Difference between revisions of "german-autobahn-vignette-tunnel-toll-collect"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE: German Autobahn Tolls, Vignettes Toll tunnels and Toll Collect}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: Germany Autobahn Tolls 2025: Truck Tolls, Tunnels & Toll Collect Guide}}
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{{#seo:|title=Germany Autobahn Tolls 2025: Truck Tolls, Tunnels & Toll Collect Guide}}
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{{#seo:|title=German Autobahn Tolls, Vignettes Toll tunnels and Toll Collect}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=Germany tolls, autobahn truck tolls, Toll Collect, Warnow tunnel, Herren tunnel, German motorway tolls}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=german autobahn, vignettes toll, tunnel, toll collect}}
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{{#seo:|description=Complete 2025 guide to Germany tolls: Cars drive toll-free on autobahns. Truck tolls 3.5t+ via Toll Collect. Only 2 toll tunnels for cars. Calculate tolls now.}}
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{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/german-autobahn-vignette-tunnel-toll-collect}}
 
{{worldMap}}
 
{{worldMap}}
  
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
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If you are driving a car or a vehicle weighing less than 7.5 tonnes, you will need to buy a vignette<ref name='vignette'>[https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/what-is-vignette What is Vignette]</ref>. If you are driving a truck, motorhome, HGV or any other vehicle over 7.5 tonnes, you have to use OBU<ref name='OBU'>[https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/what-is-distance-based-tolling Know about an OBU]</ref> to pay tolls to Toll Collect. You can pay tolls by cash, cards and electronic payment methods in toll tunnels.
 
  
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== How to pay truck tolls in Germany ==
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<h1  style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">Germany Autobahn Tolls Complete Guide</h1>
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You can pay truck tolls in Germany using OBUs. OBUs are onboard GPS units used for satellite based tolling. You can register OBU with your vehicle ID with Toll Collect.
 
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Tolls are calculated based on the following parameters for Trucks and other HGV in Germany:
 
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* Weight category
 
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** Weight less than 7.5 tonnes - Herren Tunnel and Warnow Tunnel
 
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** Weight more than equal to 7.5 tonnes - Tunnels, Bridges, Highways, Federal Road
 
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* Number of axles
 
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* Distance traveled
 
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* Emission class: Trucks and other heavy goods vehicles (HGV) air and noise pollution emission standards. To know more about the Euro Emission class,  visit [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/european-emission_standards European Emission Standards website].
 
  
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<div style="background: #ffffff; border: 1px solid #dee2e6; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; padding-bottom:0">
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Before starting a trip you can register your trip with Toll-collect servers<ref>[https://www.toll-collect.de/en/toll_collect/fahren/landingpage_fahren.html Trip with Toll-collect servers]</ref> to have a hassle-free tolling experience.
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<div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;">
 +
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> No car tolls (autobahns free) + Truck tolls 3.5t+ via Toll Collect<br>
 +
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Coverage:</strong> Cars: Only 2 toll tunnels | Trucks: 51,000 km autobahn + federal roads<br>
 +
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> Euro (EUR)<br>
 +
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> Toll Collect satellite-based GPS/GSM OBU system<br>
 +
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Operators:</strong> Toll Collect GmbH (German government-owned)
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Germany? 2025 Update</h2>
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== Are there toll booths in Germany ==
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Yes, there are toll booths for places like Herren tunnel and Warnow tunnel. At the manned and unmanned toll booths at the tunnels, you can pay with the payment methods accepted there.  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No, you don't need to pay tolls to drive on German autobahns with a car - passenger vehicles under 3.5 tonnes use the entire autobahn network toll-free. Germany operates a truck-only toll system, with cars exempt from motorway charges.</p>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> Cars pay only for 2 toll tunnels (Warnow €3.60-4.40, Herren €2.10), but trucks 3.5t+ pay distance-based tolls across 51,000 km of roads. No vignettes required for any vehicle type.</p>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2025 Update:</strong> July 2024 toll reform extended truck tolls to vehicles 3.5-7.5 tonnes, adding CO2-based pricing. Car toll plans abandoned in 2019 - autobahns remain free for passenger vehicles.</p>
 +
 
