Hegyeshalom-Nickelsdorf border crossing



The Hegyeshalom-Nickelsdorf border crossing joins Hungary (near Hegyeshalom) with Austria (at the village of Nickelsdorf). It lies on European Route 60. In Austria the road becomes the A4 motorway and in Hungary the road becomes the M1 motorway. Because Austria and Hungary are part of the Schengen zone, there are no border controls. However, cars are often going slowly, and on either side of the border there are rest stops where you can ask drivers.

Finding an onward lift to Vienna or Budapest shouldn't take long. Very long-distance rides are also possible here.

Into Austria
On the Austria side of the border along the westbound lane, there is a Shell petrol station where Romanians constantly stop to buy vignettes. These Romanians are going to all parts of Western Europe, so a few simple phrases in Romanian and a smile can get you a very long-distance lift.

Into Hungary
From the rest station along the eastbound lane on the Hungarian side, one can thumb or ask drivers.

If you are going to Romania, hitch with a sign "RO" – you can get a direct lift with little waiting time, and there is no need to stop anywhere in Hungary. However, make sure that the Romanian driver is using the border crossing on the road you need (either Oradea or Arad).