Toll in Germany
What is a toll (requirement)?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll requirement. But what does that mean? Toll fees are charged for the use of many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges. The revenue generated from tolls is, for example, invested in the road network. This ensures a smooth journey on your way to your holiday destination. The primary areas of investment are infrastructure, traffic management, road safety, and environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road safety and traffic management: New technologies such as intelligent transport systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: Expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll collected in Germany?
In Germany, there is currently no general passenger car toll for private vehicle owners. Instead, a special toll is charged only on certain routes. In addition, commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (GVW) must pay a distance-based toll.
Distance-based toll for commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW
All commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay a truck toll on all federal motorways (Autobahnen) and federal highways (Bundesstraßen). Rural roads are toll-free, even for trucks. The truck toll is linked to the vehicle’s CO₂ emissions. There is also a cross-border toll service between Germany and Austria. The toll service TOLL2GO allows truck drivers to use the same device (On-Board Unit), the Toll Collect On-Board Unit (TC OBU), in both countries.
Special toll
A special toll is charged only on specific routes and tunnels. These special toll routes are the Warnow Tunnel and the Herrentunnel. The special toll applies to all vehicle categories. Depending on the vehicle class, a flat-rate fee must be paid for using the tunnel. Vehicle classes differ depending on the tunnel.
Warnow Tunnel
The Warnow Tunnel is located in the Hanseatic city of Rostock and connects the districts of Schmarl and Krummendorf. It provides a direct connection from the port to the A19 motorway towards Berlin. The Warnow Tunnel is open year-round. The amount of the special toll (per single journey) varies depending on vehicle class, season (winter: 01 Nov–30 Apr; summer: 01 May–31 Oct), and whether you already have a transponder/payment card. Payment can be made at the toll lane by credit card. The following vehicle classes apply:
Motorcycle, car, car with trailer up to a height of 2.05 m
Car with trailer, motorhome, van up to a height of 2.60 m
Motorhome over 2.60 m in height
Herrentunnel
The Herrentunnel connects Lübeck with Herreninsel and Travemünde (B75). The amount of the special toll varies depending on the vehicle class. Vehicle classes are determined by the height of the front axle:
Class A: Motor vehicles (including with trailer) up to a front axle height of 1.30 m
Class B: Motor vehicles with a front axle height over 1.30 m
Car shuttle services
In addition to the distance-based toll and special tolls, Germany also offers car shuttle services, such as the Sylt Shuttle. Car shuttles are vehicle transport trains that quickly take you from A to B. The use of these car trains is subject to a fee. The journey time of the Sylt Shuttle is approximately 35 minutes and it connects Niebüll (mainland) with Westerland (Sylt).
The Europamaut Team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a safe trip and an unforgettable travel experience. Feel free to use our route planner for your travel planning. If you have any questions, you can contact us anytime via email.
FAQ about your trip to Germany
Is there a general passenger car toll in Germany?
No, there is no general passenger car toll in Germany for private vehicle owners. Cars can generally use motorways and federal highways free of charge.
Who has to pay a distance-based toll in Germany?
A distance-based truck toll applies to commercially used vehicles over 3.5 t GVW. These vehicles must pay tolls on all federal motorways and federal highways. Rural roads are toll-free.
What is TOLL2GO?
TOLL2GO is a cross-border toll service between Germany and Austria. It allows truck drivers to use the Toll Collect On-Board Unit (TC OBU) in both countries.
Which special toll routes exist in Germany?
Germany has only a few special toll routes, including the Warnow Tunnel in Rostock and the Herrentunnel in Lübeck. The special toll applies to all vehicle categories and is charged as a flat-rate fee.
How is the toll calculated in the Warnow Tunnel?
The toll in the Warnow Tunnel depends on vehicle class, vehicle height, and season (summer/winter). The price may also vary depending on whether you use a transponder or payment card. The fee is charged per single journey.
How are vehicles classified in the Herrentunnel?
In the Herrentunnel, vehicles are classified based on the height of the front axle. Vehicles up to 1.30 m belong to Class A, and vehicles over 1.30 m belong to Class B.
Does the special toll also apply to motorcycles and motorhomes?
Yes, the special toll applies to all vehicle categories, including motorcycles, cars, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers. The fee depends on the respective vehicle class.
Are there paid car shuttle services in Germany?
Yes, for example the Sylt Shuttle. This is a paid car transport train connecting Niebüll with Westerland on Sylt. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
