Transit fee in Switzerland for travelers passing through

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. For the use of toll roads, it is planned that an additional fee will be charged alongside the vignette. Parliament has approved a so-called transit fee for foreign travellers passing through, which is intended to apply in addition to the existing vignette requirement.

This fee affects all travellers who merely cross 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 charged?

The aim of the measure is to reduce the risk of congestion, particularly at the Gotthard Tunnel. Due to the high volume of traffic there, significant traffic disruptions occur regularly. Centre National Councillor Simon Stadler emphasises that the situation at the Gotthard has significantly worsened over the past ten years, and the traffic burden now occurs almost every weekend between spring and autumn.

Since around a third of passenger traffic crossing the Alps is purely 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 a recognisable stay. As soon as you, for example, stay overnight 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 is classified as a transit traveller and must pay the fee.

Specifically, this means: If you cross the country within a certain time window (expected to be around 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 to observe the general toll regulations for 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 less busy times. The recording of chargeable vehicles is to be carried out automatically via cameras upon entry and exit.

From when will the transit fee apply?

A specific date for the introduction of the transit fee has not yet been determined. However, it is assumed that changes at the constitutional level may also be required for its implementation.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Please observe the applicable toll regulations when travelling to Switzerland. Additional special toll fees may apply for the use of Alpine passes or tunnels. In addition, depending on the vehicle class, there is either a vignette requirement or an obligation to pay the heavy vehicle fee.

With us, you will find all the important information about tolls in Switzerland, so that you can plan your trip in a relaxed and worry-free manner. If you have any questions, we are happy to help at any time via email.