Motorhome Switzerland
Switzerland is considered a jewel of Europe. This 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 be aware of 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, along with 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 gross 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 weight pay the Heavy Vehicle Fee (PSVA) instead of the vignette.
Switzerland offers numerous motorhome parking spaces, especially in tourist regions such as the Alps and around Lake Geneva.
Vignette requirement for motorhomes up to 3.5 tons
For motorhomes under 3.5 t gross weight, 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 will 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 tons
If your motorhome weighs more than 3.5 t gross weight, 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 (motorized homes) and caravans, only the PSVA is relevant. It is a fixed amount depending on the permissible total weight and the length of stay, regardless of the distance traveled, and is paid before entry online via the FOCBS's Via portal 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 directly. You can get the digital vignette for Switzerland with 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.
Special toll tunnels: There are two toll tunnels with special charges in Switzerland, the Great St. Bernard and the Munt la Schera road tunnel. More on this 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, and therefore only partially suitable for motorhomes. Well-developed and comparatively wide are, for example, the Susten Pass and the Bernina Pass, while other passes such as the Gotthard Pass are not suitable for vehicles with trailers. Details on all passes and which routes are particularly suitable for motorhomes can be found in our guide to the panoramic roads of Switzerland.
Parking spaces and sightseeing in Switzerland
Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and campers: motorhome parking spaces are widespread, usually well maintained and equipped. Simple spots offer power connections and sanitary facilities, while larger facilities often also have catering and leisure offerings. You will find particularly many parking spaces in the Alps and around Lake Geneva. These destinations should not be missing from your route:
Zermatt and the Matterhorn: 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: the largest lake in Switzerland, well-equipped parking spaces, 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-marked trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. More information can be found in our article on the Swiss National Park.
More travel tips
Reserve parking spaces in advance during the high season, bring some cash with you (not everywhere accepts cards, 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 pay attention to the appropriate vignette or heavy vehicle fee, and nothing will stand in the way of your tour.
The Europamaut team wishes you a wonderful trip through Switzerland!
With the right vignette or heavy vehicle fee in your luggage, 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"
Is there a daily vignette for Switzerland?
No, in Switzerland there is only the annual vignette for vehicles under 3.5 tons.
What does a motorhome over 3.5 t gross weight pay instead of the vignette?
The Flat-rate Heavy Vehicle Fee (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 weight need the annual vignette (online or on-site), vehicles over 3.5 t gross weight pay the PSVA in advance via the FOCBS's Via portal or at customs.
Where can you buy a Swiss vignette?
Online through our sales portal. Get your vignette for Switzerland from us now!
Are there toll tunnels in Switzerland?
Yes, two: the Great St. Bernard and the Munt la Schera road tunnel.
Are all Alpine passes suitable for motorhomes?
No. The Susten Pass and the Bernina Pass are particularly well suited, as they are wider and more modernly developed. Other, narrower pass roads require an adapted, foresighted driving style, and the Gotthard Pass is not suitable for vehicles with trailers.
