switzerland-motorway-vignette-tunnel-rates
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Switzerland Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
System: Annual vignette for cars, distance-based LSVA for trucks
Operator: Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Coverage: All 1st and 2nd class national roads (motorways)
Technology: Sticker vignette or electronic e-vignette
Do I Need a Vignette for Switzerland? 2025 Update
Yes, for all vehicles on motorways. Switzerland requires a mandatory vignette for ALL vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, including cars, motorcycles, caravans, and trailers using any motorway or expressway.
Key Requirements:
- Passenger cars: CHF 40 annual vignette mandatory
- Motorcycles: CHF 40 annual vignette required
- Trailers/caravans: Separate CHF 40 vignette needed
- Trucks over 3.5t: Distance-based LSVA tolls apply
- No short-term options: Only annual vignettes available (14-month validity)
Important: Unlike many countries, Switzerland offers NO daily, weekly, or monthly vignettes - only the annual option.
Switzerland Toll Costs: Current Rates
2025 Vignette Rates (All Vehicles Under 3.5t)
| Vehicle Type | Annual Cost | Validity Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | CHF 40 (€42) | Dec 1, 2024 - Jan 31, 2026 | Mandatory for all motorways |
| Motorcycles | CHF 40 (€42) | Dec 1, 2024 - Jan 31, 2026 | No exemptions |
| Trailers/Caravans | CHF 40 (€42) | Dec 1, 2024 - Jan 31, 2026 | Separate vignette required |
| Light Commercial | CHF 40 (€42) | Dec 1, 2024 - Jan 31, 2026 | Up to 3.5t gross weight |
Heavy Vehicle Tolls (Over 3.5t)
| Vehicle Category | Toll System | Rate Structure | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trucks (Goods Transport) | LSVA - Distance-based | Based on weight, emission class, km | OBU device or border terminal |
| Heavy Motorhomes | PSVA - Flat rate | Annual lump sum | Border payment or online |
| Buses/Coaches | PSVA - Flat rate | Annual lump sum | Border payment or online |
Additional Tunnel Tolls (Not Covered by Vignette)
| Tunnel | Route | Car Toll (One-way) | Return Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great St. Bernard | Switzerland - Italy | CHF 30-50 | Available |
| Munt la Schera | Switzerland - Livigno (Italy) | CHF 15-20 | Round trip CHF 35 |
How to Pay Switzerland Tolls
Vignette Purchase Options
- Online (e-vignette): e-vignette.ch - immediate validity
- Border crossings: Available at all entry points
- Petrol stations: Throughout Switzerland and neighboring countries
- Post offices: Swiss Post locations
- Automobile clubs: TCS and other automotive associations
Vignette Types Available
- Traditional sticker: Affixed to windshield, vehicle-specific
- Digital e-vignette: Linked to license plate number, more flexible
- Same price: Both versions cost CHF 40
- Same validity: December 1, 2024 to January 31, 2026
Recent Changes (2025)
- E-vignette expansion: Digital option now widely adopted since 2023
- Price stability: CHF 40 rate maintained (unchanged since 1995)
- Enhanced enforcement: Automated camera systems expanded
- Border digitalization: Improved electronic payment processing
- Heavy vehicle updates: LSVA rates adjusted for emission standards
Vehicle Classifications & Requirements
Vignette Required (Up to 3.5t)
- All passenger cars: Regardless of size or fuel type
- Motorcycles and scooters: No exceptions
- Light commercial vehicles: Delivery vans, pickup trucks
- Recreational vehicles: Caravans, motorhomes under 3.5t
- Trailers: Separate vignette required for each trailer
LSVA/PSVA Required (Over 3.5t)
- Freight trucks: Distance-based LSVA tolls
- Heavy motorhomes: Annual PSVA flat rate
- Buses and coaches: Annual PSVA system
- Agricultural vehicles: Some exemptions apply
Switzerland vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Car Vignette Cost | Validity Options | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Annual vignette | CHF 40 (€42) | Annual only | 14-month validity period |
| Austria | Vignette system | €96.40 | 10-day, 2-month, annual | More expensive, flexible periods |
| Germany | No car tolls | Free | N/A | Only truck tolls (LKW-Maut) |
| France | Distance-based tolls | €50-100+ per journey | Pay per use | Expensive long-distance travel |
| Italy | Distance-based tolls | €30-80+ per journey | Pay per use | Telepass electronic system |
Planning Your Switzerland Journey
Cost Considerations
- Basic motorway access: CHF 40 for entire year
- Additional tunnel fees: CHF 15-50 for alpine crossings
- Trailer costs: Extra CHF 40 if towing caravan
- No daily options: Must buy full annual vignette even for short visits
Travel Tips
- Buy before arrival: E-vignette available online with immediate validity
- Windshield placement: Sticker must be properly affixed and visible
- License plate accuracy: Ensure correct registration for e-vignettes
- Multi-vehicle needs: Each vehicle requires separate vignette
- Cross-border planning: Factor in neighboring countries' different toll systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a vignette for just a few days?
