Electronic highway vignette Switzerland

Highway vignette for Switzerland

Cars, motorcycles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes generally need a vignette on Swiss tolled motorways and expressways. Only the annual option is available.

Switzerland has a prestigious alpine highway network. A2 runs through the Gotthard Tunnel into Italy, A1 connects Geneva with Zurich.

Choose the correct vignette year and check the registration country and plate before travelling. The e-vignette and adhesive sticker are both available.

Types of validity and prices

The 2026 vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027. Buying it later does not extend its expiry date.

The annual product is the only Swiss vignette option. If ordered through VignetteGO, payment creates a manual order request; wait for the official purchase confirmation before using a tolled road.

How online purchase works

Purchasing the Swiss e-vignette is simple. Enter the license plate and complete the payment.

Validity follows the vignette year, not a 14-month period starting on the purchase date.

Fines for driving without a valid vignette

Driving without a vignette in Switzerland is an offense with a fine of 200 CHF plus the obligation to purchase a vignette.

Traveling to other countries

Czech Republic • Slovakia • Austria • Hungary • Slovenia • Croatia • Romania • Bulgaria • Moldova

Switzerland – The Land of the Alps and Precision

Switzerland is synonymous with quality and reliability. From majestic alpine peaks to watchmaking tradition to premium chocolate – this small country offers extraordinary experiences.

For car travelers, Switzerland is a gateway to the Alps. The Gotthard tunnel, panoramic mountain roads, and connections to three major European countries make Switzerland a key transit country.

Tourist Attractive Regions

• Zürich – The largest city and financial center. Old town, lake, and nearby Alps. An excellent base for excursions.
• Bern – The capital with a UNESCO medieval center. Bear park and views of the Alps from Rosengarten.
• Luzern – The most beautiful city by the lake. The wooden bridge Kapellbrücke and a trip to Mount Pilatus or Rigi.
• Zermatt – Home of the Matterhorn – the most photographed mountain in the world. Year-round skiing and mountain railway.

Swiss highways are among the best maintained in Europe. However, you pay a premium price for that.

What is the Swiss e-vignette and how does it work

Swiss tolled motorways and expressways require a vignette for most vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes. There is no daily or weekly option.

The Gotthard and San Bernardino road tunnels are on the vignette network. Some other crossings have separate tolls.

Main Motorway Routes in Switzerland

The Swiss motorway network is compact yet high quality. The main axes connect neighboring countries and allow for quick transit through the Alps.

Tourist attractions accessible by car

Switzerland offers a concentration of natural beauty and cultural landmarks in a small space. Most are accessible by car.

• Matterhorn – Iconic mountain (4,478 m) near Zermatt. Zermatt is car-free – park in Täsch and take the train. Unforgettable view!
• Jungfrau Region – Jungfrau region with the highest railway station in Europe (3,454 m). Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are accessible by car.
• Luzern – Wooden bridge from 1333, lake, and nearby mountains Pilatus and Rigi. Great starting point for excursions.
• Interlaken – Town between two lakes. Adrenaline sports (paragliding, bungee) and gateway to the Bernese Alps.
• Rhine Falls – The largest waterfall in Europe near Schaffhausen. Directly accessible by car, boats to the waterfall.

Tip: Many mountain resorts are car-free. Park in the valley and take advantage of the excellent Swiss railway!

Traveling from neighboring countries

Switzerland borders five countries. There are two main routes from the Czech Republic – through Germany or Austria.

History of the Swiss motorway network

The Swiss motorway network is a technical marvel. Building highways in alpine terrain required innovative solutions – tunnels, bridges, and viaducts.

The motorway vignette was introduced in 1985 in response to congestion in alpine passes. Since 2023, an electronic version is available.

Key milestones

• 1964: Opening of the first section of the motorway (Geneva)
• 1980: Completion of the Gotthard Road Tunnel (16.9 km – the longest in the world at that time)
• 1985: Introduction of the mandatory motorway vignette
• 2016: Opening of the Gotthard Rail Tunnel (57 km – the longest in the world)
• 2023: Introduction of the electronic e-vignette

The Gotthard Tunnel is a technical masterpiece – 16.9 km beneath 2,500-meter mountains.

Switzerland invests billions in maintenance and modernization of its motorway network. The quality of the roads is among the best in Europe.

Swiss annual vignette: validity overview

The Swiss vignette has a fixed validity period for each vignette year:

Check the year before purchase: an annual vignette does not run for 12 or 14 months from the purchase date.

Controls and Fines in Switzerland

The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security and cantonal police check vignette compliance during roadside checks.

How Checks Are Conducted

1. E-vignette: Officers check the registration plate against the electronic record.
2. Adhesive vignette: Officers check the sticker on the vehicle.
3. Before travel: Check the vignette year and vehicle details on your confirmation.

Fines for Driving Without a Vignette

Keep the official confirmation and check that its registration country and plate match your vehicle.

Practical Tips for Traveling to Switzerland

Traveling to Switzerland requires preparation for higher costs, but the reward is premium services:

Legal Information and Traffic Regulations

Swiss traffic regulations are strict and rigorously enforced:

Basic Rules

• Mandatory Equipment: Warning triangle, reflective vest (recommended)
• Lights: Use daytime running lights or dipped headlights by day, and dipped headlights in tunnels and poor visibility.
• Alcohol: Maximum 0.5 ‰ (professionals 0.0 ‰)
• Speed limits: Urban 50, outside urban areas 80, highway 120 km/h

Switzerland participates in Schengen but is not in the EU customs union. Customs checks on goods can still take place at the border.

Best time to visit

Switzerland is beautiful in every season:

Frequently asked questions about traveling to Switzerland

Famous Swiss Tunnels

Switzerland is famous for its impressive tunnels that cross the Alpine massifs. Some are among the longest in the world:

Alpine Passes and Scenic Routes

Besides tunnels, Switzerland offers breathtaking mountain passes. Many are open only in summer:

• Furka Pass – Famous for serpentines and views of the Rhône Glacier. Film location from James Bond. Open June-October.
• Grimsel Pass – Connects cantons Bern and Valais. Lakes, dams, and dramatic scenery. Open June-October.
• Susten Pass – One of the most beautiful roads in Switzerland. 2,224 m above sea level. Open June-October.
• Stelvio Pass – Technically in Italy, but a popular destination from Switzerland. 48 hairpins, 2,757 m.

Tip: Mountain passes are an alternative to paid tunnels, but require more time and an experienced driver.

Travel Costs in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Prepare for higher expenses:

Tip: The Swiss franc (CHF) is a strong currency. Current rate about 1.10 USD/CHF. Card payment accepted everywhere, cash not necessary.

Swiss Franc and Payments

Switzerland is not a member of the eurozone and uses the Swiss franc (CHF). Some tourist areas accept euros, but at an unfavorable rate.

Payment cards are accepted virtually everywhere – from parking meters to mountain huts. Contactless payments are standard.

ATMs (Bancomat) are everywhere. Withdrawals in CHF are usually free, but your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee.

Driving Specifics in Switzerland

Swiss roads are perfectly maintained, but have their specifics:

• Roundabouts: Slow down and give way to traffic approaching from the left. Signal when leaving.
• Lights: Cars must use daytime running lights or dipped headlights during the day. Use dipped headlights in tunnels and poor visibility.
• Horn: Use only in case of danger. Unnecessary honking is fined.
• Mountain roads: Vehicles going uphill have priority. On narrow roads, the vehicle going downhill reverses.