 +
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Germany Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay</h2>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Germany operates a dual system with free autobahns for cars and comprehensive truck tolls based on distance, weight, and emissions.</p>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)</h3>
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<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
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<tr>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Vehicle Type</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Cars/Motorcycles</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Trucks 3.5t+</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Status</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Autobahn Network (51,000 km)</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€0.00</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€0.09-0.26/km</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars free since inception</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Federal Roads (Bundesstraßen)</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">€0.00</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">€0.09-0.26/km</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Cars always exempt</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Warnow Tunnel (Rostock)</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€3.60-4.40</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Higher rates apply</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Seasonal pricing: Nov-Apr cheaper</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Herren Tunnel (Lübeck)</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">€2.10</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Higher rates apply</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Fixed rate year-round</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Zero-Emission Trucks</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">N/A</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€0.00 until Dec 2025</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">75% discount from Jan 2026</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Where You Pay Tolls (2025)</h3>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Car Tolls:</strong> Only 2 tunnels in northern Germany (Warnow, Herren)</p>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Truck Tolls:</strong> All autobahns (A1-A999) + federal roads (B-roads) throughout Germany</p>
 +
 
 +
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">How to Pay German Tolls</h2>
  
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There are no toll booths on Autobahns. Tolls are collected electronically for trucks and other vehicles with gross weight over 7.5 tonnes. You can pay at Toll Collect electronic terminals installed at different truck stops, service stations and toll terminals.
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Germany:</p>
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</div>
 
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1. Car Tunnel Payments:</strong></p>
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== How do you pay tolls in Germany ==
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Germany:
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<li>Cash payment at toll booths (Warnow and Herren tunnels)</li>
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# Cash payment
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<li>Credit/debit cards at automated lanes</li>
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# Fleet card / fleet box
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<li>RFID stickers for frequent users</li>
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# OBU<ref name='OBU'></ref>
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<li>OSCARD prepaid cards (rechargeable at customer centers)</li>
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# Electronic Payments
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</ul>
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## <strong>Trave Pass:</strong> Trave pass is a chip card used to pay toll charges only in the Herren Tunnel only.
 
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## <strong>RFID Sticker:</strong> The RFID film is a passive electronic device and works without a battery. Attach the film to the inside of the windshield of the vehicle.
 
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## <strong>OSCARD:</strong> The OSCARD is obtained directly from the cashier or from the customer center, where you can also have it recharged again as required (the amount must always correspond to at least 10 trips in the corresponding category). You can pay with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
 
  
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. Truck Toll Collect System (3.5t+):</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Toll Collect OBU (On-Board Unit): GPS/GSM automatic collection</li>
 +
<li>Internet booking: Pre-register routes at toll-collect.de</li>
 +
<li>Toll Collect app: Smartphone-based payment</li>
 +
<li>Terminal booking: At truck stops and service stations</li>
 +
</ul>
  
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To [https://tollguru.com/mautrechner-deutschland calculate truck tolls, autobahn tolls and vignette prices in Germany use TollGuru Germany toll calculator]
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;">To calculate truck tolls, autobahn tolls and tunnel prices for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across German roads, use TollGuru Germany toll calculator</p>
  
 +
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">
 
<html>
 
<html>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-calculator-germany"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Germany Toll Calculator</button></a>
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/mautrechner-deutschland"><button type="button" class="custom-button button-orange">Germany toll calculator</button></a>
 
