Czech Republic – Poland Border
Before starting your journey, it is advisable to inform yourself about the most important regulations and specifics of your destination country. Therefore, we provide you with an overview of relevant aspects for your trip. The border between Poland and the Czech Republic is approximately 762 kilometers long and runs largely through mountainous terrain.
Border crossings
There are several border crossings between Poland and the Czech Republic that can be used for crossing the border:
- Drogówka - Cieszyn / Český Těšín: This border crossing is frequently used by commuters traveling between Poland and the Czech Republic. It is located near the cities of Cieszyn (Poland) and Český Těšín (Czech Republic).
- Kudowa-Zdrój - Náchod: This crossing is located in southwestern Poland and connects the city of Kudowa-Zdrój in Poland with Náchod in the Czech Republic.
- Zgorzelec - Liberec: This border crossing is located at the border between the Polish city of Zgorzelec and the Czech city of Liberec.
In addition to these border crossings, there are numerous smaller connections between Poland and the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic
The following section provides an overview of whether a vignette is required for using the roads in the Czech Republic or whether a distance-based toll must be paid.
Czech Republic: vignette requirement (or not?)
A digital vignette is required for using motorways and expressways in the Czech Republic. This obligation applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. The vignette represents an efficient system to ensure the financing and maintenance of the Czech motorway network. It can be purchased at many petrol stations in the Czech Republic as well as at selected sales points near the border. Alternatively, you can conveniently purchase the vignette online before starting your journey.
The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The most suitable option depends on your travel plans. For a short stay, the 10-day vignette is usually sufficient. For longer stays or frequent trips to the Czech Republic, the annual vignette may be the more cost-effective option.
Distance-based toll
Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must pay a distance-based toll on motorways, expressways, and certain sections of first-class roads. These sections are marked with a yellow sign featuring the letter “M”. The toll is collected using a satellite-based transmitter (On-Board Unit OBU 5051).
Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system before using a toll road and a corresponding deposit must be paid. In addition, the transmitter must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have such a device, you can purchase it at a Mytocz sales point. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech On-Board Unit, which enables automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. This system offers a convenient solution especially for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that regularly travel through the Czech Republic.
The amount of the toll depends on several factors, including the road category, distance traveled, vehicle category (weight class and number of axles), the CO₂ emission class, and partly the time of day (higher tariffs may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t that were previously exempt from tolls have also been subject to toll charges since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterward (pre-pay or post-pay).
Poland
The following section provides an overview of whether a vignette is required in Poland or whether a distance-based toll must be paid.
Vignette requirement or distance-based toll?
In Poland there is no vignette requirement. Instead, toll fees are collected via a distance-based toll system. The amount of the toll depends on the distance traveled, the vehicle type, the Euro emission class, and the type of financing of the respective motorway section.
Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations under 3.5 t GVW
For cars and motorcycles, only two motorway sections in Poland are currently subject to tolls: the A2 and the A4. These are partly considered concession motorways, meaning privately financed motorway sections. The toll requirement applies on the following routes:
- A2: Świecko (German border) – Konin (with a free exception for the bypass around the city of Poznań)
- A4: Katowice – Kraków
Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations over 3.5 t GVW
For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, tolls apply both on private motorway sections (concession motorways) and on state-financed motorways as well as on expressways and federal roads.
- A2: Świecko – Konin and Konin – Stryków
- A4: Katowice – Kraków and Bielany – Wrocławskie – Sośnica
While payment on concession motorways can be made in cash or by card, tolls on state-financed roads are charged exclusively electronically via the e-TOLL system. Vehicles must be registered in the system, which can be done online or on site. The toll can then be recorded via the e-TOLL PL app, a transmitter (OBU), or an external positioning device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle. Important: The viaBOX and viaTOLL systems are no longer supported. A more detailed explanation can be found here.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip
We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please 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. You can contact us at any time by email.
