Toll in Germany
What is a toll (obligation)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. But what does that mean? So-called toll fees are charged for the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges. The amounts of money generated by the toll are invested, for example, in the road network. This ensures a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas of 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 gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll charged in Germany?
In Germany, there is currently no general car toll for German vehicle owners. Instead, a special toll is only charged for certain routes. In addition, commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay a distance-based toll.
Distance-based toll for commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW
All commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay a truck toll on all federal motorways and federal roads. Rural roads, on the other hand, are also toll-free for trucks. The truck toll is linked to CO2 emissions. There is also a cross-border toll service between Germany and Austria. The toll service TOLL2GO allows truck drivers to use the same on-board unit, the Toll Collect On-Board Unit (TC OBU for short), for both countries.
Special toll
The special toll is only charged for individual routes and tunnels. These special toll routes are the Warnow Tunnel and the Herren Tunnel. The special toll applies to all vehicle categories. Accordingly, you must pay a flat fee (depending on the vehicle class) for the use of the tunnel. However, the vehicle classes differ depending on the tunnel.
Warnow Tunnel
The Warnow Tunnel is located in the Hanseatic city of Rostock and connects the districts of Schmarl and Krummendorf. This allows the tunnel to provide a direct connection from the harbour to the A19 towards Berlin. The Warnow Tunnel is open around the clock. The amount of the special toll (per one-way trip) varies depending on vehicle class, season (winter: 01.11–30.04; summer: 01.05–31.10), or whether you already have an on-board unit/payment card. You can pay the toll at the toll booth by credit card. The following vehicle classes apply:
Motorcycles, cars, cars with trailers up to a height of 2.05 m
Cars with trailers, motorhomes, small vans up to a height of 2.60 m
Motorhomes over a height of 2.60 m
Herren Tunnel
The Herren Tunnel connects Lübeck with Herreninsel and with Travemünde (B75). The amount of the special toll varies depending on vehicle class. The vehicle classes are differentiated based on the height of the front axle:
Class A: motor vehicles (including with trailer) up to a front axle height of 1.30 m
Class B: motor vehicles with a front axle height over 1.30 m
Car transport by rail
In addition to the distance-based toll and the special toll, there is also a car transport service in Germany, the Sylt Shuttle. Car transport by rail refers to car trains that can take you quickly from A to B. Using car trains is subject to a fee. The travel time of the Sylt Shuttle is 35 minutes and connects Niebüll (mainland) with Westerland (Sylt).
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good trip and an unforgettable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your trip planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by e-mail.
FAQ about your trip to Germany
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is there a general car toll in Germany?
No, there is no general car toll in Germany for private vehicle owners. Cars can generally use motorways and federal highways toll-free.
Who has to pay a distance-based toll in Germany?
A distance-based truck toll applies to commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t gvw. These vehicles must pay tolls on all federal motorways and federal highways. Rural roads, on the other hand, are toll-free.
What is TOLL2GO?
TOLL2GO is a cross-border toll service between Germany and Austria. It allows truck drivers to use the Toll Collect On-Board-Unit (TC OBU) in both countries.
Which special toll routes exist in Germany?
There are only a few special toll routes in Germany. These include the Warnow Tunnel in Rostock and the Herren Tunnel in Lübeck. The special toll applies to all vehicle categories and is charged as a flat fee.
How is the toll for the Warnow Tunnel calculated?
The toll for the Warnow Tunnel is based on vehicle class, vehicle height, and season (summer/winter). In addition, the price may vary depending on whether you use a transponder or a payment card. The fee is charged per one-way trip.
How are vehicles classified in the Herrentunnel?
In the Herrentunnel, classification is based on the height of the front axle. Vehicles with a front axle height of up to 1.30 m belong to Class A, vehicles over 1.30 m belong to Class B.
Does the special toll also apply to motorcycles and motorhomes?
Yes, the special toll applies to all vehicle categories, so it also applies to motorcycles, cars, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers. The amount of the fee depends on the respective vehicle class.
Are there paid car train services in Germany?
Yes, for example the Sylt Shuttle. This is a paid car train service that connects Niebüll with Westerland on Sylt. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
