Czech Republic–Slovakia Border

The border crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia not only represent a connection between two countries, but also a symbol of European integration and the smooth functioning of the European transport network. They form an important hub for passenger and freight traffic on the European continent.

The border crossing between the Czech Republic and Slovakia is therefore not merely a border, but also a seamless transition between the highly developed motorway networks of both countries. The high quality and good maintenance of the transport routes generally ensure that travel between the two countries is fast and safe. This not only facilitates everyday commuting, but also strengthens international trade and tourism.

The Most Important Border Crossings and Some Special Features

There are a total of 27 former border crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia that can be used for inspections. These include, among others:

• 17 road crossings
• 7 railway crossings
• 3 waterway crossings

Important geographical points along the border include in particular:

• The Austria–Slovakia–Czech Republic tripoint at the confluence of the Thaya and Morava rivers: a distinctive point where three countries meet.
• The Wlara Pass: a significant mountain pass crossing.
• The Lissa Pass between Horní Lideč and Lysá pod Makytou: another important crossing point.
• The Poland–Slovakia–Czech Republic tripoint near Hrčava / Čierne close to the Jablunkov Pass: a well-known geographical point of strategic importance.

Czech Republic

The following section provides you with an overview of whether you need to purchase a vignette in the Czech Republic or pay a distance-based toll.

Czech Republic: Vignette Requirement

In the Czech Republic, you need a digital vignette to use motorways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. The vignette is an efficient system for financing and maintaining the Czech motorway network. You can purchase the vignette at most petrol stations in the Czech Republic as well as at selected points of sale in Germany, especially near the border. In addition, there is the convenient option of purchasing the vignette online from us before starting your journey.

The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. Which period is suitable for you depends on your individual travel plans. For a short stay, for example, the 10-day vignette may be a sensible option, while the annual vignette may be more suitable for longer stays or regular trips to the Czech Republic.

Distance-Based Toll

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and designated sections of so-called first-class roads. These routes are marked with an “M” on a yellow background. The toll is collected using a satellite-based transmission device, the so-called OBU 5051 on-board unit.

Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and the required deposit must be paid before using a toll road. In addition, it must be ensured that the transmission device is properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have such a device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. There you can obtain the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech on-board unit used for automatic toll collection. Electronic identification is required for registration. These electronic toll systems are a convenient and uncomplicated solution, particularly for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that regularly travel through the Czech Republic.

The amount of the toll depends on various factors, in particular the road category, the route length, the vehicle category including weight class and number of axles, the CO2 emission class, and the time of day. Higher prices may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles over 4.25 tonnes, which were previously exempt from tolls, have also been classified as subject to tolls since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterwards.

Slovakia

The following section provides you with an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether certain toll sections must be taken into account.

Vignette Requirement

Under the vignette system, toll fees are charged not on a per-kilometre basis, but as a flat-rate amount that varies depending on the duration of travel. You therefore purchase the vignette before starting your journey and, by paying a one-time fee, cover all toll roads, excluding special toll routes for which additional charges apply. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

Please note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Motorhomes, on the other hand, are a special case, as they are subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight, including vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight. In the case of combinations consisting of a passenger car and trailer, the relevant weight class must also be considered: if the total weight is under 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, only the vignette for the towing vehicle is required. If the total weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay any corresponding fees for using motorways and expressways.

The Role of the Distance-Based Toll

For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement generally does not apply. However, motorhomes are exempt from this weight rule, as they remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight and therefore do not have to pay a distance-based toll. For all other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, a distance-based toll is charged. This is based on the kilometres travelled, the vehicle class, especially the number of axles, and the emission class. It is recorded using a transponder or transmission device, an on-board unit. This allows the amount due to be debited automatically. The prerequisite for this is that a corresponding device has been installed in the vehicle in advance. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways, and in some cases also to first- and second-class roads.

Further information on the various vehicle classes can be found here.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and much enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive natural landscapes. Please make sure to inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.