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 the movement of people and goods 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 countries is generally quick and safe. 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

Between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, there are a total of 27 former border crossings that can be used for checks. These include:

• 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 Wlara Pass (Vlárský průsmyk): a significant mountain pass crossing.

• The Lissa Pass (Lyský průsmyk) 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 significance.

Czech Republic

In the following section, you will find 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 motorways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The vignette represents 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 sales outlets in Germany, especially near the border. In addition, you have the option to conveniently purchase the vignette from us online before starting your journey.

The Czech vignette is available for various validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The appropriate duration for you depends on your individual travel plans. For example, the 10-day vignette may be suitable for a short stay, 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 gross vehicle weight must pay tolls on motorways, expressways, and on marked sections of the so-called Class 1 roads. These routes are marked with an "M" on a yellow background. The toll is collected via a satellite-based transmitter device, the so-called On-Board Unit OBU 5051.

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 transmitter device is properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a transmitter device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech On-Board Unit for automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. Especially for frequent travelers and foreign vehicles that regularly cross the Czech Republic, these electronic toll systems represent a convenient and straightforward solution.

The amount of the toll depends on various factors, in particular the road category, the distance traveled, the vehicle category including weight class and number of axles, the CO2 emission class, and the time of day. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., higher prices may apply in some cases. 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 afterward.

Slovakia

In the following section, you will find an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether certain toll-liable sections need to be considered.

Vignette requirement

Under the vignette requirement, toll fees are levied that are not calculated based on distance traveled, but as a flat rate 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-liable routes, with the exception of special toll routes, for which additional fees are charged. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.

Please note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Motorhomes, on the other hand, represent a special case, as they are subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight, even if they weigh more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. For combinations of a car and trailer, the respective weight class must also be taken into account: if the total weight is under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, only the vignette for the towing vehicle is required. If the total weight exceeds 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

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

The role of the distance-based toll

For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, 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 need to pay a distance-based toll. For all other vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, a distance-based toll is charged. This is based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class, in particular the number of axles, as well as the emission class. Recording is done using a transponder or a transmitter 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 part, also to first- and second-class roads.

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

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

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