Transit fee for foreign transit travellers
If you like to use Switzerland as a transit country on the way to your destination, additional costs may be coming your way in the future. For the use of toll-liable routes, it is planned that an additional fee alongside the vignette will be charged. Parliament has passed a so-called transit fee for foreign travellers passing through, which is to apply in addition to the existing vignette requirement.
This fee affects all travellers who merely pass through Switzerland on the way to their holiday destination (for example to Italy) and are not planning a longer stay in the country.
Why is the transit fee being introduced?
The aim of the measure is to reduce the risk of congestion, particularly at the Gotthard Tunnel. Due to the high volume of traffic, significant traffic disruptions occur there on a regular basis. Centre National Councillor Simon Stadler emphasises that the situation at the Gotthard has deteriorated considerably over the past ten years and that the traffic burden now exists almost every weekend between spring and autumn.
Since around one third of passenger traffic across the Alps is accounted for by pure transit traffic, the introduction of a transit fee is seen as a sensible solution.
Who does the transit fee apply to?
The transit fee applies to everyone who travels through Switzerland without any recognisable stay. As soon as you, for example, spend the night in the country or make purchases there, you are no longer considered a transit traveller and are exempt from the fee. However, anyone who travels through Switzerland without a stopover will be classified as a transit traveller and must pay the fee.
In concrete terms, this means: If you pass through the country within a certain time window (expected to be approximately twelve hours), a payment will automatically become due.
How much is the transit fee?
The planned fee amounts to around 21 Swiss francs, which currently corresponds to approximately 23 euros (as of 30.03.2026). It is charged in addition to the regular vignette. It is therefore important to continue observing the general toll regulations of Switzerland.
There is also discussion about making the amount of the fee flexible. It could vary depending on traffic density, time of day or day of the week. On heavily frequented travel days, the fee would be correspondingly higher than during low-traffic periods. The registration of vehicles subject to the fee is to be carried out automatically via cameras at entry and exit points.
From when does the transit fee apply?
A specific date for the introduction of the transit fee has not yet been determined. However, it is assumed that implementation may also require amendments at the constitutional level.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Please observe the applicable toll regulations when travelling to Switzerland. Additional special toll charges may apply for the use of Alpine passes or tunnels. Furthermore, depending on the vehicle class, there is either a vignette requirement or an obligation to pay the heavy vehicle charge.
With us you will find all the important information on tolls in Switzerland, so that you can plan your trip in a relaxed and worry-free manner. If you have any questions, we are always happy to help you by email.
