Toll Charges in Switzerland: Complete Guide for Drivers

Switzerland is famous for its postcard perfect landscapes, high quality roads, and efficient transport system. But if you’re planning to drive here, one question always pops up: what are the toll charges in Switzerland?

Unlike many European countries that operate highway toll booths, Switzerland uses a vignette system a prepaid pass (either sticker or digital) that allows unlimited use of motorways for a full year. On top of that, certain tunnels and alpine passes carry extra toll fees, and heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to their own systems (LSVA or PSVA).

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about toll charges in Switzerland, including vignette costs, heavy vehicle tolls, extra tunnel fees, and practical tips for travelers.

1. What Are Toll Charges in Switzerland?

Switzerland’s toll charges are divided into three main categories:

1. Swiss Motorway Vignette – a flat rate toll for cars, motorcycles, vans, and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes.
2. Heavy Vehicle Tolls (LSVA and PSVA) – performance based or flat rate tolls for trucks, buses, and heavy motorhomes.
3. Additional Toll Roads – tunnels and alpine routes that require extra payment beyond the vignette.

This system helps fund Switzerland’s world class road infrastructure while keeping motorways free of toll booths.

Read More: Swiss Motorway Vignette Guide

2. Swiss Motorway Vignette (Up to 3.5 Tonnes)

The Swiss Vignette is the most common toll charge for everyday drivers.

• Price: CHF 40 (approx. €42 or $45)
• Validity: 14 months (from Dec 1 of the previous year until Jan 31 of the following year)
• Vehicle Types: cars, motorcycles, vans, camper vans under 3.5 tonnes, and trailers (each trailer requires its own vignette)

You can choose between:

• Sticker Vignette – affixed to the inside of the windshield.
• Digital E Vignette – linked to your license plate via the official Swiss government website (via.admin.ch).

Tip for travelers: Rental cars in Switzerland usually come with a vignette, but always double check with your car hire company.

3. Heavy Vehicle Tolls: LSVA & PSVA (Over 3.5 Tonnes)

If your vehicle is heavier than 3.5 tonnes, toll charges are calculated differently.

LSVA (Leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe)

• Applies to: trucks and heavy goods vehicles (Swiss and foreign)
• Based on: distance driven (km), vehicle weight (GVW), emission class
• Payment: via On Board Unit (OBU) or clearance terminals at borders

PSVA (Pauschale Schwerverkehrsabgabe)

• Applies to: foreign heavy passenger vehicles (buses, coaches, motorhomes >3.5t)
• Flat rate fee, independent of distance driven
• Payment: before entry into Switzerland, often online

HOGS Toll Box: A handy multi country device that allows truckers and fleet operators to pay road charges in Switzerland and across Europe without multiple systems.

4. Additional Toll Roads and Tunnels

Even with a vignette, some roads in Switzerland carry extra toll charges.

Always check current prices before traveling, as tolls can vary based on vehicle type and season.

5. How to Buy the Swiss Vignette

You can purchase the vignette in multiple ways:

• Sticker Version:
  • Gas stations across Switzerland
  • Swiss post offices
  • Border crossings when entering Switzerland
  • Automobile clubs abroad (ADAC in Germany, ÖAMTC in Austria)
• Digital Version (E Vignette):
  • Official site: via.admin.ch
  • Linked to your license plate
  • No need to physically stick anything on the windshield

Fraud Warning: Only buy from the official Swiss government site. Fake websites and scam emails have been reported. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) clearly states the e vignette is always CHF 40 no deposits, no email confirmations required.

6. Fines and Penalties for Driving Without a Vignette

Driving on Swiss highways without a valid vignette results in:

• CHF 200 fine (on the spot)
• Plus you still have to purchase the vignette

Police checks are common, so skipping the vignette is never worth it.

7. Switzerland vs. Other European Toll Systems

Unlike Switzerland, many European countries charge tolls per journey. For example:

• Austria: short-term vignettes (10 day, 2 month, annual)
• Italy & France: toll booths with per kilometer charges
• Germany: trucks pay tolls, but passenger cars currently don’t

Switzerland’s flat CHF 40 system is actually a good deal for long term visitors, but less cost effective if you’re only staying for a few days.

8. Practical Tips for Travelers

• If renting a car, confirm the vignette is included.
• For short trips, weigh if train travel might be more cost effective than paying for a full vignette.
• If you’re road tripping into Italy, France, or Austria, prepare for extra toll charges at borders.
• Always carry some CHF or card for tunnels and car trains.

Conclusion:

Switzerland keeps tolls simple: a CHF 40 annual vignette for cars, motorcycles, and small vehicles plus a few extra tunnel charges. Heavy vehicles face performance based LSVA or flat rate PSVA fees.

Whether you’re renting a car for a short trip or managing a truck fleet across Europe, understanding toll charges in Switzerland will save you money and stress. Buy the vignette from official sources, plan for extra tolls, and enjoy some of the most scenic drives in the world.

FAQs about Toll Charges in Switzerland