Toll Switzerland
Why do toll fees have to be paid?
Most European countries charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. This means that fees apply for the use of certain routes, tunnels and bridges. The revenue generated from this is specifically invested in the road network and contributes to safe and smooth travel. Investments are made in particular in the areas of infrastructure, traffic management, road safety and environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road safety and traffic management: Use of new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: Expansion of noise barriers as well as measures to reduce exhaust emissions
How is the toll collected?
The toll is collected in various forms. These include the vignette requirement, the heavy vehicle charge as well as special toll routes. There is no distance-based toll in Switzerland.
Vehicle
Vignette
Distance-based toll
Special toll
Motorcycle
✓
✗
✓
Car (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✓
✗
✓
Trailer (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✓
✗
✗
Motorhome (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✓
✗
✓
Motorhome (over 3.5 t GVW)
✗
✗
✓
Truck (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✓
✗
✓
Truck (over 3.5 t GVW)
✗
✗
✓
Vignette requirement: cars & motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW
Under the vignette requirement, toll fees are charged as a flat rate and are not calculated based on kilometres driven. Before starting your journey, you must purchase a digital vignette. There are various vehicle classes that are subject to the vignette requirement. As a general rule, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (gross vehicle weight) require a vignette. Vehicles with a weight of more than 3.5 t GVW, on the other hand, are required to pay a heavy vehicle charge. In Switzerland, currently only an annual vignette is available; other validity periods are not offered.
Special toll: valid for all vehicles
Special toll routes often concern tunnels or mountain pass roads. The special toll is charged for certain route sections that are not covered by the regular vignette requirement. This means: even if you have a vignette for motorways or pay the heavy vehicle charge, additional fees may apply for individual routes. The special toll therefore applies to all vehicles that use these specific sections.
It should also be noted that many special toll routes can be reached via access roads subject to the vignette requirement. For this reason, it is generally advisable to purchase a vignette regardless of whether you plan to use a special toll route. For further information on the various special toll routes in Switzerland, please see our guide.
In March 2026, the Swiss Parliament also approved a mandate for the Federal Council to examine a possible future transit charge for foreign travellers passing through on north-south routes such as the Gotthard or San Bernardino tunnels. The charge is not yet in force. You can read more about this in our article on the transit fee in Switzerland for through travellers.
Heavy vehicle charge: vehicles over 3.5 t GVW
For motor vehicles with a weight of more than 3.5 t GVW, either the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) or the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) applies. This charge must be paid upon entry at customs or in advance online via the Via portal. The heavy vehicle charge is not only levied for driving on public roads, but also, for example, when the vehicle is located at a campsite. For further information on the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA or LSVA), please refer to our guide.
Vehicle
Heavy vehicle charge (LSVA)
Motorcycle
✗
Car
✗
Trailer (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✗
Trailer (over 3.5 t GVW)
✓
Motorhome (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✗
Motorhome (over 3.5 t GVW)
✓
Truck (up to 3.5 t GVW)
✗
Truck (over 3.5 t GVW)
✓
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please make sure to find out about the applicable toll regulations in good time. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the corresponding toll products. If you have any questions, we would of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
