Motorhome Switzerland: Vignette, Toll and Travel Tips
Switzerland is regarded as a jewel of Europe. The small country delights visitors with charming cities and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a perfect destination for campers and motorhome travelers. The only important aspect you should keep in mind is the toll regulations in Switzerland for motorhomes, as well as making sure you always have a valid motorhome vignette for Switzerland. But there's no need to worry: here you'll find everything you need to know about tolls, motorhomes, and Switzerland, complemented by valuable travel tips for your stay in this beautiful Alpine country.
Toll in Switzerland for motorhomes: The most important information
Motorhomes under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require an annual vignette to use Swiss motorways and expressways. There are no daily or monthly vignettes in Switzerland.
The vignette can be purchased online as a digital vignette or on-site as a sticker vignette.
A separate vignette is required for trailers.
Motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight pay the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) instead of the vignette.
Switzerland offers numerous motorhome sites, especially in tourist regions such as the Alps and around Lake Geneva.
Vignette requirement for motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes
For motorhomes under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, only an annual vignette is available. It is valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year (14 months) and is mandatory on all Swiss motorways and expressways. If you're traveling with a trailer, you'll need an additional separate vignette for it.
Buy online: The easiest way is to buy your vignette online from us. This way, you're registered in just a few steps and can travel through Switzerland worry-free.
Buy on-site: Alternatively, you can get the sticker vignette at designated sales points near border crossings. Payment is usually made in cash or by credit card. However, with the online option, you'll have already completed this step before your departure and won't need to worry about the vignette anymore.
Heavy vehicle charge for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes
If your motorhome weighs more than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the vignette requirement no longer applies. Instead, the heavy vehicle charge applies. Switzerland distinguishes between two forms here: the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) and the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA). For heavy motorhomes (motor caravans) as well as caravans, only the PSVA is relevant. It is a fixed amount depending on the length of stay, regardless of the distance driven: for motorhomes over 3.5 t, it amounts to 3.25 CHF per day (minimum 25 CHF), 58.50 CHF per month, or 650 CHF per year. It is paid online before entry via Via, the portal of the BAZG, for each day of stay, even if the vehicle is parked. The LSVA, on the other hand, only applies to vehicles used in commercial freight transport and is not relevant for private motorhome trips. You can find all the details on the heavy vehicle charge in our detailed guide to the heavy vehicle charge in Switzerland.
Practical tips for entering with a motorhome
Buy the vignette in advance: This way, you avoid waiting times and can enter the country directly. You can get the digital vignette for Switzerland in just a few clicks through our sales portal.
Tolls in transit countries: If your route takes you through France, Austria, or Italy, you should find out about their respective toll regulations in advance.
Tunnels subject to special tolls: Switzerland has two toll tunnels subject to special charges, the Great St. Bernard and the Munt la Schera road tunnel; car-carrying trains (e.g., Lötschberg, Furka, Vereina, Simplon) are also subject to a fee. Find out more in our article on special tolls in Switzerland. Keep some cash or a credit card ready for this.
Choose Alpine pass roads carefully: Many of the most scenic pass roads are narrow and winding, making them only partially suitable for motorhomes. The Susten Pass and the Bernina Pass, for example, are well-developed and comparatively wide, while other passes such as the Gotthard Pass are not suitable for vehicles with trailers. For details on all the passes and which routes are particularly suitable for motorhomes, see our guide to the scenic roads of Switzerland.
Motorhome sites and sightseeing in Switzerland
Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and campers: motorhome sites are widespread, usually well-maintained, and well-equipped. Simple sites offer electricity hook-ups and sanitary facilities, while larger facilities often also feature dining and leisure amenities. You'll find particularly many sites in the Alps and around Lake Geneva. These destinations shouldn't be missing from your route:
Zermatt and the Matterhorn: a charming mountain village with a view of one of the highest Alpine peaks, great hiking trails. More information can be found in our article on Zermatt.
Lake Geneva: Switzerland's largest lake, well-equipped sites, and picturesque villages.
Lucerne: located on Lake Lucerne, with a medieval old town. More information can be found in our article on Lucerne.
Swiss National Park: in the Engadin, well-signposted trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. More information can be found in our article on the Swiss National Park.
More travel tips
Book sites in advance during peak season, carry some cash with you (cards aren't accepted everywhere, especially in rural areas), observe the daytime running lights requirement as well as the 0.5‰ blood alcohol limit, pack snow chains/winter tires in winter, and budget for above-average food prices. A motorhome trip to Switzerland offers impressive natural landscapes, well-developed roads, and numerous attractions. Just make sure you have the right vignette or heavy vehicle charge, and nothing will stand in the way of your trip.
The Europamaut team wishes you a wonderful trip through Switzerland!
With the right vignette or heavy vehicle charge in hand, you can travel through Switzerland with peace of mind. If you have any further questions about toll regulations in Switzerland, you can reach us anytime by email.
FAQ on "Traveling through Switzerland by motorhome"
Answers to the most common questions on this topic.
Is there a day vignette for Switzerland?
No, in Switzerland there is only the annual vignette for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.
What does a motorhome over 3.5 t gross weight pay instead of the toll sticker?
The flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA). The LSVA only applies to commercial freight transport and is not relevant for motorhomes.
How do you pay the toll in Switzerland?
Vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight require the annual vignette (online or on-site), motorhomes over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight pay the PSVA in advance online via Via, the portal of the BAZG.
Where can I buy a Swiss vignette?
Officially in the web shop of the FOCBS (Via, e-vignette.ch) or as a sticker vignette at gas stations, post offices and customs offices. Alternatively, book the e-vignette through our Vignette Flat Rate. Europamaut is an independent private provider and not an authority.
Are there toll tunnels in Switzerland?
Yes: A special toll applies in the Great St Bernard Tunnel and the Munt la Schera Tunnel. Car-carrying trains (e.g. Lötschberg, Furka, Vereina, Simplon) are also subject to a fee.
Are all Alpine passes suitable for motorhomes?
No. The Sustenpass and Berninapass are particularly well suited, as they are wider and have been more modernly developed. Other, narrower mountain pass roads require an adapted, forward-looking driving style, and the Gotthardpass is not suitable for vehicles with a trailer.
