Switzerland Motorway Vignette 2025: Tunnel Rates & Payment Guide
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Switzerland Motorway Vignette Complete Guide
System: Annual vignette (sticker + e-vignette options)
Coverage: All motorways A1-A22, 1st & 2nd class roads (Nationwide network)
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Technology: Physical stickers, digital e-vignettes, ANPR cameras
Operators: Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
Do I Need a Vignette for Switzerland? 2025 Update
Yes, you need a vignette to drive on Swiss motorways - but it's remarkably simple. Switzerland requires a mandatory CHF 40 annual vignette for all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on all motorways and expressways.
Key Reality: Driving without a vignette triggers immediate CHF 200 fines plus mandatory CHF 40 vignette purchase (total CHF 240). Unlike neighboring countries with complex toll systems, Switzerland offers a single annual price covering unlimited motorway usage.
2025 Update: E-vignette system fully operational since 2023, offering digital alternative to physical stickers. Heavy vehicle charges (LSVA) increased 5% from January 1, 2025, but passenger car vignettes remain CHF 40.
Switzerland Toll Costs: What You Actually Pay
Switzerland operates a flat-rate vignette system with additional tunnel tolls for specific alpine crossings.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Road Type | Cars (Up to 3.5t) | Heavy Vehicles (Over 3.5t) | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Motorways (A1-A22) | CHF 40.00 | LSVA distance-based | 14 months (Dec 1 - Jan 31) |
| 1st & 2nd Class Roads | CHF 40.00 | LSVA distance-based | Same vignette coverage |
| Trailers (Up to 3.5t) | CHF 40.00 | Separate vignette required | 14 months (same validity) |
| Great St. Bernard Tunnel | CHF 30-50 | Variable by vehicle type | Per crossing + vignette |
| Munt la Schera Tunnel | CHF 15-20 | Higher rates apply | Per crossing + vignette |
| Vereina Car Train | CHF 35-50 | Same rates | Per journey + vignette |
Where You Pay Tolls (2025)
Vignette Required: All motorways (A1-A22), expressways, 1st & 2nd class roads marked with green signs
Additional Tunnel Tolls: Great St. Bernard, Munt la Schera, plus car trains (Lötschberg, Furka, Vereina)
How to Pay Swiss Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Switzerland:
1. Vignette Options:
- Physical sticker: CHF 40, affix to windshield interior
- E-vignette: CHF 40, linked to license plate number
- Purchase locations: Border crossings, gas stations, post offices, online via.admin.ch
2. Tunnel Payment Methods:
- Cash payment: CHF and EUR accepted at tunnel entrances
- Credit/debit cards: Most major cards accepted
- Online advance booking: Available for some tunnels
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Swiss roads, use TollGuru Switzerland toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Pricing Updates:
- Passenger car vignettes remain stable at CHF 40 for 2025
- Heavy vehicle charges (LSVA) increased 5% from January 1, 2025
- E-vignette system fully integrated with enhanced enforcement
System Enhancements:
- Improved license plate recognition cameras on all motorways
- Enhanced mobile app functionality for e-vignette management
- Streamlined enforcement with automated fine processing
Tunnel Operations:
- Great St. Bernard tunnel operations continue with seasonal adjustments
- Munt la Schera single-lane system maintains 15-minute alternating schedule
- Car train services (Lötschberg, Furka, Vereina) operate with updated pricing
State/Regional Toll Information
Switzerland - Unified National System:
- Single CHF 40 vignette covers entire national motorway network
- No regional variations or cantonal surcharges on standard roads
- All 26 cantons participate in unified federal vignette system
Special Alpine Infrastructure (Additional Tolls):
- Great St. Bernard Tunnel: Switzerland-Italy crossing, major alpine route
- Munt la Schera Tunnel: Engadin-Livigno connection, single-lane operation
- Car Train Services: Lötschberg (Kandersteg-Goppenstein), Furka, Vereina systems
- Private toll roads: Very limited, mostly access roads to specific destinations
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Annual costs: CHF 40 vignette for unlimited motorway access
- Tunnel supplements: CHF 15-50 for specific alpine crossings
- Trailer costs: Additional CHF 40 vignette if towing trailer
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- Cantonal roads: Free but significantly slower mountain routes
- Alpine passes: Scenic alternatives, weather-dependent, no vignette required
- Border avoidance: Transit through Austria or Italy may reduce Swiss vignette need
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Swiss vignette costs completely?
Yes, but with significant time penalties. Cantonal roads and alpine passes are free but add 2-4 hours to cross-country journeys and are weather-dependent in winter.
What happens if I don't have a Swiss vignette?
Immediate CHF 200 fine plus mandatory CHF 40 vignette purchase (total CHF 240). Cameras and police conduct frequent checks, especially near borders.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Switzerland?
Yes, motorcycles require the same CHF 40 vignette as cars. No separate motorcycle rates or exemptions exist.
What's the difference between sticker and e-vignette?
Both cost CHF 40 and offer identical coverage. Stickers affix to windshields; e-vignettes link to license plates digitally. E-vignettes offer more flexibility for vehicle changes.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, tourists pay identical CHF 40 rates as residents. However, rental cars typically include valid vignettes, so verify with rental companies to avoid double-payment.
Switzerland vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Annual vignette | CHF 40 (~€42) | Complete network |
| Austria | Flexible vignettes | €9.70-96.40 | 1-day to annual options |
| France | Distance-based tolls | €0.07-0.12/km | Most motorways |
| Germany | Trucks only (MAUT) | Cars toll-free | Cars: no tolls |
| Italy | Distance-based tolls | €0.07/km average | Almost all motorways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Austria Vignette System - Multiple validity options comparison
- France Toll Roads - Distance-based toll system information
- Germany Autobahn System - Truck-only toll system details
- Italy Toll Roads - Distance-based motorway tolls information
Official Swiss Resources:
- Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS): Official vignette sales
- Via.admin.ch: Official e-vignette portal and verification
- Swiss Federal Roads Office: Network maps and construction updates
