Swiss toll

How to travel with a camper or motorhome in a relaxed and compliant way

Table of contents

• 1. Toll requirement in Switzerland

  • 1.1. Where is a vignette required?

  • 1.2. Which cars and vehicles are affected?

• 2. Cost of the vignette

  • 2.1. Annual vignette: cost & validity

  • 2.2. Short-term vignettes: does Switzerland offer these?

  • 2.3. Additional costs

• 3. E-vignette vs. sticker vignette: a comparison

  • 3.1. Advantages and differences of the e-vignette

  • 3.2. Vignette - correct application

• 4. Buying the Swiss motorway vignette

  • 4.1. Online via the BAZG Via portal

  • 4.2. Purchase on site

• 5. Rules for trailers and vehicles over 3.5 t GVW

  • 5.1. Heavy vehicle fee

  • 5.2. Additional vignettes for trailers

• 6. Tunnel toll Switzerland

• 7. Travelling without a vignette - what happens then?

  • 7.1. Fines and penalties

• 8. BAZG

  • 8.1. Waiting times and entry

  • 8.2. Important documents

• 9. Austria & Italy: tolls in neighbouring countries

  • 9.1. 10-day vignette Austria

  • 9.2. Buying vignettes for neighbouring countries

• 10. FAQ: Swiss toll

  • 10.1. Driving without a vignette - is that possible?

  • 10.2. On which routes do I have to pay a toll?

• 11. More tips & checklist

Toll requirement in Switzerland - what you need to know

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You are planning a trip with the camper through Switzerland? Then you won't be able to avoid the toll altogether. So you can set off stress-free, this blog article has useful answers to the most important questions about toll fees and vignettes in Switzerland.

Where does the vignette requirement apply in Switzerland?

In Switzerland there is a vignette requirement on all motorways and most expressways with green and white signage.

This applies not just to the main transit routes, but also to many national roads, which are particularly relevant for campers - so inform yourself in advance and hit the road prepared!

At the ADAC you can find a clear map showing exactly which roads have a vignette requirement applies.

Who has to pay? Cars, motorhomes, motorcycles & trailers

In principle, every vehicle up to 3.5 t on Swiss motorways needs a vignette - whether car, motorcycle, motorhome or trailer.

Important: For combinations such as caravans (GVW: up to 3.5 t) a separate motorway vignette of its own is required. Those above that limit pay instead the so-called "heavy vehicle fee".

The Swiss motorway vignette - prices & validity

How much does the annual vignette cost in Switzerland and how long is it valid?

The motorway vignette costs 40 Swiss francs (44 euros, as of 2025) and is always valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year (14 months).

Whether a sticker vignette or an e-vignette, the price and validity are identical.

Is there a 1-day or short-term vignette in Switzerland?

No - in Switzerland there is only an annual vignette. Daily, weekly or monthly vignettes as in other countries are not available.

Anyone just passing through pays the same amount as long-stay holidaymakers - so good trip planning is worthwhile.

Are there additional tolls besides the vignette when travelling through Switzerland?

Yes, in addition to the vignette additional toll charges can apply in Switzerland, specifically for certain tunnels, car transport trains and for vehicles over 3.5 t (heavy vehicle fee).

The motorway charges are covered by the vignette - but special routes cost extra.

E-vignette or sticker vignette - which suits you better?

Differences & advantages of the e-vignette

Sticker and e-vignette differ mainly in terms of convenience and how you purchase them.

E-vignettes can be purchased conveniently online. It is linked directly to your licence plate, so you can skip the hassle of sticking and scraping. It also gives you more flexibility, if you Interchangeable plates or rental vehicles uses.

Validity and price of the e-vignette are however the same as for the sticker vignette on the vehicle.

If you're already on your way to Switzerland and need a vignette quickly, you can also get the sticker version at local sales points .

Applying the sticker vignette - How to do it correctly

The sticker vignette must be attached in a clearly visible position on the inside of the windscreen, ideally top left or behind the rear-view mirror. Make sure the clean windscreen and remove old vignettes beforehand.

Important: The vignette stuck over another car, motorhome or any other vehicle is not allowed!

How to buy your Swiss vignette correctly

Online via the Via Portal of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)

The e-vignette is available conveniently through the official Via Portal of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). On the shop page you simply enter your licence plate, the country of registration and your email address and your vignette is active.

