Toll in North Macedonia
Why do you have to pay toll fees?
Most countries in Europe charge toll fees because there is a general toll requirement. But what does that mean? For using many motorways and expressways as well as tunnels and bridges, so-called toll fees are charged. The money collected through tolls is invested, for example, in the road network. This enables a smooth journey on your way to your holiday. The primary areas of investment are infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road safety and traffic management: use of new technologies such as intelligent transport systems or toll bridges
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How are tolls collected?
In general, tolls can be collected in different ways. These include the vignette requirement, distance-based tolling, and special tolls.
In North Macedonia, a toll is required in the form of a distance-based toll. Depending on the vehicle class, the toll amount payable at the toll station may differ. Unlike in other countries (such as Austria or Switzerland), there is no vignette requirement in North Macedonia. Tolling in North Macedonia applies only to certain motorways. Accordingly, a distance-based toll is charged on almost all sections of the motorways A1, A2, A3, and A4. Expressways and national roads are currently toll-free.
Regulations and vehicle classes
Regulations
In North Macedonia, specific regulations apply to motor vehicles and their classification into vehicle classes:
Cars: vehicles with a front axle height over 1.3 m are charged a higher toll.
Combinations (car + trailer): combinations with a towing vehicle that has a front axle height over 1.3 m are charged a higher toll.
Motorhomes: are tolled according to the number of axles, regardless of the technically permissible maximum mass (short: GVW).
Vehicle classes
The different motor vehicles are divided into the following vehicle classes:
Class IA: motorcycles
Class IB: vehicles with two axles and a front axle height under 1.3 m. This can include cars.
Class II: vehicles with more than two axles and a front axle height under 1.3 m. This can include cars with a trailer.
Class III: vehicles with two or three axles and a front axle height over 1.3 m. This can include motorhomes or motorhomes with a trailer.
Class IV: vehicles with more than three axles and a front axle height over 1.3 m.
Paying the toll fees
Tolls in North Macedonia can be paid either at toll stations or electronically. For example, tolls for the motorways A1, A2, A3, and A4 can be paid in cash (in the local currency Denar) at the toll stations. Paying in euros is also possible at some toll stations, but the toll amount is usually higher due to the exchange rate. You can also pay at toll stations by credit or debit card.
Electronic payment is currently possible only on the A1 (also called Corridor 10). For this, you need a contactless smartcard (prepaid card) or an on-board device. On all other routes, you still have to stop at toll stations to pay the toll fee.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a safe trip and a memorable travel adventure. Feel free to use our route planner for your planning. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime by email.
FAQ about the toll requirement in North Macedonia
What does a toll requirement mean?
The toll requirement means that fees are charged for using certain roads (especially motorways, tunnels, or bridges). The revenue is invested in infrastructure, road safety, traffic management, and environmental protection.
Is there a vignette requirement in North Macedonia?
No. There is no vignette requirement in North Macedonia. Instead, a distance-based toll is charged. This means you only pay for the motorway section you actually use.
Which roads are subject to tolls?
Tolling applies on many sections of the motorways A1 (Corridor 10), A2, A3, and A4. Expressways and national roads are currently toll-free.
How much are the tolls in North Macedonia?
The toll amount depends on the section travelled and the vehicle class. Key factors include the number of axles and the front axle height.
How can the toll be paid?
Payment is made directly at the toll stations—in cash in Denar, sometimes also in euros (often with a less favourable exchange rate), or by credit/debit card. On the A1, an additional option is electronic payment via smartcard or an on-board device.
What is a distance-based toll?
With a distance-based toll, the toll fee is calculated based on the distance travelled. The fee is calculated and charged at the respective toll station.
Which vehicle classes are there?
There are five vehicle classes: Class IA (motorcycles), Class IB (cars under 1.3 m front axle height), Class II (vehicles with more than two axles under 1.3 m), Class III (vehicles over 1.3 m front axle height with two or three axles), and Class IV (vehicles with more than three axles over 1.3 m front axle height).
