Travelling through Europe by car: everything you need to know about tolls and vignettes
Exploring Europe by car offers you freedom and flexibility to discover the continent's diversity and beauty at your own pace. From the majestic Alps in Switzerland to the sun-kissed coasts of Croatia, each destination has something unique to offer. However, if you plan to drive through several European countries, it is essential to be aware of toll and vignette requirements. In this blog, we explain what you need to know about tolls and vignettes in countries such as Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
Travelling through Europe by car: tolls and vignettes
Austria
To drive on the motorways in Austria, you need a digital vignette. The digital vignette is linked to your license plate number, so you do not have to put a sticker on your windscreen. You can choose from vignettes valid for 10 days, 2 months or a whole year.
Slovenia
As in Austria, Slovenia requires a vignette to use highways and some motorways. You can purchase a digital vignette for different periods, depending on how long you stay in Slovenia.
Switzerland
Switzerland requires an annual vignette for driving on its motorways. There is no option for shorter periods, so even for a short transit you need to purchase the annual vignette. This vignette must be physical and stuck visibly on the windscreen, but recently a digital vignette has also become available. This can of course be purchased via Tollvignettes.com.
Slovakia and the Czech Republic
In both Slovakia and the Czech Republic, a digital vignette is required to use motorways. These vignettes are available for various periods, from a few days to a year. Verification is done electronically via your registration number.
Croatia
Croatia operates a toll system based on the distance travelled on motorways. No vignette is required, but you pay toll at toll booths or can use an electronic toll badge for convenience.
Hungary
For Hungary, you need a digital vignette, called an e-vignette. This vignette is required for motorways and is available in different validity periods. It is checked via your vehicle registration.
Romania and Bulgaria
Both Romania and Bulgaria require a digital vignette to use motorways and certain national roads. These vignettes can be purchased online and linked to your registration number.
What you need to know
- Purchase: Digital vignettes can easily be purchased online before you start your journey. This saves you time and ensures you can hit the road legally right away.
- Checks: Checks on digital vignettes are usually done via license plate registration, so make sure your details are entered correctly during purchase.
- Fines: Without a valid vignette or evading tolls, you risk hefty fines. So make sure you always have a valid vignette for the countries you visit.
Buy your digital vignette
Will you be travelling around Europe by car? Then make sure you are prepared on the road and avoid unpleasant surprises due to fines. On Tollvignettes.com, you can easily and quickly buy your digital vignettes for countries such as Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.