Border Czech Republic and Poland

Border crossings

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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-west 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, you can reach Liberec via road I/13.

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

Czech Republic

The following section provides you with 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 vignette-liable 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 ensuring the financing and maintenance of the Czech motorway network. Locally, 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. Alternatively, you have the option of conveniently purchasing the vignette online before you set off on your journey.

The Czech vignette is available for various periods of validity: 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

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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 via satellite using the MYTO CZ system; this requires 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 transmitting 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 system 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 convenient solution, especially for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that travel through the Czech Republic regularly.

The amount of the toll depends on several factors, including 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 provides you with an overview of whether a vignette is required in Poland or whether a distance-based toll is charged.

Vignette requirement or distance-based toll?

There is no vignette requirement in Poland. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. The amount of the charges depends on the distance travelled, the vehicle type, 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 gross vehicle 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 the exception of the free Poznań bypass)

• A4: Katowice – Kraków

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

Distance-based toll: vehicles and combinations over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight

For vehicles with a permissible gross weight of over 3.5 t, tolls apply both on private motorway sections (concession motorways) and on 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 by cash or card is possible on concession motorways, billing on state-funded routes is carried out exclusively electronically via the e-TOLL system. Vehicles must be registered in the system for this, which can be done online or in person. The toll can then be recorded via the e-TOLL PL app, a transmitting device (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 the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the appropriate 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.