Slovakia is a hidden gem in Central Europe, offering spectacular mountain scenery in the High Tatras, charming medieval towns like Bardejov and Levoča, mysterious castles, and excellent thermal spas. Whether you are transiting through Slovakia to Poland, Ukraine, or Hungary, or exploring this beautiful country, you will need the Slovak E-Znamka (electronic vignette). This guide covers everything about the Slovak vignette system for 2026: prices, validity, where to buy, and essential tips for driving on Slovak motorways.
🇸🇰 What is the Slovak E-Znamka?
Slovakia switched from physical sticker vignettes to a fully electronic system (E-Znamka) in 2016. No more scraping old stickers off your windshield! The E-Znamka is linked to your vehicle license plate number and registered in a central database. Camera systems along the motorways automatically verify your vignette status.
The system is managed by the National Motorway Company (NDS – Národná diaľničná spoločnosť). The E-Znamka is required on all motorways (diaľnice – D roads) and expressways (rýchlostné cesty – R roads), but not on regular national roads.
💰 E-Znamka Prices 2026
Slovakia uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency, making payments easy for visitors from other Eurozone countries.
| Vignette Type | Vehicles up to 3.5t |
|---|---|
| 10-Day | EUR 12 |
| 30-Day | EUR 17 |
| 365-Day (Annual) | EUR 60 |
Note: Prices are for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Larger vehicles fall under the electronic toll system and pay per kilometer.
🛒 Where to Buy the Slovak E-Znamka
Online (Recommended)
The easiest way to purchase is online before your trip:
- VignetteGo – Quick purchase with instant confirmation
- Official Slovak eznamka.sk website
Online purchase advantages: no waiting at border gas stations, instant activation, digital confirmation on your phone, ability to select future start date.
Physical Purchase Points
- Gas stations (OMV, Shell, Slovnaft) throughout Slovakia
- Border crossing points
- Post offices
- NDS customer service centers
🛣️ Slovak Motorway Network
Slovakia motorway network connects the capital Bratislava to major cities and neighboring countries. The network is still being expanded, particularly the D1 to Košice.
D1 – Bratislava to Košice (Main Corridor)
The main east-west corridor connecting Bratislava to Košice, passing through Žilina and the High Tatras region. This is the backbone of the Slovak motorway network. Note: Some sections are still under construction, requiring diversions via regular roads. Total length when complete: approximately 450 km.
D2 – Bratislava to Czech Border
Connects Bratislava northward to the Czech Republic, continuing toward Brno and Prague. Essential for travelers coming from or going to the Czech Republic. Total length: approximately 60 km.
D3 – Žilina to Polish Border
Connects Žilina to the Polish border at Skalité, continuing to Kraków. Popular route for travelers to southern Poland. Total length: approximately 60 km.
D4 – Bratislava Ring Road
The bypass around Bratislava, connecting the D1, D2, and routes to Austria and Hungary. Essential for avoiding Bratislava city center traffic.
R Expressways
Slovakia also has several expressways (R roads) that require a vignette:
- R1: Trnava to Banská Bystrica
- R2: Košice bypass
- R3: Žilina to Martin
- R4: Košice to Hungarian border
- R6: Beluša to Czech border
🗺️ Popular Routes Through Slovakia
Vienna to Bratislava
Distance: ~65 km | Duration: 45-60 minutes | Vignettes needed: Austrian + Slovak
The two capitals are remarkably close—one of the shortest capital-to-capital distances in Europe. The D4 ring road offers a direct connection.
Bratislava to Prague (via D2 and Czech motorways)
Distance: ~330 km | Duration: 3.5-4 hours | Vignettes needed: Slovak + Czech
Direct motorway connection between the two capitals via Brno. Excellent road conditions throughout.
Bratislava to Budapest (via Hungary)
Distance: ~200 km | Duration: 2-2.5 hours | Vignettes needed: Slovak + Hungarian E-Matrica
Quick connection between the two capitals via the D2 and Hungarian M15/M1.
Bratislava to High Tatras (via D1)
Distance: ~330 km | Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Note: The D1 is not fully completed, so expect some sections on regular roads. Stunning mountain scenery awaits!
Kraków to Bratislava (via Poland-Slovakia)
Distance: ~300 km | Duration: 3.5-4 hours | Vignettes needed: Slovak (Polish motorways use per-km tolling)
Via the D3 through Žilina, or via the border crossing at Trstená.
⚠️ Important E-Znamka Rules
Validity Period
- 10-Day: Valid for 10 consecutive days from the selected start date
- 30-Day: Valid for 30 consecutive days from the selected start date
- 365-Day: Valid for one year from the selected start date
License Plate Registration
The E-Znamka is registered to your exact license plate number and country code. Double-check for typos when purchasing! Mistakes require purchasing a new vignette.
Fines for Non-Compliance
- Standard fine: EUR 100 to EUR 500
- Reduced fine: If paid within 15 days
- Enforcement via automatic camera systems (ANPR)
💡 Slovakia Driving Tips for 2026
Speed Limits
- Motorways: 130 km/h
- Expressways: 130 km/h
- Main roads outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Headlights: Must be on at all times while driving (day and night)
- Winter equipment: November 15 – March 31 winter tires required when conditions warrant
Zero Tolerance Alcohol Policy
Slovakia has a zero tolerance policy for drink driving. The blood alcohol limit is 0.0%. Penalties are severe.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the D1 motorway complete?
No, some sections of the D1 between Žilina and Košice are still under construction. Navigation apps will route you via alternative roads where necessary.
Do I need a vignette to cross from Austria to Hungary via Slovakia?
Yes, if you use Slovak motorways. The route from Vienna to Budapest via Bratislava requires a Slovak E-Znamka for the Slovak section.
What about the Bratislava city center?
No vignette is needed for regular roads in Bratislava. Only the motorway sections (D1, D2, D4) require a vignette.
Can I use regular roads to avoid buying a vignette?
Yes, but it significantly increases travel time, especially for longer journeys. For example, Bratislava to Žilina takes 2 hours on the D1 vs 3.5+ hours on regular roads.
🏔️ Why Visit Slovakia?
- High Tatras: The smallest high mountains in the world—spectacular Alpine scenery
- Bratislava: Charming capital with a lively Old Town and Danube riverside
- Spiš Castle: One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe (UNESCO)
- Wooden Churches: Unique UNESCO-listed wooden churches in eastern Slovakia
- Thermal Spas: Excellent thermal resorts like Piešťany, Trenčianske Teplice
- Slovak Paradise: Stunning national park with gorges, waterfalls, and via ferrata trails
- Wine Country: Little-known wine regions, especially Tokaj in the east
📍 Conclusion
Slovakia offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and Central European charm. The E-Znamka system is straightforward—purchase online before your trip, and enjoy hassle-free driving on Slovak motorways.
For multi-country road trips, combine your Slovak E-Znamka with vignettes for Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. Get all your vignettes in one place at VignetteGo.
Enjoy Slovakia! 🇸🇰🏔️
Related Guides: Czech E-Znamka | Hungary E-Matrica | All European Vignettes
