What are concession motorways?
Concession motorways are understood to be privately financed motorways, i.e. they are not built, operated and financed entirely by the state, but by private companies.
Why are tolls charged on concession motorways?
The private company is responsible for the investments. The revenue from the tolls is intended to cover the costs of construction, operation and maintenance of the route. This model is often used to make it possible to finance infrastructure projects without the state having to bear the entire cost.
How are the tolls collected?
The tolls on concession motorways are collected in the form of a distance-based toll. Please note that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometre, i.e. different prices apply on the different motorway sections. On concession motorways, you can pay either in cash or by card.
Who has to pay the charges?
Vehicles and trailer combinations under 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll on the concession motorways. Nowadays, only three motorway sections in Poland are subject to tolls for vehicles and trailer combinations under 3.5 t GVW (e.g. cars and motorcycles). These include the A1, A2 and A4. Because of certain sections, these count as concession motorways, i.e. privately financed motorways.
Tolls apply on the following sections of the A1, A2 and A4
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A1
Gdańsk–Toruń
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A2
Świecko (German border) – Konin
(with a toll-free exception: the Poznań bypass between the Poznań Zachód and Poznań Wschód junctions)
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A4
Katowice – Kraków
For vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the concession motorways are also subject to charges, i.e. the owners of these vehicles must also pay a distance-based toll. Please note, however, that the distance-based toll for vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (unlike for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW) also applies on publicly financed motorways.
You can find out on which routes in Poland tolls apply on our page Toll in Poland. You can find more about the distance-based toll in Poland on our page e-TOLL in Poland.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Poland and plenty of enjoyment exploring this diverse country. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip ideally and to see the matching toll products (especially if you pass through other countries on your way to Poland). If you have any questions, we are always available by email.
Frequently asked questions about concession motorways
All the key answers about the Polish concession motorways.
What are concession motorways in Poland?
Concession motorways are privately financed motorway sections that are not built, operated and financed entirely by the state, but by private companies.
Which Polish motorway sections count as concession motorways?
These include sections of the A1 (Gdańsk-Toruń), A2 (Świecko-Konin) and A4 (Katowice-Kraków).
Why are tolls charged on concession motorways in Poland?
On concession motorways, a private company is responsible for the investments. The revenue from the tolls is intended to cover the costs of construction, operation and maintenance of the route. This model is often used to finance infrastructure projects without the state having to bear the entire cost.
How high are the motorway charges on the Polish concession motorways?
The toll is collected as a distance-based toll. There is no nationwide uniform price per kilometre: different prices apply on the different motorway sections.
Do I have to pay tolls on Polish motorways as a car or motorcycle driver?
Yes, but only on certain sections. Vehicles and trailer combinations under 3.5 t GVW (e.g. cars and motorcycles) must pay a distance-based toll on the concession motorways. In Poland, only three motorway sections are still subject to tolls for them: the A1, A2 and A4. You can find an overview of tolls in Poland on our page Toll in Poland.
Can I pay in cash or by card on Polish concession motorways?
Yes. On concession motorways, you can pay either in cash or by card.
Do I have to pay a toll on the A2 from the German border to Konin?
Yes, on the A2, the section from Świecko (German border) to Konin is subject to tolls. There is a toll-free exception on the Poznań bypass (between the Poznań Zachód and Poznań Wschód junctions).
Which sections of the A1 and A4 are subject to tolls?
On the A1, the Gdańsk–Toruń section is subject to tolls, and on the A4, the Katowice–Kraków section. Together with the A2 (Świecko–Konin), these are the three sections on which vehicles and trailer combinations under 3.5 t GVW pay tolls.
Do the concession motorways also apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW?
Yes. For vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the concession motorways are also subject to charges. Please note that the distance-based toll for these vehicles, unlike for vehicles under 3.5 t GVW, also applies on publicly financed motorways. You can find more about the distance-based toll in Poland on our page e-TOLL in Poland.
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About the author
Michelle Albrecht