Border Czech Republic and Poland

Before you set off on your journey, it is advisable to find out about the most important regulations and specific features of your destination country. Below, we therefore provide you with an overview of the relevant aspects for your trip. The border between Poland and the Czech Republic is approximately 796 kilometres long and runs mostly through mountainous terrain.

Border crossings

There are several border crossings between Poland and the Czech Republic that can be used to cross the border:

• Cieszyn / Český Těšín: This border crossing is frequently used by commuters travelling between Poland and the Czech Republic. It is located near the towns of Cieszyn (Poland) and Český Těšín (Czech Republic).

• Kudowa-Zdrój - Náchod: This crossing is located in south-western Poland and connects the town of Kudowa-Zdrój in Poland with Náchod in the Czech Republic.

• Zawidów - Habartice: This border crossing connects the Polish town of Zawidów with Habartice on the Czech side; from there, road I/13 leads to Liberec.

In addition to these border crossings, there are numerous other smaller connections between Poland and the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

The following section gives you an overview of whether a vignette is required to use the roads in the Czech Republic or whether a distance-based toll is charged.

Czech Republic: Vignette requirement (or not?)

A digital vignette is required to use the toll motorways (D-roads) in the Czech Republic. This requirement applies to all vehicles with a permissible gross weight of up to 3.5 t. The vignette represents an efficient system for financing and maintaining the Czech motorway network. On site, you can obtain the vignette at branches of the Czech Post, at EuroOil and RoBiN-OIL petrol stations, as well as at vending machines at border crossings; online, it is available via edalnice.gov.cz. Alternatively, you can conveniently purchase the vignette online before setting off on your journey.

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

Distance-based toll

Vehicles with a permissible gross weight of over 3.5 t must pay a distance-based toll on motorways, expressways and certain sections of first-class roads. These sections are marked with a yellow sign bearing the letter "M". 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 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 device must be properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a suitable device, you can obtain one from a MYTO CZ sales point. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, i.e. the Czech on-board unit, which enables automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. This system is a particularly convenient solution for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that travel through the Czech Republic on a regular basis.

The amount of the toll depends on several factors, including the road category, distance travelled, vehicle category (weight class and number of axles) as well as EURO and CO₂ emission class. Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t, which were previously exempt from the toll, have also been subject to tolls since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterwards (pre-pay or post-pay).

Poland

The following section gives you an overview of whether a vignette is required in Poland or whether a distance-based toll is charged.

Vignette requirement or distance-based toll?

In Poland, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. The amount of the fees depends on the distance travelled, the type of vehicle, the Euro emission class, and the way in which the respective motorway section is financed.

Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations under 3.5 t GVW

For cars and motorcycles, only two motorway sections are now subject to tolls: the A2 and the A4. These are partly classified as concession motorways, i.e. privately financed motorway sections. The toll requirement applies to the following sections:

• A2: Świecko (German border) – Konin (with the exception of the Poznań bypass, which is free of charge)

• A4: Katowice – Kraków

Please note that there is no uniform nationwide price per kilometre. Fees may therefore vary depending on the motorway section. On concession motorways, payment can generally be made in cash or by card.

Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations over 3.5 t GVW

For vehicles with a permissible gross weight of over 3.5 t, a toll applies on both private motorway sections (concession motorways) and state-funded motorways, as well as on expressways and national roads.

• A2: Świecko – Konin and Konin – Stryków

• A4: Katowice – Kraków and Bielany Wrocławskie – Sośnica

While payment in cash or by card is possible on concession motorways, billing on state-funded sections is carried out exclusively electronically via the e-TOLL system. To do this, vehicles must be registered in the system, which can be done online or on site. The toll can then be recorded using the e-TOLL PL app, a transmitter device (OBU) or an external locating 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 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 make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. 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 will of course be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.