Electronic motorway vignette Hungary
E-matrica for Hungarian motorways and expressways
Motorway vignette for Hungary
In Hungary, the e-matrica is mandatory for all vehicles on motorways and expressways. The system is fully electronic, and the vignette is linked to the license plate.
Hungary has an extensive motorway network with Budapest as the center. M1 leads to Vienna, M3 to the east, M7 to Lake Balaton and further to Croatia.
Checks are carried out automatically using camera systems placed on the motorways.
Do you need a Hungarian motorway vignette?
Purchase e-sticker →Types of validity and prices
The Hungarian e-matrica offers daily, 10-day, monthly, and annual options. Great flexibility for different types of travel.
The validity starts on the day you choose. After payment, you will receive a confirmation via email.
How online purchase works
The purchase of the Hungarian e-vignette is quick online. You enter the license plate, choose the validity, and pay.
The vignette is active immediately after payment or from the chosen date.
Fines for driving without a valid vignette
Driving without an e-vignette in Hungary is an offense. Fines are high and checks are automatic.
⚡ Quick purchase - sticker active within minutes - e-matrica aktivní během minut
Koupit e-matricuTraveling to other countries
From Hungary, roads lead to many European destinations. To the west and southwest lie Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.
To the east and north lie Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Czech Republic.
History of the Hungarian Highway Network
Hungary has a strategically positioned highway network that radiates from Budapest like spokes in all directions. This radial arrangement reflects the central position of the capital in the country and in Central Europe.
The first Hungarian highway M1 towards Vienna was opened in the 1960s. Since then, the network has grown to include key routes to Lake Balaton (M7), east (M3), and south (M5).
Key Milestones of the Hungarian Highway Network
- 1964 – Start of M1 construction towards Vienna
- 1975 – Opening of M7 to Lake Balaton
- 2008 – Introduction of e-matrica system
- 2015 – Completion of M0 ring road around Budapest
- 2022 – Extension of M3 to Ukrainian border
The Hungarian highway network is a key connection between Western and Eastern Europe. Budapest is a true transport hub of the region.
Today, the Hungarian highway network includes over 2,000 km of highways and expressways. Planned expansion includes new connections to Romania and Serbia.
Hungarian E-matrica Prices 2026 Overview
Hungarian e-matrica offers the widest range of price options in Europe:
| Duration | Price | Validity Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily e-matrica | ~4 € | 1 day (midnight – midnight) | One-day transit |
| 10-day e-matrica | ~14 € | 10 calendar days | Weekly holiday |
| Monthly e-matrica | ~21 € | 30 calendar days | Longer stay |
| Annual e-matrica | ~155 € | Calendar year | Regular trips |
Prices are approximate in euros. Payment is in Hungarian forints (HUF), exchange rate may vary.
Driving through Hungary?
Use the daily e-matrica for quick transit – the cheapest option for a one-day trip!
Purchase e-sticker →Controls and Fines on Hungarian Highways
E-matrica verification in Hungary is fully automated using the modern HÚGO camera system. Cameras are placed on all highways and expressways.
How Verification Works
- HÚGO system – Camera gates scan license plates and instantly verify validity in the central database
- Mobile patrols – Police vehicles with portable license plate readers
- Border controls – Checks when entering Hungary
Fine Amounts for Driving Without E-matrica
⚠️ High fines in Hungary!
- Basic fine: 14,875 HUF (~€38) if paid within 60 days
- Increased fine: Up to 84,245 HUF (~€220) if unpaid
- Foreign vehicles: Fines enforced through international cooperation
The Hungarian HÚGO system is very efficient – nearly 100% of vehicles are checked. Investing in an e-matrica definitely pays off.
Main Highway Routes in Hungary
The Hungarian highway network has a radial arrangement centered on Budapest. Here are the most important routes:
🛣️ M7 Budapest – Balaton – Chorvatsko
Southwestern highway to Balaton and Croatia (252 km)
Most popular summer route to the sea. Continues across the border to Croatia.
🛣️ M3 Budapest – Debrecen
Eastern highway to Debrecen and Ukraine (242 km)
Connects Budapest with the east of the country and continues to the Ukrainian border.
🛣️ M5 Budapest – Szeged
Southern highway to Szeged and Serbia (174 km)
Main route to Serbia and further to the Adriatic Sea. Popular for trips to southern Europe.
All Hungarian highways (M) and most expressways (R) require a valid e-matrica. Check the current network of tolled sections before your trip.
Practical Tips for Traveling Through Hungary
Hungary is a popular transit and destination country. Here are important tips:
Use the daily e-matrica
For transit from Czech Republic to Croatia or Serbia, a daily e-matrica for about €4 is enough. The cheapest option for a one-day trip.
