Transit fee in Switzerland for travelers passing through
Planned transit fee in addition to the vignette requirement
If you like to use Switzerland as a transit country on your way to your travel destination, additional costs could be coming your way in the future. There is discussion about an additional fee being levied alongside the vignette. The Swiss Parliament has instructed the Federal Council, via a motion, to develop a so-called transit fee for foreign through-travelers (Council of States in September 2025, National Council in March 2026). There is no law yet; the amount, design, and start date are still open (as of October 2026). Until then, only the vignette requirement applies.
The fee is intended to apply to travelers who merely pass through Switzerland on their way to their holiday destination (for example, to Italy) and do not plan a longer stay in the country.
Why is the transit fee being levied?
The aim of the measure is to reduce the risk of traffic jams, particularly at the Gotthard Tunnel. Due to the high volume of traffic, significant traffic obstructions occur there regularly. Centre national councillor Simon Stadler emphasizes that the situation at the Gotthard has worsened considerably over the past ten years, and that traffic congestion now occurs almost every weekend between spring and autumn.
Since around a third of passenger traffic crossing the Alps consists of pure transit traffic, introducing a transit fee is seen as a sensible solution.
Who is the transit fee intended to apply to?
The transit fee is intended to apply to foreign vehicles that merely cross Switzerland without stopping.
Still open: Exactly who counts as a transit traveler—for example, in the case of passing through without an overnight stay within a certain time window—has not yet been determined. Exceptions, for instance for overnight stays in the country, are so far only under discussion and have not been decided.
How much will the transit fee be?
The amount of the fee has not yet been determined (as of October 2026). It would be charged in addition to the regular vignette. It is therefore important to continue to observe the general toll regulations for Switzerland.
There is also discussion about making the amount of the fee flexible. For example, it could vary depending on traffic density, time of day, or day of the week. On heavily traveled days, the fee would be correspondingly higher than during periods of low traffic. An automatic recording system using cameras at entry and exit points is also under discussion.
From when will the transit fee apply?
A specific date for the introduction of the transit fee has not yet been set. However, it is assumed that implementation may also require changes at the constitutional level. First, the Federal Council must draw up a proposal, which Parliament will then decide on again.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Please observe the applicable toll regulations when traveling to Switzerland. An additional special toll only applies to the tunnels at Great St. Bernard and Munt la Schera; for car-loading services you need a separate ticket. In addition, depending on the permissible total weight, either a vignette requirement (up to 3.5 t) or the obligation to pay the heavy vehicle fee (over 3.5 t, LSVA or PSVA) applies.
You will find all the important information on tolls in Switzerland with us, so you can plan your trip in a relaxed and worry-free way. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you at any time by email.