No, Switzerland only offers annual vignettes valid for 14 months. There are no daily, weekly, or monthly options available.
Do I need separate vignettes for my car and trailer?
Yes, trailers and caravans require their own CHF 40 vignette, regardless of the towing vehicle's vignette status.
What's the difference between sticker and e-vignette?
Both cost CHF 40 and have the same validity. Stickers are vehicle-specific, while e-vignettes are linked to license plates and offer more flexibility.
Can I use my rental car's existing vignette?
Swiss rental cars typically include valid vignettes. However, always verify with the rental company to avoid CHF 200 fines.
Are there any toll-free routes through Switzerland?
You can avoid motorways entirely, but this significantly increases travel time. All motorways and expressways require vignettes.
What happens if I'm caught without a vignette?
Immediate CHF 200 fine plus mandatory CHF 40 vignette purchase. Total penalty: CHF 240.
Do the tunnel tolls accept foreign credit cards?
Yes, Great St. Bernard and Munt la Schera tunnels accept cash (CHF/EUR), credit cards, and some fuel cards.
Special Road Sections & Additional Costs
Toll Tunnels (Extra Charges)
- Great St. Bernard Tunnel: Major alpine crossing to Italy, variable rates by vehicle type
- Munt la Schera Tunnel: Single-lane tunnel to Livigno, time-controlled alternating traffic
- Payment options: Cash, cards, or advance online booking available
Car Transport Services (Optional)
- Lötschberg Car Train: Kandersteg-Goppenstein, approximately CHF 27
- Furka Car Train: Realp-Oberwald, seasonal operation
- Vereina Tunnel: Engadin-Prättigau shortcut, approximately CHF 35-50
Roads Covered by Vignette
- Green highway signs: All roads marked with green signs and white numbers
- A-numbered roads: A1, A2, A3, etc. (national motorways)
- 1st and 2nd class roads: Full national highway network
- Border connections: All international motorway links
Enforcement & Penalties
Monitoring Systems
- Automated cameras: License plate recognition at entry/exit points
- Police patrols: Regular roadside checks on motorways
- Border controls: Systematic vignette verification
- Random inspections: Mobile enforcement teams
Penalty Structure
- Missing vignette: CHF 200 fine + CHF 40 vignette purchase
- Improper sticker placement: CHF 200 fine
- Expired vignette: CHF 200 fine + new vignette required
- Heavy vehicle violations: Higher fines and possible vehicle detention
Contact Information
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)
- Vignette sales: e-vignette.ch
- General information: bazg.admin.ch
- Emergency services: 112 (European emergency number)
- Traffic information: 163 (road conditions and traffic)
Tourist Support
- Switzerland Tourism: myswitzerland.com
- TCS (Touring Club): 24/7 roadside assistance
- Border assistance: Available at all major crossings
