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 invested specifically 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?
Tolls are collected in various forms. These include the vignette requirement, the heavy vehicle charge and special toll routes. Switzerland does not have a distance-based toll.
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 the kilometres driven. Before starting your trip, a digital vignette must be purchased. There are various vehicle classes subject to the vignette requirement. In principle, vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (gross vehicle weight) require a vignette. Vehicles weighing over 3.5 t GVW, on the other hand, are required to pay a heavy vehicle charge. In Switzerland, only an annual vignette is currently 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 that 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 using these specific sections.
It should also be noted that many special toll routes can be reached via access roads that are 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. Further information on the various special toll routes in Switzerland can be found in our guide.
In March 2026, the Swiss Parliament also approved a review mandate for the Federal Council regarding a possible future transit charge for foreign travellers passing through on north-south routes such as the Gotthard or San Bernardino tunnels. The charge has not yet come into force. Read more about this in our article on the transit fee in Switzerland for travellers passing through.
Heavy vehicle charge: vehicles over 3.5 t GVW
For motor vehicles weighing over 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 at customs upon entry or in advance online via the Via portal. The heavy vehicle charge is not levied exclusively for driving on public roads, but also, for example, when the vehicle is on 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 much joy on your exploration tour through the impressive nature of the country. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. 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 will of course be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Switzerland Vignette
All important answers about purchasing and the validity of the Swiss vignette.
Where can I easily buy the e-vignette for Switzerland online?
The digital e-vignette for Switzerland can be conveniently purchased online at europamaut.com. It is linked directly to your license plate instead of the windshield, is usually valid just a few minutes after registration confirmation, and automatically renews annually, so you don't have to buy it again at the turn of the year.
Is the vignette for Switzerland also available for a shorter period (e.g. 10 days)?
No. For Switzerland, only an annual vignette is available – other validity periods such as a 10-day or 2-month vignette are not offered.
Is there a distance-based toll (kilometer toll) in Switzerland in addition to the vignette?
No. Unlike in some neighboring countries, there is no distance-based toll in Switzerland. Instead, the vignette requirement applies, along with the special toll for certain tunnels/mountain pass roads and the heavy vehicle charge for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight.
Where do I pay the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA/LSVA) for Switzerland?
The heavy vehicle charge is collected directly at customs upon entry, or it can be paid in advance online via the Via portal.
Am I automatically exempt from the special toll with the vignette?
No. Even with a valid vignette (or paid heavy vehicle toll), additional fees may apply for certain special toll routes – such as individual tunnels or mountain pass roads.
