Border crossing Czech Republic Slovakia

The border crossings between the Czech Republic and Slovakia represent not only a connection between two states, 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 thus not merely a border, but at the same time a seamless transition between the highly developed motorway networks of both countries. The high quality and good maintenance of the transport routes ensure that travel between the two states is generally possible quickly and safely. This not only makes everyday life easier for commuters, 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 checks. These include, among others:

• 17 road crossings

• 7 railway crossings

• 3 waterway crossings

Important geographical points along the border include in particular:

• The tripoint of Austria–Slovakia–Czech Republic at the confluence of the Thaya and the March: a striking point where three countries meet.

• The Vlára Pass: a significant mountain pass crossing.

• The Lysá Pass between Horní Lideč and Lysá pod Makytou: another important crossing point.

• The tripoint of Poland–Slovakia–Czech Republic near Hrčava / Čierne close to the Jablunkov Pass: a well-known geographical point of strategic importance.

Czech Republic

In the following section, you will get an overview of whether you need to purchase a vignette or pay a distance-based toll in the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic: Vignette requirement

In the Czech Republic, you need a digital vignette to use the motorways subject to a vignette requirement (D-roads). This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. The vignette represents an efficient system for financing and maintaining the Czech motorway network. On-site, you can obtain the vignette at Czech Post branches, at EuroOil and RoBiN-OIL petrol stations, as well as at vending machines at border crossings; online, it is available via edalnice.gov.cz. In addition, you have the option of conveniently purchasing the vignette online with us before starting your journey.

The Czech vignette is available for various validity periods: 1 day, 10 days, 30 days, and 1 year. Which duration is suitable for you depends on your individual travel plans. For a short stay, the 10-day vignette may be useful, for example, while the annual vignette is more suitable for longer stays or regular trips to the Czech Republic.

Distance-based toll

Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of the so-called first-class roads. These sections are marked with an “M” on a yellow background. The toll is collected electronically and via satellite using the MYTO CZ system; for this, you need an on-board unit (OBU).

Please note that before using a toll road, your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and the required deposit must be paid. In addition, it must be ensured that the transmitting device is properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a transmitting device, you can obtain one at a sales point of the MYTO CZ system. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, i.e. the Czech on-board unit for automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. These electronic toll systems represent a convenient and straightforward solution, especially for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that regularly cross the Czech Republic.

The amount of the toll depends on various factors, in particular the road category, the distance traveled, the vehicle category with weight class and number of axles, as well as the EURO and CO2 emission class. Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t, which were previously exempt from the toll, have also been classified as subject to tolls since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterwards.

Slovakia

In the following section, you will get an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether certain toll sections need to be taken into account.

Vignette requirement

Under the vignette requirement, toll fees are charged that are not calculated based on kilometers but are levied as a flat amount that varies depending on the duration of travel. You therefore purchase the vignette before starting your journey and, by paying a one-time amount, cover all toll roads, except for special toll routes for which additional fees are charged. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW.

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, i.e. even if they weigh more than 3.5 t GVW. For combinations of cars and trailers, the respective weight class must also be taken into account: if the total weight is under 3.5 t GVW, only the vignette for the towing vehicle is required. If the total weight exceeds 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

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

The role of the distance-based toll

For vehicles over 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement generally does not apply. However, motorhomes are excluded from this weight regulation, as they remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight and therefore do not have to pay a distance-based toll. A distance-based toll is charged for all other vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. This is based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class, in particular the number of axles, and the emission class. Recording is done using a transponder or a transmitting 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 previously installed in the vehicle. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways, and in some cases also to first- and second-class roads.

You can find further information on the various vehicle classes here.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you optimally plan your trip and display the corresponding toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.