Update (February 2026):
The Danube bridges near the Linz & Passau Border Crossing often decide the mood before you do. Through 02/2026 it’s been calm overall, but traffic heading into Austria slows more during weekday mornings. Trucks feel it more than cars, while weekends ease up quickly. Holiday travel and river-area weather are the usual reasons waits stretch.
A Historic Danube Crossing
The Passau-Linz border, straddling the Danube River, connects Germany’s Bavaria with Austria’s Upper Austria, linking Passau’s baroque charm with Linz’s industrial and cultural hub. As a Schengen Area crossing, it’s open 24 hours a day, but Germany’s temporary controls, extended through March 2026, may cause delays due to migration and security concerns. Popular for commuters and tourists, this crossing is accessible by train, car, or boat, but stay alert for pickpockets and check advisories for updates.
Historical and Cultural Context
Defined by the 1803 Treaty of Pressburg, this border along the Danube has shifted through centuries of Habsburg and Bavarian rule. Passau, once a key Holy Roman Empire bishopric, and Linz, a Habsburg stronghold, share a rich history, reflected in Passau’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Linz’s Ars Electronica Center. Germany’s controls since 2024, reducing illegal entries significantly, highlight migration tensions, occasionally causing protests that disrupt access, so verify border status.
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Schengen rules allow free crossing, but Germany’s ongoing controls involve random ID checks at Passau’s Achleiten crossing or on trains. Regional trains from Passau to Linz, operated by DB or ÖBB, take 40 minutes for 10 euros, with checks reported at Passau station. Driving the A3/E56 takes 20 minutes over 15 kilometers. Wait times are 5 to 15 minutes, but checks or summer tourist peaks, especially July, can extend to 20 to 45 minutes. Carry a passport or EU ID.
Staying Alert for Scams
Pickpocketing is a concern in Passau’s old town or Linz’s Hauptplatz, particularly during events like Passau’s Christmas market. Touts may offer fake train tickets or border assistance for fees, targeting distracted tourists. Purchase tickets via DB Navigator or ÖBB apps to avoid scams. During controls, ignore unofficial guides claiming to expedite checks; only trust uniformed police. Travel mid-afternoon to avoid morning commuter crowds, and secure valuables in a money belt to reduce theft risks.
Transportation and Road Conditions
From Munich, DB trains to Passau take 2 hours for 25 euros; from Vienna, ÖBB trains to Linz take 1.5 hours for 20 euros. Driving the A3/E56 covers 15 kilometers in 20 minutes, with Danube views framed by rolling hills. A scenic 2-hour river cruise crosses the border for 30 euros. Rain from October to March can slow foot traffic, but roads and trains are reliable. The border has eateries and shops; bring euros, as Linz’s ATMs may charge fees.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Passau’s Veste Oberhaus fortress and glass museum are 10 minutes from the station. Linz’s Lentos Art Museum and Pöstlingberg pilgrimage church are a 15-minute drive. The border area offers cafes serving Bavarian pretzels and Austrian strudel. Budget hotels like Ibis Passau cost 60 euros per night, while mid-range options in Linz cost 80 euros. The crossing’s proximity to Danube bike trails draws adventurers, despite occasional delays from controls.
Seasonal and Weather Impacts
The dry season, April to September, brings 20 to 25°C weather, ideal for cycling or river cruises. The rainy season, October to March, can make paths slick, slowing pedestrians. Peak times, like Linz’s Ars Electronica Festival in September, draw crowds, with border checks adding 15 to 45 minutes in 2025-2026. Germany’s extended controls cause occasional traffic, as noted recently. Check for protests or rail disruptions affecting access.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Carry a valid passport or EU ID, as ongoing controls may prompt checks on trains or roads. Bring two photocopies and euros for fees. Rental cars cross freely, but secure valuables due to pickpocketing in Passau’s tourist areas. Book tickets via DB or ÖBB apps to avoid touts. Hotels fill up during festivals, so reserve early. Non-Schengen travelers should check visa rules, though most get 90 days visa-free. Monitor advisories for security updates.
Planning Your Crossing
Travel mid-afternoon to avoid tourist rushes and border checks. Use DB or ÖBB apps for real-time schedules, as controls may disrupt trains. Monitor news for migration tensions or protests, affecting the crossing in 2025-2026. With preparation, you’ll cross this scenic border smoothly, ready to explore Passau’s baroque grandeur or Linz’s modern cultural scene, diving into a rich Bavarian-Austrian blend.
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