Toll Greece
What is a toll (obligation)?
Most countries in Europe levy toll charges. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? So-called toll charges are levied for the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges. The amounts of money collected through the toll are invested, for example, in the road network. This ensures a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas for investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll collected?
In Greece, unlike other European countries (e.g. Austria or Switzerland), there is no vignette. However, a toll charge is levied on most motorways and for the use of bridges and tunnels. The amount of toll payable depends on your vehicle category and height.
Vehicles and vehicle classes
Regulations for vehicles
In Greece, specific regulations apply to motor vehicles and their classification into vehicle classes:
Cars: are classified differently according to the number of axles and overall height. An exception applies to the Athens Ring Road. There, vehicles are tolled according to the height at the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m).
Vehicle-trailer combinations: are classified differently according to the number of axles and overall height. An exception applies to the Athens Ring Road. There, the toll charge for vehicle-trailer combinations differs depending on the height at the front axle of the towing vehicle and the trailer height.
Motorhomes: are tolled at different rates depending on their overall height.
Vehicle classes
The various vehicle categories can usually be divided into the following vehicle classes. Please note that the classification on the Athens Ring Road may differ, and inform yourself before your trip about the specific toll routes you intend to use:
Class 1: Motorcycles and trikes.
Class 2: Motor vehicles (with or without trailer) with up to 3 axles and a height of up to 2.2 m.
Class 3: Motor vehicles (with or without trailer) with up to 3 axles and a height of up to 2.2 m.
Class 4: Motor vehicles (with or without trailer) with 4 or more axles.
Where is the toll collected?
Motorways and Athens Ring Road
If you want to use the motorways in Greece, you will almost always have to pay a toll. The only toll-free exceptions are short sections between two toll stations or access roads to towns and villages. If you want to avoid the toll obligation entirely, you must use smaller roads away from the motorway. However, avoiding the toll will at the same time increase your travel time.
In addition, the amount of the toll can vary depending on the motorway route. For your orientation, the motorway sections subject to a toll obligation are listed here:
Thessaloniki - Lamia (A1)
Lamia - Athens (A1)
Igoumenitsa - Alexandroupoli (A2)
Trikala - Lamia (A3)
Patras - Ioannina (A5)
Athens Ring Road (A6): Please note the differing vehicle classes for cars here, which are not based on the number of axles and overall height, but on the height of the front axle.
Corinth - Kalamata (A7)
Athens - Patras (A8)
Bridges & underwater tunnels
In addition to motorways, toll charges are also often levied for bridges and tunnels in European countries. In Greece, a toll is levied for the Rio - Antirrio Bridge. In addition, you must pay a toll charge if you want to use the Preveza-Aktio underwater tunnel.
Payment of toll charges
Toll payment is made either manually or electronically. The toll stations are located mainly within the toll sections and at motorway exits and entrances. An exception applies to the Preveza-Aktio underwater tunnel, the Rio - Antirrio Bridge near Patras and the Athens Ring Road. On these route sections, the toll is paid upon entering the toll route.
What does manual payment mean?
You pay the charges in cash or by credit card upon entry at the toll stations.
What does electronic payment mean?
Many toll stations have additional lanes for electronic payment using a transmitter device (also called a transponder). The charges are then usually lower. However, for this cashless payment you already need the transponder on site. You can obtain the transponder free of charge at the service stations of the motorway operators and must then top it up with credit.
Each motorway operator provides its own transponder, which can be used on all Greek motorways thanks to the overarching GRITS system (Greek Interoperable Tolling Systems). Please note, however, that transponders are country-specific. You cannot use a transponder purchased in Greece in other neighbouring countries.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a good journey and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.
FAQ: Questions and Answers for Your Trip
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is there a vignette requirement in Greece?
No. In Greece there is no vignette requirement (time-based fee). Instead, a toll fee is charged on many motorways as well as for certain bridges and tunnels.
How does the highway toll work in Greece?
On most highways, the toll is paid at toll stations. Payment is usually made manually (cash or by card) or electronically via lanes with a transponder. The amount depends, among other things, on the vehicle class and vehicle height.
Where are tolls charged in Greece?
Tolls are mainly charged on motorways. In addition, for example, the Rio–Antirrio Bridge and the Preveza-Aktio underwater tunnel are subject to tolls. In some cases, the toll is collected within the route or at entry/exit points, while on some sections it is already charged upon entry.
Which motorway sections in Greece are typically subject to tolls?
Many major routes are subject to tolls, including the A1 (Thessaloniki–Lamia, Lamia–Athens), A2 (Igoumenitsa–Alexandroupoli), A3 (Trikala–Lamia), A5 (Patras–Ioannina), A6 (Athens bypass), A7 (Corinth–Kalamata), and A8 (Athens–Patras). Short sections between stations or access points may be exceptions.
Can I pay the toll in Greece in cash or by card?
Yes. With manual payment, you usually pay cash or by credit card at the toll stations. The signage at the lanes shows which payment methods are accepted.
What does electronic payment of tolls in Greece mean?
At many toll stations there are lanes for electronic payment with a transmitter/transponder. This allows you to pass through more quickly; the fees are often cheaper as well. The transponder is usually issued by the motorway companies and must be topped up with credit.
What is the GRITS system in Greece?
GRITS stands for Greek Interoperable Tolling Systems. It allows transponders from different motorway operators to be used across many Greek motorways. Important: transponders are generally country-specific and cannot automatically be used in other countries.
How are vehicles classified in Greece?
The classification is based, among other things, on number of axles and overall height (depending on vehicle type). On the Athens Ring Road (A6), some different criteria apply, e.g. the height at the front axle (up to/from 1.3 m) for cars and different criteria for vehicle-trailer combinations.
What vehicle classes are commonly used in Greece?
Vehicles are often divided into classes such as Class 1 (motorcycles/trikes), Class 2 (vehicles with up to 3 axles and up to 2.2 m in height), Class 3 (vehicles with up to 3 axles over 2.2 m in height), and Class 4 (vehicles with 4 or more axles). Please note that individual routes (e.g. the Athens bypass) may differ.
Can I avoid tolls in Greece?
If you want to avoid tolls, you generally have to take smaller roads away from the motorways. However, this can lead to a significantly longer journey time. Short toll-free sections are possible, but they are usually the exception.
"}When is the toll paid – upon entry or along the route?
Usually you pay at toll stations within the toll sections as well as at entry and exit points. Exceptions include the Preveza-Aktio underwater tunnel, the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, and the Athens Ring Road: there, the toll is often already paid upon entry into the toll section.
