Slovakia–Poland Border Crossing
Slovakia and Poland share a long and historically significant border that runs through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and impressive mountain ranges. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the border crossings between these two neighboring countries, including information on border checks, entry requirements, currency, and toll charges.
Length of the border
The border between Slovakia and Poland stretches for around 541 kilometers and includes a variety of crossings that offer travelers different options depending on their route and the means of transport they use. This number of border crossings makes it possible to travel flexibly and conveniently between the two countries.
General information about Slovakia
Slovakia is a country in Central Europe bordering Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine. The capital is Bratislava, located on the Danube, and it is both the cultural and economic heart of the country. The current President of Slovakia is Peter Pellegrini, who has been in office since June 2024. Slovakia is known for its impressive landscapes, including the High Tatras, historic cities, and a rich cultural history. The country offers an impressive range of cultural and scenic experiences that delight visitors.
The official language of Slovakia is Slovak. With an area of 49,035 km², Slovakia is significantly smaller than Germany.
Are there border checks at the border crossing?
Since both countries joined the Schengen Area, there have been no systematic border checks at the border between Slovakia and Poland. Travelers can therefore cross the border freely without having to stop at a checkpoint. However, random checks by the police or customs authorities may take place, especially during periods of heightened security measures, even if the traveler is entering a country that is a member of the EU.
What are the entry requirements for Slovakia?
Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, EU citizens do not need any special documents to travel between Slovakia and Poland. A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient. For citizens from outside the EU, the usual Schengen regulations apply, i.e., they need a visa if they are not allowed to enter the Schengen Area visa-free.
Can you pay the toll at the border?
Paying tolls at the border is generally not necessary, as most toll systems in both countries operate electronically. In Slovakia, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must purchase an electronic vignette (e-vignette). In Poland, most motorways and expressways are subject to tolls, and the fees can be paid at toll booths in cash or by card.
The most important border crossings
- Vyšný Komárnik - Barwinek: This border crossing is one of the most important on the main road between Slovakia and Poland. It is located on the International Road E371 and is suitable for all vehicle types. The route is well developed and offers a fast connection between the two countries. There are many other border crossings, each with its own characteristics and advantages.
- Skalité - Zwardoń-Myto: There are two options here: one is only approved for cars, while the other is open to all vehicle types. This crossing is located in a picturesque region and is especially popular with tourists traveling to the Tatra Mountains.
- Trstená - Chyżne: Another major border crossing located on the International Road E77. This route is frequently used by trucks, as it is one of the main transport routes between Slovakia and Poland.
- Tatranská Javorina - Łysa Polana: This crossing has a weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes and is primarily suitable for lighter vehicles and tourists who want to explore the beauty of the Tatra National Parks.
- Mníšek nad Popradom - Piwniczna-Zdrój: A border crossing that is only approved for cars. This route is less busy and offers a quiet alternative for travelers who want to avoid the busy main roads.
- Čirč - Leluchów: Another quiet road crossing that is suitable for all vehicle types. This route passes through a scenic area and is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the border region.
Slovakia
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette and whether distance-based tolls apply.
Slovakia: vignette required (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 gross vehicle weight. It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they weigh more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight). In addition, for vehicle combinations (car + trailer), it should be noted that if the weight is under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, only the vignette for the car is required, whereas if the total weight exceeds 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, 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 to use motorways and expressways!
The role of distance-based tolls
The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (except motorhomes, which are only subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight). Instead, a distance-based toll is charged, calculated based on the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollution level). This distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, i.e., a transmitting device (on-board unit). This allows the amount due to be debited automatically. Therefore, you must have such a transmitting device installed in your vehicle in advance. The distance-based toll covers motorways, expressways, and in part first-class roads (federal roads) and second-class roads (state/regional roads).
Poland
Poland: vignette required (or not?)
In Poland, there is no vignette requirement in addition to the distance-based toll requirement.
The role of distance-based tolls
The toll system in Poland is based on the distance-based toll requirement, which varies depending on vehicles and the type of financed motorway sections.
Vehicles and vehicle combinations under 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
By now, only two motorway sections in Poland are still subject to tolls for cars and motorcycles. These are the A2 and A4. Due to certain sections, these are classified as concession motorways, i.e., privately financed motorways. The toll requirement applies on the following sections of the A2 and A4:
- A2: Świecko (German border) – Konin (with a free exception: the Poznań bypass serves this purpose)
- A4: Katowice – Kraków
The toll is a distance-based toll calculated based on the distance traveled. Please note that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometer, i.e., different prices also apply on different motorway sections. On concession motorways, you can pay either in cash or by card.
Vehicles and vehicle combinations over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight
All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to tolls on private motorway sections (concession motorways) as well as on publicly financed motorways and on expressways and federal roads.
- A2: Świecko – Konin and Konin – Stryków
- A4: Katowice – Kraków and Bielany – Wrocławskie–Sośnica
The toll is a distance-based toll calculated based on the distance traveled. Please note that there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometer, i.e., different prices also apply on different motorway sections. While you can pay on concession motorways either in cash or by card, the situation is different on publicly financed sections. If you drive on publicly financed sections with a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes and the toll requirement applies, you can only pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. To do so, the vehicle must be registered with e-TOLL or be registered (online or on site). Only then can billing take place via the e-TOLL PL app, an on-board unit (OBU), or an external tracking device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle.
Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL can no longer be used! You can find a more detailed explanation here.
The fee charged varies depending on the road category, the permissible gross vehicle weight of the vehicle or vehicle combination, and the Euro emission class.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment while exploring this diverse country. You can find more information about tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time by email.
