Motorhome Switzerland: Vignette, Toll and Travel Tips

Switzerland is considered a jewel of Europe. This small country delights visitors with charming cities and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a perfect travel 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 ensuring that 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.

Tolls in Switzerland for motorhomes: The most important information

• Motorhomes under 3.5 t GVW 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 GVW pay the heavy vehicle fee (PSVA) instead of the vignette.

• Switzerland offers numerous motorhome pitches, 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 GVW, only an annual vignette is available. It is valid for the respective calendar year and is mandatory on all Swiss motorways and expressways. If you are traveling with a trailer, you will 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 obtain 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 fee for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes

If your motorhome weighs more than 3.5 t GVW, the vignette requirement no longer applies. Instead, the heavy vehicle fee applies. Switzerland distinguishes between two forms: the Flat-rate Heavy Vehicle Fee (PSVA) and the Performance-related Heavy Vehicle Fee (LSVA). For heavy motorhomes (motor caravans) and caravans, only the PSVA is relevant. It is a fixed amount depending on the permissible total weight and the duration of stay, regardless of the distance traveled, and is paid online via the BAZG's Via portal before entry or directly at customs. 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 fee in our comprehensive guide to the heavy vehicle fee in Switzerland.

Practical tips for entering with a motorhome

• Buy your 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 inform yourself in advance about their respective toll regulations.

• Tunnels subject to special tolls: Switzerland has two special toll tunnels, the Great St. Bernard and the Munt la Schera road tunnel. Find out more in our article on special tolls in Switzerland. Keep some cash or a credit card handy for this.

• Choose Alpine pass roads carefully: Many of the most scenic pass roads are narrow and winding, and therefore only suitable for motorhomes to a limited extent. 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. You'll find details on all the passes and which routes are particularly suitable for motorhomes in our guide to Switzerland's panoramic roads.

Pitches and sightseeing in Switzerland

Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and campers: motorhome pitches are widespread, usually well maintained, and well equipped. Simple sites offer power connections and sanitary facilities, while larger sites often also feature dining and leisure facilities. You'll find particularly many pitches in the Alps and around Lake Geneva. These destinations shouldn't be missing from your route:

• Zermatt and the Matterhorn: charming mountain village with views 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 pitches, and picturesque villages.

• Lucerne: located on Lake Lucerne, 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 pitches in advance during peak season, bring some cash with you (cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in rural areas), observe the daytime running lights requirement and 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 fee, 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 fee 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 at any time via email.