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</div>
 
 
</html>
 
</html>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Recent Changes (2025)</h2>
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== Do you need Vignettes in Germany ==
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Yes, but Vignettes<ref name='vignette'></ref> only apply for cars. You can buy vignettes for 10 days, 2 months or for a full year. Place the vignette on the middle of your front windshield at the top.  
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Truck Toll Reform (July 2024):</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Extended truck tolls to vehicles 3.5-7.5 tonnes (previously 7.5t+ only)</li>
 +
<li>Introduced CO2-based toll differentiation for all commercial vehicles</li>
 +
<li>Craftsmen exemptions available for vehicles 3.5-7.5t under specific conditions</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentives:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Electric and hydrogen trucks remain toll-free until December 31, 2025</li>
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<li>From January 2026: 75% toll reduction (25% of standard rates)</li>
 +
<li>Zero-emission vehicles under 4.25t permanently exempt</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Car Toll Policy:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Car toll plans definitively abandoned in 2019</li>
 +
<li>Autobahns remain free for all passenger vehicles indefinitely</li>
 +
<li>No vignette system planned - existing vehicle tax considered sufficient</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">State/Regional Toll Information</h2>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Federal System - No State Variations:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>All 16 federal states (Länder) apply identical toll policies</li>
 +
<li>Toll Collect system covers entire German territory uniformly</li>
 +
<li>No regional toll variations or state-specific charges</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Northern German Toll Tunnels:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Warnow Tunnel (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern): Connects Rostock districts</li>
 +
<li>Herren Tunnel (Schleswig-Holstein): Links Lübeck and Travemünde</li>
 +
<li>Both tunnels on federal roads (not autobahns), serve local traffic</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Toll-Free Border Sections:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>A5: Swiss/French border to Müllheim/Neuenburg (both directions)</li>
 +
<li>A6: French border to Saarbrücken-Fechingen (both directions)</li>
 +
<li>Short border approach sections exempt from truck tolls</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Planning Your Journey</h2>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Cost Considerations:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Daily car costs: €0 autobahn tolls (except €2-4 if using toll tunnels)</li>
 +
<li>Truck tolls: €50-200+ for typical long-distance routes</li>
 +
<li>Speed advantages: Autobahns offer time savings despite no general speed limit</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Alternative Routes:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Cars: No need to avoid autobahns - they're free and fastest</li>
 +
<li>Trucks: Some federal roads toll-free but significantly slower</li>
 +
<li>Recommended speed: 130 km/h advisory limit for liability considerations</li>
 +
</ul>
 +
 
 +
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I avoid German tolls completely?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Cars: Yes, easily - autobahns are free. Trucks 3.5t+: No, tolls apply to all autobahns and federal roads. Only local roads remain toll-free for trucks.</p>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">What happens if I don't pay German truck tolls?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Fines up to €20,000 for non-payment. Automated enforcement via 300+ mobile patrol vehicles and control points throughout Germany.</p>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Do motorcycles pay tolls in Germany?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No, motorcycles use all German roads toll-free, including the two toll tunnels (unlike cars which pay tunnel fees).</p>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Will Germany introduce car tolls in the future?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No current plans. Car toll proposals were abandoned in 2019, with existing vehicle tax considered sufficient road funding for passenger vehicles.</p>
 +
 
 +
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Do tourists get different rates?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">No, all users pay identical rates. Foreign trucks use the same Toll Collect system as German vehicles, with no nationality-based discrimination.</p>
  
−
There is no vignette for trucks and other HGV. Trucks and HGV pay toll via OBUs.
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Germany vs. Neighboring Countries</h2>
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</div>
 
  
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<table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 20px 0; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
 +
<tr>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Country</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">System Type</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Typical Cost</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Coverage</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Germany</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars free, trucks toll</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€0.09-0.26/km trucks</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">51,000 km network</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[[austria-motorways-and-expressways-tolls-vignette-rates|Austria]]</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Vignette for cars</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">€9.60/10 days</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">All motorways</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[[france-toll|France]]</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Distance-based tolls</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">€0.08-0.12/km</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Most motorways</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[[switzerland-motorway-vignette-tunnel-rates|Switzerland]]</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Annual vignette</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">CHF 40/year</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">All motorways</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">[[belgium-highway-toll-hgv-transit-toll-box|Belgium]]</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Cars free, trucks toll</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">HGV distance-based</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">1 toll tunnel only</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">[[netherlands-toll|Netherlands]]</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Limited tolls</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">€2-5 per tunnel</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">2 toll tunnels only</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
  
−
== Where do I buy Swizz vignette in Germany ==
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links & Resources</h2>
−
You can buy a Swiss vignette at
 
−
* Gas stations
 
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* Border crossings,  
 
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* Post offices.
 