Watch out for M0 ring road
The M0 ring road around Budapest is also tolled. If you're just passing through, you need an e-matrica for it too.
Buy vignette before the border
There are queues and stress at borders. Online purchase is faster and more convenient – e-matrica is active immediately.
Check vehicle category
Prices differ by vehicle category (D1 = passenger, D2 = vans). Check which category applies to your car.
Refuel in Hungary
Fuel is significantly cheaper in Hungary than in Austria or Croatia. Plan a refueling stop.
Tourist Attractions in Hungary
Hungary offers a unique combination of history, culture, and thermal baths. Here are tips for stops:
Historic Cities
- Budapest – The capital with Buda Castle, Parliament, and thermal baths (UNESCO)
- Eger – Baroque town with castle, wine, and thermal baths
- Pécs – University city with Roman and Ottoman history (UNESCO)
- Debrecen – Second largest city, center of reformation in Hungary
Natural Beauty
- Balaton – Largest lake in Central Europe – Hungarian sea
- Hortobágy – National park with steppe landscape and traditional cattle breeding (UNESCO)
- Tokaj – Wine region famous for sweet wines (UNESCO)
💡 Tip: Hungary is ideal for a relaxing holiday. Visit one of thousands of thermal baths – like Széchényi in Budapest.
Cross-Border Travel from Hungary
Hungary borders seven countries and is a Central European crossroads. When planning trips, don't forget about highway vignettes:
🇦🇹 Hungary → Austria
M1 leads directly to the border. Austrian digital vignette has an 18-day waiting period!
Learn more about Austrian highway vignette →🇸🇰 Hungary → Slovakia
Border is in the north. Slovak electronic vignette is mandatory on D1 and other highways.
Learn more about Slovak highway vignette →🇭🇷 Hungary → Croatia
Direct route to the Adriatic Sea via M7. The fastest route to the Croatian coast.
Learn more about Croatian highway vignette →🇷🇴 Hungary → Romania
M43 leads to the border. Romanian Rovinieta is mandatory on national roads.
Learn more about Romanian highway vignette →For trouble-free travel, we recommend purchasing all necessary vignettes in advance. Get them in one place on VignetteGo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hungarian E-matrica
What is e-matrica and how does it work? ▼
E-matrica is the Hungarian name for electronic highway vignette. It's tied to the vehicle's license plate and is automatically verified by cameras on highways.
Why does Hungary offer a daily option? ▼
The daily e-matrica is ideal for transit drivers who are just passing through Hungary. It's the cheapest option for a one-day trip.
What is the HÚGO system? ▼
HÚGO (Hungarian Unified Toll System) is an automatic e-matrica verification system using cameras on highways. It checks nearly 100% of vehicles.
Do I need an e-matrica for the M0 ring road? ▼
Yes, the M0 ring road around Budapest is tolled and requires a valid e-matrica just like other highways.
What's the difference between D1 and D2 categories? ▼
D1 includes passenger cars up to 3.5 tons. D2 includes vans and larger vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Check the category in your vehicle registration.
Can I buy e-matrica at a gas station in Hungary? ▼
Yes, e-matrica can be purchased at gas stations in Hungary. However, online purchase is faster and more convenient.
How long does e-matrica activation take? ▼
E-matrica is active immediately after successful payment. Unlike Austria, there is no waiting period.
How can I verify e-matrica validity? ▼
You can verify validity on nemzetiutdij.hu or in the mobile app by entering your vehicle's license plate. You'll also receive confirmation by email after purchase.
Legal Information and Exemptions
The obligation to purchase an e-matrica in Hungary applies to all motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons on highways and expressways. Some vehicles are exempt:
Exempt Vehicles
- Rescue service, police, and fire department vehicles when on duty
- Armed forces vehicles of Hungary and NATO
- Vehicles of disabled persons with appropriate ID
- Road maintenance vehicles during work
For vehicles over 3.5 tons, the HU-GO system applies (electronic toll based on kilometers traveled). This system is separate from e-matrica.
Summary: Everything About Hungarian E-matrica
Hungarian e-matrica is essential for traveling on Hungarian highways. Here's a quick overview:
- ✓ Mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons on highways and expressways
- ✓ Unique daily option – ideal for transit at about €4
- ✓ Options: daily, 10-day, monthly, annual
- ✓ Instant activation – no waiting period
Purchase your Hungarian e-matrica online and hit the road worry-free!
Buy your Hungarian highway vignette now!
Instant activation • Secure Payment • Email confirmation
🛒 Buy electronic motorway sticker