Local sales points for the motorway vignette

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The classic sticker vignette is available at many places along the border crossings, such as at petrol stations, post offices or directly at the customs office.

Tip: Best to buy it in advance so you don't have to search at the border - or just go straight for the digital version.

Swiss toll rules for motorhomes & vehicles over 3.5 tonnes

Heavy vehicle fee (LSVA) - applies from 3.5 t

For every lorry or motor vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross weight (GVW) applies in Switzerland not the vignette, but the so-called heavy vehicle charge (LSVA). This applies regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or parked, including on a campsite.

More information on the guidelines and prices can be found directly at ADAC or in the Via Portal.

Additional vignette for trailers & caravans?

Yes, also for trailers and caravans under 3.5 t GVW you need a separate vignette, in addition to the towing vehicle.

Important: Every vehicle with its own registration counts separately, even if you are just towing it with your car. For trailers over 3.5 t the heavy vehicle charge (LSVA) also applies.

Tunnels & special tolls in Switzerland

Not all routes are covered by the vignette - for some tunnels an additional toll applies. This mainly affects transit routes through the Alps. Among the toll tunnels are, among others:

• Great St. Bernard Tunnel

• Lotschberg and Simplon Tunnel

The fees vary depending on vehicle type and gross weight ,current prices and more information can be found at ACE.

What happens without a vignette?

Fines & penalties for violations

Driving without a valid vignette? That can get expensive: you face a fine of 200 CHF - and you still have to buy the vignette (40 CHF) on top of that. This also applies if it is attached incorrectly or you simply forgot it. The Swiss Border Security checks strictly. So: better to set off correctly right from the start.

Information on attachment and purchase of the right vignettes you'll find further up in the article.

Customs and Border Security (BAZG)

Entry requirements & waiting times

At border crossings, especially during peak season, you may encounter waiting times, so plan for some extra buffer. When entering, you should already have a valid motorway vignette or the proof of purchase ready.

Caution: Spot checks away from the border are also possible!

Documents you should have ready

For a smooth border crossing you should have the following things within easy reach:

• ID / passport

• Vehicle registration document

• Vignette proof (for e-vignette, best via email),

• and if applicable receipts for heavy vehicle fees.

That way you're well prepared, even for unexpected checks.

Toll in Austria & Italy - A comparison

What does the 10-day vignette cost in Austria?

You're planning a road trip through Switzerland and maybe want to continue on to Austria or Italy? Then you should also know the toll rules there.

In Austria the 10-day vignette for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t currently 12.40 EUR (as of 2025), for motorcycles 4.60 EUR. In addition to the 10-day vignette for short stays and onward travel, there are also 2-month vignettes and annual vignettes available.

Where is the best place to buy vignettes for Austria & Italy?

The vignettes for Austria are available at petrol stations, border crossings and online via the ASFINAG portal (motorhomes over 3.5 t need a Go-Box).

For Italy there is no vignette, but a distance-based toll, which you pay at the toll booths or digitally with Telepass . You can find more information in our blog article on Italy toll.

Frequently asked questions about Swiss tolls

Can you drive in Switzerland without a vignette?

Technically yes, but only if you strictly avoid motorways and roads with vignette requirement. For spontaneous detours or if your sat nav reroutes you, that can quickly become risky.

Our recommendation: Get a vignette rather than risking a fine and hassle.

Which roads are affected?

The vignette requirement applies to almost all motorways and many expressways in Switzerland recognisable by their green and white signage.

Anyone unsure can check at any time with the federal portal or at official agencies.

Tips for a stress-free trip through Switzerland

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To make your trip through Switzerland goes as smoothly as possible, it pays to check a few things in advance. Here is a practical checklist for campers:

✅ Vignette buy in time (digital e-vignette or classic sticker vignette)
✅ Vehicle weight check: under or over the permitted weight of 3.5 t?
✅ Additional vignette for trailers or caravans, don't forget
✅ Possible tunnel fees along the route, plan for these
✅ Important documents have ready (e.g. vehicle registration, vignette receipt by email)
✅ Current information on entry, customs and border crossings, check these
✅ Alternative routes without a vignette only with good planning
✅ Before setting off, a quick update on current traffic information.

Note: The contents of this blog post were compiled with great care. However, information may change over time. We accept no liability for the accuracy, completeness or currentness of the information provided.