  
−
It is also possible to purchase a Swiss autobahn sticker in advance, online from the German postal service (Deutsche Post), from automobile clubs, and the Swiss Tourism office in London.
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Internal Navigation:</strong></p>
−
</div>
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>[[austria-motorways-and-expressways-tolls-vignette-rates|Austria Vignette]] - Mandatory car vignette system</li>
 +
<li>[[france-toll|France Tolls]] - Distance-based toll system information</li>
 +
<li>[[switzerland-motorway-vignette-tunnel-rates|Switzerland Vignette]] - Annual vignette requirements</li>
 +
<li>[[belgium-highway-toll-hgv-transit-toll-box|Belgium Tolls]] - HGV toll system details</li>
 +
<li>[[netherlands-toll|Netherlands Tolls]] - Limited tunnel toll information</li>
 +
<li>[[poland-motorway-toll-information|Poland Tolls]] - Eastern neighbor toll system</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Official Resources:</strong></p>
−
== Toll tunnels in Germany ==
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
−
There are only two toll tunnels in Germany. You can pay tolls with cash, card, tags and RFID stickers.
+
<li>Toll Collect GmbH: toll-collect.de - Official truck toll system</li>
−
* <strong>Herren Tunnel:</strong> Herren tunnel is a German 780-meter long road tunnel under the river Trave, which connects Lübeck and Travemünde.<ref>[https://www.herrentunnel.de/index.php/maut-tarife/maut-tarife-2.html Herren tunnel]</ref>
+
<li>Warnow Tunnel: warnowquerung.de - Rostock tunnel information</li>
−
* <strong>Warnow Tunnel:</strong> The Warnow Tunnel (also known as the Warnow River Crossing) is a tunnel under the Warnow River. The tunnel connects the Hanseatic city of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
+
<li>Herren Tunnel: herrentunnel.de - Lübeck tunnel details</li>
 +
<li>Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM): Toll enforcement authority</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
<div class="alert alert-warning" role="alert">
 
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  The tunnel is restricted for pedestrians and cyclists.
 
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</div>
 
−
It is also possible to purchase a Swiss autobahn sticker in advance, online from the German postal service (Deutsche Post), from automobile clubs, and the Swiss Tourism office in London.
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 
<div class="shadowCard">
 
<div class="shadowCard">
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The exemption from tolls in Germany for motorways applies
+
<h3 style="color: #202122; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.</h3>
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* Electric vehicles
+
<div style="margin: 15px 0; text-align: center;">
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* Buses
+
<html>
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* Circus and entertainment vehicles
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/contact"><button class="custom-button button-orange" style="margin-right: 10px;" type="button">Report Issue</button></a>
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* Fire fighting vehicles
+
<a href="https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/index.php?title=Special:CreateAccount&returnto=home-page"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Join Contributors</button></a>
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* Police and state protection vehicles.
+
</html>
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Germany provides a payment exemption for natural gas vehicles.
+
</div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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{{TollGuruEuropeCTA}}
 
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{{WhichEuropeanCountriesHaveMotorwayTolls}}
 
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<div class="shadowCard">
 
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== References ==
 
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<references />
 
 
</div>
 
</div>

Latest revision as of 20:09, 3 July 2025



Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state

Germany Autobahn Tolls Complete Guide

System: No car tolls (autobahns free) + Truck tolls 3.5t+ via Toll Collect
Coverage: Cars: Only 2 toll tunnels | Trucks: 51,000 km autobahn + federal roads
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Technology: Toll Collect satellite-based GPS/GSM OBU system
Operators: Toll Collect GmbH (German government-owned)

Do I Need to Pay Tolls for Germany? 2025 Update

No, you don't need to pay tolls to drive on German autobahns with a car - passenger vehicles under 3.5 tonnes use the entire autobahn network toll-free. Germany operates a truck-only toll system, with cars exempt from motorway charges.

Key Reality: Cars pay only for 2 toll tunnels (Warnow €3.60-4.40, Herren €2.10), but trucks 3.5t+ pay distance-based tolls across 51,000 km of roads. No vignettes required for any vehicle type.

2025 Update: July 2024 toll reform extended truck tolls to vehicles 3.5-7.5 tonnes, adding CO2-based pricing. Car toll plans abandoned in 2019 - autobahns remain free for passenger vehicles.

Germany Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay

Germany operates a dual system with free autobahns for cars and comprehensive truck tolls based on distance, weight, and emissions.

Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)

Vehicle Type Cars/Motorcycles Trucks 3.5t+ Status
Autobahn Network (51,000 km) €0.00 €0.09-0.26/km Cars free since inception
Federal Roads (Bundesstraßen) €0.00 €0.09-0.26/km Cars always exempt
Warnow Tunnel (Rostock) €3.60-4.40 Higher rates apply Seasonal pricing: Nov-Apr cheaper
Herren Tunnel (Lübeck) €2.10 Higher rates apply Fixed rate year-round
Zero-Emission Trucks N/A €0.00 until Dec 2025 75% discount from Jan 2026

Where You Pay Tolls (2025)

Car Tolls: Only 2 tunnels in northern Germany (Warnow, Herren)

