Border Crossing Slovakia Hungary

The border between Slovakia and Hungary stretches for about 655 kilometres and forms an important connection between the two countries. This border, which is significant both geographically and politically, is crossed by numerous crossings that are of central importance for the movement of people and goods. In this article, we look at the most important aspects of these options, including their length, the existing controls and entry requirements, the currency situation, as well as specific information about the respective countries. Finally, we will look at the most important border crossings and their particular features.

Length of the border crossings

The options for crossing the border between Slovakia and Hungary are varied across its 655 kilometres, ranging from large, well-developed road and rail crossings to smaller, regionally important connections. The most important crossings include:

• Komárom-Komárno crossing

• Esztergom-Štúrovo crossing

• Rajka-Rusovce crossing

Each of these crossings plays a significant role in cross-border traffic. While the total length of the border remains constant, the importance of the individual crossings varies depending on traffic volume and geographical location.

Border controls and entry requirements

Since Slovakia and Hungary joined the Schengen Area, border controls have largely been lifted at most crossings. Nevertheless, in certain situations, such as security-related events or increased migration pressure, temporary controls may be reintroduced, even within the European Union. We recommend that you always check the current regulations before your trip.

The Schengen rules allow citizens of both countries to cross the border without problems and without significant delays. An important source of information is the official websites of the countries, both of the Slovak Republic and of Hungary.

For citizens of Slovakia and Hungary travelling within the Schengen Area, entry requirements are generally straightforward. A valid ID card or passport is sufficient to cross the border. However, different rules may apply to travellers from third countries, requiring a check of their travel documents. Please note that in certain cases, such as missing visas or incomplete documents, entry may be refused.

General information about Hungary

Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is known for its rich culture, history and beautiful landscape. The country plays an important role in the region and is a member of the European Union, although not part of the eurozone. The capital, Budapest, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is the cultural and political centre of the country. Hungary maintains close economic and political relations with its neighbours, including Slovakia, which is reflected in the numerous cross-border projects.

Currency

Hungary's national currency is the forint (HUF). It has become an established part of everyday life in the country and is used in all areas of public life. In contrast to Slovakia, which has introduced the euro (EUR) as its official currency, the forint remains an important element of Hungary's national identity and economy. It is advisable to have enough forints when entering Hungary, especially if you plan to use smaller shops or services, as euros are not always accepted there.

Paying toll fees

In Hungary, there is a vignette requirement for using motorways and certain expressways. The toll can be purchased directly at the border, at special sales points, or more conveniently online as a digital vignette for Hungary. A vignette is also required in Slovakia, which can likewise be purchased online as a digital vignette for Slovakia.

The most important border crossings

The following sections provide information on the road and rail crossings of Slovakia.

Road crossings

• Komárom-Komárno: This crossing is particularly important as 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. There is also the historic Elisabeth Bridge, which is considered a cultural landmark and represents an important connection between the two cities. This point is also known as the "point in the north".

• Esztergom-Štúrovo: The Mária Valéria Bridge at Esztergom-Štúrovo is another key crossing over the Danube. This bridge not only has historical significance but is 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 of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. It is particularly popular with travellers going to or from Vienna. Anyone entering here via the motorway (M15/D2, Rajka–Čunovo border crossing) will need a vignette from the border onwards: the D2 requires a vignette up to the D2/D4 junction (approx. 9 km).

• Tornyosnémeti-Milhosť: A lesser-known but nonetheless significant crossing in the east of the border, which plays an important role particularly for regional traffic. Anyone entering here via motorway R4 towards Košice will need a vignette from the border onwards (Milhosť–Košice-Šebastovce, approx. 14 km).

Rail crossings

• Komárom-Komárno: In addition to the road bridges, there is also an important rail connection in the west, linking the two cities and thus the two countries. This connection plays a central role in freight transport and is of great importance to the economies of both countries.

Slovakia

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether a distance-based toll exists.

Slovakia: Vignette requirement (or not?)

A vignette is required on the signposted motorway and expressway sections in Slovakia. The motorway bypasses of Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov, Poprad, Žilina and Banská Bystrica have been toll-free since 1 August 2024 (sign "BEZ ÚHRADY"). The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW as well as to all vehicles registered as cars (class M1), regardless of weight. 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 (i.e. even if they weigh more than 3.5 t GVW), provided they are registered as a car (class M1); motorhomes registered as trucks (N2/N3) over 3.5 t GVW, on the other hand, pay the distance-based toll. It should also be noted that for combinations (car + trailer), only the vignette for the car is required for a total weight of up to 3.5 t GVW, whereas for a total weight of over 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 any 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 cars and motorhomes registered as class M1 cars, which remain subject to the vignette requirement regardless of 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 (pollutant level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e. a transmitting device (On-Board Unit). This means that the amount payable can be debited automatically. You must therefore have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle beforehand. The distance-based toll applies to motorways, expressways, and in part to first-class (national) and second-class (regional/state) roads. On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch its distance-based toll to a new system: anyone currently using an on-board unit from the operator SkyToll will need to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Tariffs and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

Hungary

The following section gives you an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether there is a distance-based toll.

Hungary: Vignette requirement (or not?)

In Hungary, there is a vignette requirement for cars, combinations and motorhomes. This is known as the e-matrica (Hungarian vignette), which checks the toll electronically via the licence plate. You should purchase the e-vignette online before your trip, as an additional fee will be charged if you drive on a toll road without an e-vignette (2026: HUF 27,790 if paid within 60 days, HUF 95,730 thereafter). Different vignettes exist depending on the vehicle class. If you are unsure about your own vehicle class, you can find more detailed information here.

The role of the distance-based toll

You must pay the distance-based toll if your vehicle exceeds 3.5 t GVW. This means that trucks and buses must pay a distance-based electronic toll, which is determined via the HU-GO system (electronic toll collection). Thus, the distance-based toll replaces the vignette for these vehicles. Exception for motorhomes: since 1 January 2026, motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW once again require an e-vignette (category D2); HU-GO is no longer available for motorhomes since then.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment exploring this diverse country. You can easily purchase the right vignette for Slovakia and for Hungary from us. You are also welcome to read further articles about both countries, for example about the popular cities of Slovakia and the culinary specialities of the country, or the popular cities in Hungary and the Bükk National Park. For more information on tolls in Slovakia or tolls in Hungary, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and to see the appropriate toll products. If you have any questions, we are always available by email.