The Autostrasse is a German term that describes a particular type of highway in Austria and Switzerland that allows high-speed traffic but is not the highest class road - the Autobahn (or motorway).

The word Autostrasse can be translated in English as expressway or a semi-motorway (it is composed of words auto and strasse so the literal translation would be composed of "auto" or "motor" and the word "street").

The speed limit of an Autostrasse in Switzerland is 100 km/h, while in Austria the speed limit of an Autostrasse is 100 – 130 km/h.

Differences between Autostrasse and Autobahn

On Autobahn routes, a higher speed limit applies, usually 110–130 km/h. Autostrasse routes are normally limited to a maximum speed limit between 90 km/h and 130 km/h.

On Autobahn routes, longer exits and entrances apply (except for on roads with construction and older routes; they will be marked short exit or kurze Ausfahrt). On Autostrasse routes, most exits are remarkably short. Sometimes even ordinary road crossing exist (not in Switzerland).

Signs are different, too. Autobahn routes often show a picture of two roads (signalled by a white line) over a bridge. Autostrasse routes often show a picture of a car (front view) in white.

Some Autostrasse have no central barrier separating the carriageways running in different directions (e.g. A4 Autostrasse, Winterthur - Schaffhausen). On the A13 Autostrasse, portions of the road even allow drivers to overtake using the carriageway usually reserved for oncoming traffic. This simply does not exist on Autobahn routes; they are required to have a central barrier.

Other European countries

Several other European countries have an analogous type of highway under another name, and these can be generally divided into the several groups.

The term Autostrasse is not used in Germany - they use the term Kraftfahrstrasse with a similar meaning.

A common rule between the Autostrasse roads in different countries is that only motor vehicles are allowed, with a minimum legal speed.

Scandinavia

They are called:

• Motortrafikled in Swedish - Sweden
• Motortrafikkvei in Norwegian - Norway
• Motortrafikvej in Danish - Denmark
• Moottoriliikennetie in Finnish - Finnish

All of these can be translated to "motor traffic road."

The speed limits are:

• • Norway: 80 – 90 km/h
  • Sweden: 90 – 100 km/h
  • Finland: 80 – 100 km/h

This type of road is common is Sweden and Norway and to some extent in Denmark. In Norway and Denmark they are ordinary two-lane roads with exits and entrances but no crossings.

In Sweden they have been rebuilt to 2+1 roads, alternating two lanes in one direction and one in the other, with a narrow fence in between. They previously had wide shoulders, allowing easy rebuilding.

Ireland

A similar type of road in Ireland is the High-quality dual carriageway (HQDC) which is normally completed to a motorway standard, including no right-turns, but with no motorway restrictions. These are common on the final stretches of motorways nearing a major city, generally in order to enable use of bus stops and city bus services on the particular stretch of road.

There are not yet any specific signs for this type of road, but the National Roads Authority have hinted that they are looking at implementing the German-style Autostrasse sign in Ireland.

Speed limits are normally 100 km/h compared to 120 km/h on motorways

Central Europe

The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland they are commonly referred to as "express roads" or expressways.

The speed limits are:

• Poland: 100 – 110 km/h
• Czech Republic: 130 km/h

In Poland there are two main types of Droga Ekspresowa. One lane and two or more. The first one is limited to 100 km/h and the second to 110 km/h. All Polish Autostrasse have non collision junctions and are very similar to Motorways.

Western Europe

In France and Netherlands they are minor in comparison to the main motorways. The speed limits are:

• France: 90 – 110 km/h
• Netherlands: 100 km/h

North America

A similar type of road seen in North America is known as a two-lane freeway, albeit with fewer construction standards.