Slovakia and Hungary border crossing

The border between Slovakia and Hungary stretches for about 655 kilometres and forms an important connection between the two countries. This border, which is important both geographically and politically, is crossed by numerous crossings that are of central importance for passenger and freight traffic.

Border controls

Since Slovakia and Hungary joined the Schengen Area, border controls at most crossings have largely been abolished. Nevertheless, in certain situations—such as security-related events or increased migration pressure—temporary checks may occur, even within the European Union. Cross-border commuters should always inform themselves about the current regulations before travelling. The Schengen rules allow citizens of both countries to cross the border smoothly without major delays. An important source of information is the official websites of both countries, the Slovak Republic as well as Hungary.

Important border crossings

The options for crossing the border between Slovakia and Hungary along its 655 kilometres are diverse and range from large, well-developed road and rail crossings to smaller, regionally important connections. The most important crossings include the Komárom–Komárno crossing, the Esztergom–Štúrovo crossing and the Rajka–Rusovce crossing, each of which plays a significant role in cross-border traffic. While the total length of the border remains constant, the importance of individual crossings varies depending on traffic volume and geographical location.

• Komárom – Komárno border crossing: This crossing is particularly important because it includes two bridges over the Danube. The new bridge was built specifically for road traffic and facilitates the transport of goods and people between the two countries. In addition, there is the historic Elisabeth Bridge, which is considered a cultural landmark and represents an important connection between the two towns. This point is also referred to as the “point in the north”.
• Esztergom – Štúrovo: The Maria Valeria Bridge at Esztergom–Štúrovo is another key crossing over the Danube. This bridge is not only historically significant, but also an important transport link between Hungary and Slovakia.
• Rajka – Rusovce: This crossing is located near the Austrian border in the south and serves as an important hub for traffic between the three countries Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. It is especially popular with travellers heading to or from Vienna.
• Tornyosnémeti – Milhosť: A lesser-known but still significant crossing in the east of the border, which plays an important role especially for regional traffic.
• Komárom – Komárno railway crossing: In addition to the road bridges, there is also an important rail connection in the west that connects the two towns and therefore the two countries. This connection plays a central role in freight transport and is of great importance for the economies of both countries.

Hungary

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll road sections.

Hungary: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Hungary, a vignette is required for passenger cars, vehicle combinations and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW. This is the so-called e-Matrica (Hungarian vignette), where the toll is checked electronically via the licence plate. You should purchase the e-vignette online before your trip, because if you drive on a toll road without an e-vignette, you may face fines.

Distance-based toll

You must pay the distance-based toll if your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t GVW. This means motorhomes, buses and trucks have had to pay a distance-based electronic toll since January 2024, which is calculated via the HU-GO system (electronic toll collection). As a result, the distance-based toll replaces the vignette. You therefore no longer need one.

Slovakia

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there are certain toll road sections.

Slovakia: Vignette requirement (or not?)

A vignette is required on almost all motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they weigh more than 3.5 t GVW). For vehicle combinations (car + trailer), it should also be noted that if the weight is below 3.5 t GVW, only the car needs a vignette, whereas if the total weight is above 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.

Motorcycles are therefore exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay fees for using motorways and expressways!

The role of the distance-based toll

The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (except for motorhomes, which require a vignette regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, which is calculated based on the kilometres driven, the vehicle class (number of axles) and the emission class (pollution levels). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. an on-board unit. This allows the amount due to be deducted automatically. Therefore, you must have such a device installed in your vehicle in advance. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways and, in part, first-class (federal roads) and second-class roads (regional/state roads).

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Hungary and a great road trip. Further information about tolls in Hungary can be found in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see which toll products you need. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time via e-mail.