Border Czech Republic and Poland

Before setting 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 relevant aspects for your trip. The border between Poland and the Czech Republic is approximately 762 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:

• Drogówka - 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 southwestern Poland and connects the town of Kudowa-Zdrój in Poland with Náchod in the Czech Republic.

• Zgorzelec - Liberec: This border crossing is located on the border between the Polish town of Zgorzelec and the Czech town of Liberec.

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

Czech Republic

The following section provides 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 motorways and expressways in the Czech Republic. This requirement applies to all vehicles with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 t. The vignette is an efficient system for ensuring the financing and maintenance of the Czech motorway network. It can be purchased at numerous 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 setting off on your journey.

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

Distance-based toll

Vehicles with a permissible total 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 recorded using a satellite-based transmitter unit (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 lodged. In addition, the transmitter unit must be properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet have a suitable device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz 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 particularly convenient 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 road category, distance travelled, vehicle category (weight class and number of axles), CO₂ emission class, and in some cases the time of day (higher rates may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.). 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 provides an overview of whether a vignette is required in Poland or whether a distance-based toll is charged.

Vignette requirement or distance-based toll?

Poland has no vignette requirement. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. The amount of the fees depends on the distance travelled, the vehicle type, the Euro emission class and the type of financing for the respective motorway section.

Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations under 3.5 t permissible total weight

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 on the following routes:

• A2: Świecko (German border) – Konin (with a free exception for the Poznań bypass)

• A4: Katowice – Kraków

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

Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations over 3.5 t permissible total weight

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

• A2: Świecko – Konin and Konin – Stryków

• A4: Katowice – Kraków and Bielany Wrocławskie – Sośnica

While payment can be made in cash or by card on concession motorways, billing on state-financed routes is carried out exclusively electronically via the e-TOLL system. Vehicles must be registered in the system for this purpose, which can be done online or on site. The toll can then be recorded via the e-TOLL PL app, a transmitter unit (OBU) or an external locating device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle. Important: The viaBOX and viaTOLL systems are no longer supported. You can find a more detailed explanation here.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and hope you enjoy your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please find out 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 help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.