What are Vignettes and Which Countries in Europe Require Them?
If you are planning a road trip through Europe, it’s important to prepare yourself for what you may have to deal with in terms of tollways and vignettes. Each country in Europe is completely different when it comes to roadway tolls and vignettes, which can make planning a bit tricky. Navigating these intricacies is essential for a smooth journey, ensuring you avoid fines and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What is a Vignette?” Let me explain! First off, I didn’t know what it was either when I moved to Europe in 2017. It was during our road trip from Poland to Croatia that I first had to deal with these pesky stickers.
In essence, a vignette is a type of road tax sticker you purchase and display on your vehicle to use certain roads. Each country with this system has its own set of rules and costs associated with these vignettes. They can range from stickers you physically attach to your windshield to digital vignettes linked to your vehicle’s license plate.
Furthermore, I noticed while browsing the internet that there wasn’t a solid space where you could grab all this info and be on your merry little way. I hate that! It seemed every search ended in multiple tabs, endless scrolling, and piecing together information from scattered sources. To save you the hassle and confusion, I’ve compiled everything you need right here. Here you go! Information at your fingertips, so you can spend more time enjoying your road trip and less time worrying about the logistics.
To elaborate, some countries like Austria and Switzerland require vignettes for highways, while others like Italy and France rely more on toll booths. Understanding these differences can make your travel experience much smoother. I’ve also included tips on where to purchase these vignettes – whether it’s at border crossings, gas stations, or online. Each method has its advantages, and knowing the best option for your route can save you time and money.
I have other resources and guides for travel in Italy if you’d like to learn about traveling by train and the important things you should know about driving in Italy
What Are Vignettes
While some countries have tolls, others may require a vignette. A vignette is a sticker that drivers place on their windshields, signifying they have paid the necessary taxes and fees to use the highways of a particular country. Once you obtain a vignette, simply affix it to the upper left corner of your windshield, and you’re ready to go!
This form of road pricing is imposed on vehicles, usually in addition to compulsory road taxes, and is based on the time rather than the distance, unlike traditional tollways.
Some countries allow you to obtain a vignette online, while others require you to physically affix one to your windshield. When renting a vehicle and planning to drive through a particular country, ask your rental agent if the vehicle is already equipped with a vignette or if it will incur a separate fee. Additionally, make sure to inquire about the rental agency’s consent and their rules regarding which countries you can drive to.
Which Countries Require Vignettes
As of July 2nd, 2024:
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Slovenia
- Czechia
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Romania
- Switzerland.
How do I buy a Vignette?
Typically, you can purchase a vignette at the last gas station before entering a new country. For example, when traveling to Austria from my home in Italy, I make a stop outside Bressanone/Brixen to get my vignette. Many countries have also adopted online platforms, allowing you to buy your vignette before your trip. I’ve used these online services for our journeys to Austria and Croatia. It’s an easy and foolproof method. Below, you’ll find a list of countries in alphabetical order, along with details on where to purchase your vignette.
Austria
Website: Vignette-Austria’s Motorway Toll Sticker | All Necessary Information or ASFINAG
- One-year toll sticker: € 96.40
- Two-month toll sticker: € 28.90
- Ten-day toll sticker: € 11.50
Bulgaria
Website: Electronic Vignettes for Bulgaria
- (7 Days)€15.95
- (1 Month)€22.95
- (90 Days)€35
- (1 Year)€59
Czechia
The price of your Vignette depends on your vehicle’s Eco-Fuel System, as of July 2024 this is the price list.
You can visit their website here: Czechia Vignettes
Hungary
Website: E-Vignette Purchase Hungary
Moldova
Please note that on Moldova’s Official country website, they ask you not to pay between 23:45 and 00:01.
Website: Vinieta
- For Cars: 7 Days 4€
- 15 days, 8.00 €
- 30 days 16.00 €
- 90 days 45.00€
- 180 days 85.00€
Romania
Romania asks that you pay for a vignette that covers a portion of a bridge toll at Fetesti-Cernavoda station on the A2 Bucharest-Constanta highway, also known as the Sun Highway.
You’ll head to their website, select the number of days, and pay online for both the road vignette and the Bridge toll vignette
Website: Rovinieta Online
Slovakia
What I love about Slovakia is their site lists the point of sales sites for vignettes So if you don’t want to buy online, you can always stop suggested location to pick one up. Their site seems to bit easier to navigate.
Website: Eznamka
Slovenia
When you drive on Slovenian motorways, you must buy an ‘e-vignette’. E-vignettes are available weekly, monthly, or yearly. You can buy Vignettes at gas stations, post offices, and DARs (the Slovenian Motorway Company) offices in Slovenia as well as outlets in neighboring countries near the Slovenian border.
Switzerland
Cost CHF 40 Via Portal: Your Digital Key for e-vignette and PSVA , Read here for more information on required documents Motorway Charge and Vignettes
Conclusion
I hope this helps you on your European road trip! Please drive safely and remember to follow all the traffic rules of the country you are in. Have any suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment below or let me know if this has helped you in any way!
Great one stop shop for vignettes through Europe. Thanks for the work?