Slovakia: New D1 section with the Čebrať tunnel opened on 5 October 2026
On the central Slovak D1 motorway between Bratislava and Košice, a roughly 15-kilometre-long new section between Hubová and Ivachnová was opened to traffic on Monday, 5 October 2026. The centrepiece is the 3.6-kilometre-long, twin-tube Čebrať tunnel, which for the first time routes through traffic around the town of Ružomberok.
The Slovak state motorway operator NDS (Národná diaľničná spoločnosť) expects drivers on this section of the D1 to save several dozen minutes of travel time, especially during peak hours. Ružomberok itself will benefit noticeably, as the through traffic that previously used the old road through the town will now be handled by the motorway. Good to know: according to the NDS, you may use the new Ružomberok bypass without a vignette; from Ivachnová towards Poprad, the D1 remains subject to the vignette requirement.
Night closure on the weekend before the opening
Before the new section could be connected to the existing network, a full closure was required for connection works on the night of Saturday, 26 September, to Sunday, 27 September 2026, from around 8pm until the early morning hours. During that night, traffic was diverted via road I/18 through the village of Ivachnová.
Significance for travellers on the east-west axis
The D1 between Bratislava and Košice is Slovakia's most important east-west link and is used both by holidaymakers heading to the High Tatras and by transit traffic towards Poland and Eastern Europe. In recent weeks, travellers on this corridor have repeatedly had to contend with roadworks, such as the road resurfacing works on the D1 near Poprad. The opening of the Čebrať section, on the other hand, is good news: it closes one of the last major gaps in the motorway network between Bratislava and the High Tatras.
Slovakia toll at a glance
For cars (including those with trailers) and motorhomes registered as cars, the digital vignette requirement applies regardless of weight on the signposted sections of motorways and expressways; for a combination over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the trailer also needs its own vignette. It is a flat amount for a fixed period. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks and buses over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll via On-Board Unit applies instead, the amount of which depends, among other things, on road category, distance travelled, and emission class. On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch the distance-based toll to a new system: anyone currently using an on-board unit from operator SkyToll must re-register their vehicle (with national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Rates and the tolled road network will remain unchanged. Motorhomes registered as passenger cars (class M1) only ever need the vignette, regardless of weight. There is no separate special toll in Slovakia.
All details on tolls in SlovakiaThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
* ASFINAG toll fee (10-day vignette): 12.80 €, toll fee fully covered by DMC, flat price (per monthly billing period): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Whether you're heading to the High Tatras or on to Poland: with the right vignette for Slovakia, you're legally covered on the D1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the opening of the Hubová–Ivachnová D1 section
When was the new D1 section with the Čebrať tunnel opened?
The approximately 15-kilometer-long section between Hubová and Ivachnová, including the 3.6-kilometer-long Čebrať tunnel, was opened to traffic on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Was there a closure before the opening?
What benefits does the new section bring to drivers?
Do I need a vignette for the D1 in Slovakia?