Truck Tolls: All autobahns (A1-A999) + federal roads (B-roads) throughout Germany

How to Pay German Tolls

You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll in Germany:

1. Car Tunnel Payments:

  • Cash payment at toll booths (Warnow and Herren tunnels)
  • Credit/debit cards at automated lanes
  • RFID stickers for frequent users
  • OSCARD prepaid cards (rechargeable at customer centers)

2. Truck Toll Collect System (3.5t+):

  • Toll Collect OBU (On-Board Unit): GPS/GSM automatic collection
  • Internet booking: Pre-register routes at toll-collect.de
  • Toll Collect app: Smartphone-based payment
  • Terminal booking: At truck stops and service stations

To calculate truck tolls, autobahn tolls and tunnel prices for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across German roads, use TollGuru Germany toll calculator

Recent Changes (2025)

Truck Toll Reform (July 2024):

  • Extended truck tolls to vehicles 3.5-7.5 tonnes (previously 7.5t+ only)
  • Introduced CO2-based toll differentiation for all commercial vehicles
  • Craftsmen exemptions available for vehicles 3.5-7.5t under specific conditions

Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentives:

  • Electric and hydrogen trucks remain toll-free until December 31, 2025
  • From January 2026: 75% toll reduction (25% of standard rates)
  • Zero-emission vehicles under 4.25t permanently exempt

Car Toll Policy:

  • Car toll plans definitively abandoned in 2019
  • Autobahns remain free for all passenger vehicles indefinitely
  • No vignette system planned - existing vehicle tax considered sufficient

State/Regional Toll Information

Federal System - No State Variations:

  • All 16 federal states (Länder) apply identical toll policies
  • Toll Collect system covers entire German territory uniformly
  • No regional toll variations or state-specific charges

Northern German Toll Tunnels:

  • Warnow Tunnel (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern): Connects Rostock districts
  • Herren Tunnel (Schleswig-Holstein): Links Lübeck and Travemünde
  • Both tunnels on federal roads (not autobahns), serve local traffic

Toll-Free Border Sections:

  • A5: Swiss/French border to Müllheim/Neuenburg (both directions)
  • A6: French border to Saarbrücken-Fechingen (both directions)
  • Short border approach sections exempt from truck tolls

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations:

  • Daily car costs: €0 autobahn tolls (except €2-4 if using toll tunnels)
  • Truck tolls: €50-200+ for typical long-distance routes
  • Speed advantages: Autobahns offer time savings despite no general speed limit

Alternative Routes:

  • Cars: No need to avoid autobahns - they're free and fastest
  • Trucks: Some federal roads toll-free but significantly slower
  • Recommended speed: 130 km/h advisory limit for liability considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid German tolls completely?

Cars: Yes, easily - autobahns are free. Trucks 3.5t+: No, tolls apply to all autobahns and federal roads. Only local roads remain toll-free for trucks.

What happens if I don't pay German truck tolls?

Fines up to €20,000 for non-payment. Automated enforcement via 300+ mobile patrol vehicles and control points throughout Germany.

Do motorcycles pay tolls in Germany?

No, motorcycles use all German roads toll-free, including the two toll tunnels (unlike cars which pay tunnel fees).

Will Germany introduce car tolls in the future?

No current plans. Car toll proposals were abandoned in 2019, with existing vehicle tax considered sufficient road funding for passenger vehicles.

Do tourists get different rates?

No, all users pay identical rates. Foreign trucks use the same Toll Collect system as German vehicles, with no nationality-based discrimination.

Germany vs. Neighboring Countries

Country System Type Typical Cost Coverage
Germany Cars free, trucks toll €0.09-0.26/km trucks 51,000 km network
Austria Vignette for cars €9.60/10 days All motorways
France Distance-based tolls €0.08-0.12/km Most motorways
Switzerland Annual vignette CHF 40/year All motorways
Belgium Cars free, trucks toll HGV distance-based 1 toll tunnel only
Netherlands Limited tolls €2-5 per tunnel 2 toll tunnels only

Useful Links & Resources

Internal Navigation:

Official Resources:

  • Toll Collect GmbH: toll-collect.de - Official truck toll system
  • Warnow Tunnel: warnowquerung.de - Rostock tunnel information
  • Herren Tunnel: herrentunnel.de - Lübeck tunnel details
  • Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM): Toll enforcement authority

Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.

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