Toll Switzerland
Why are toll fees charged?
Most European countries charge toll fees. There is a so-called toll obligation. This means that fees are charged for the use of certain routes, tunnels and bridges. The revenue generated from this is specifically invested in the road network and contributes to safe and smooth travel. Investments are made in particular in the areas of infrastructure, traffic management, road safety and environmental protection measures.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Road safety and traffic management: use of new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers as well as measures to reduce exhaust emissions
How is the toll collected?
Tolls are collected in different forms. These include the vignette obligation, the heavy vehicle charge as well as special toll routes. A distance-based toll does not exist in Switzerland.
Vignette obligation: cars & motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight
Under the vignette obligation, toll fees are charged as a flat rate and are not calculated based on kilometres driven. Before starting your journey, you must purchase a digital vignette. There are various vehicle classes that are subject to the vignette obligation. As a general rule, vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight (permissible total weight) require a vignette. Vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, are required to pay a heavy vehicle charge. Currently, only an annual vignette is available in Switzerland; no other validity periods are offered.
Special toll: valid for all vehicles
Special toll routes often concern tunnels or mountain pass roads. The special toll is charged for certain sections of route that are not covered by the regular vignette obligation. This means: even if you have a vignette for motorways or pay the heavy vehicle charge, additional fees may apply for individual routes. The special toll therefore applies to all vehicles using these specific sections.
It should also be noted that many special toll routes can be reached via access roads subject to the vignette obligation. For this reason, it is generally advisable to purchase a vignette regardless of whether you plan to use a special toll route. Further information on the various special toll routes in Switzerland can be found in our guide.
Heavy vehicle charge: vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight
For motor vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, either the Flat-rate Heavy Vehicle Charge (PSVA) or the Performance-related Heavy Vehicle Charge (LSVA) applies. This charge must be paid upon entry at customs or in advance online via the Via portal. The heavy vehicle charge is not only levied for driving on public roads, but also, for example, when the vehicle is located on a campsite. For further information on the heavy vehicle charge (PSVA or LSVA), please refer to our guide.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to Switzerland and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive natural scenery. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Feel free to contact us at any time by email.
