Toll in Switzerland
Why Are Toll Fees Charged?
Most European countries charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. This means that fees apply for the use of certain roads, tunnels, and bridges. The revenue generated is specifically invested in the road network and contributes to safe and smooth travel. Investments are primarily made in infrastructure, traffic management, road safety, and environmental protection measures.
- Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
- Road Safety and Traffic Management: Implementation of new technologies such as intelligent transport systems or toll gantries
- Environmental Protection: Expansion of noise barriers and measures to reduce exhaust emissions
How Is the Toll Collected?
Toll collection in Switzerland takes different forms. These include the vignette requirement, the heavy vehicle charge, and special toll routes. A distance-based toll system does not exist in Switzerland.
Vignette Requirement: Cars & Motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW
Under the vignette system, toll fees are charged as a flat rate rather than being calculated based on the number of kilometers driven. A digital vignette must be purchased before starting your journey. There are different vehicle classes subject to the vignette requirement. In general, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (gross vehicle weight) require a vignette. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 t GVW must instead pay a heavy vehicle charge. In Switzerland, only an annual vignette is currently available; no other validity periods are offered.
Special Toll: Applicable to All Vehicles
Special toll routes often include tunnels or mountain passes. The special toll is charged for specific road sections that are not covered by the regular vignette requirement. This means that even if you have purchased a vignette for motorway use or have paid the heavy vehicle charge, additional fees may apply for certain sections. The special toll therefore applies to all vehicles using these specific routes.
It should also be noted that many special toll routes can only be accessed via roads subject to the vignette requirement. For this reason, it is generally advisable to purchase a vignette regardless of whether you intend to use a special toll route. Further information on the various special toll routes in Switzerland can be found in our guide.
Heavy Vehicle Charge: Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW
Motor vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 t GVW are subject either to the flat-rate heavy vehicle charge (PSVA) or the performance-related heavy vehicle charge (LSVA). This charge must be paid at customs upon entry or in advance online via the Via portal. The heavy vehicle charge is not only levied for driving on public roads but also applies when the vehicle is stationary, for example at campsites. Further information about the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA or LSVA) can be found in our guide.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip
We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country’s impressive landscapes. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your trip optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to assist you. You can contact us at any time by email.
