Everything about the Swiss motorway vignette – the only European country with annual-only option. CHF 40, valid 14 months, no short-term alternatives.
update
Last updated: July 2026 • 2026 vignette color: to be announced
Important: No Short-Term Option!
Unlike Austria, Slovenia, or other countries, Switzerland only offers an annual vignette. Even if you're just transiting for a few hours, you must buy the full annual vignette (CHF 40). There is no daily, weekly, or monthly option. This has been a topic of political debate, but as of 2026, no changes have been implemented.
shopping_cart Buy Official Swiss Vignette
Purchase the digital e-vignette from the official Swiss Federal Roads Office website.
Official Swiss government website • Digital or physical sticker available
euro
2026 Vignette Price
Annual Vignette 2026
Valid: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2027 (14 months)
CHF 40.00
≈ €42.50 (exchange rate varies)
Motorcycles: Same price – CHF 40 (no discount for 2-wheelers in Switzerland)
info Why 14 Months Validity?
The Swiss vignette is valid from December 1 of the previous year through January 31 of the following year. This means if you buy the 2026 vignette, you get 14 months of use – great value if you travel to Switzerland multiple times per year!
Cost Comparison: Switzerland vs. Neighbors
Switzerland's annual-only policy can be expensive for short visits:
e-vignette.ch – Official Swiss Federal Roads Office website
Via Suisse Shop – Official partner for international customers
lightbulb Digital vs. Physical
Since 2023, Switzerland offers both digital e-vignette (linked to license plate) and traditional adhesive stickers. The digital version is convenient if you have multiple vehicles or want to avoid sticker removal hassle.
Physical Sales Points
Border crossings – All major entry points from Germany, France, Italy, Austria
Gas stations – Throughout Switzerland and near borders
Post offices – Swiss Post locations
TCS offices – Touring Club Switzerland
ADAC/ÖAMTC – German and Austrian automobile clubs sell Swiss vignettes
Don't Buy from Unofficial Sources!
The Swiss vignette price is fixed by law at CHF 40. Any website charging more is a scam. Only buy from official sources listed above.
route Which Roads Require a Vignette?
The vignette is required on all Swiss motorways (Autobahn/Autoroute) and semi-motorways, marked with green signs.
These tunnels require a separate toll payment even with a valid vignette:
Tunnel
Route
Car Price
Great St. Bernard Tunnel
CH-IT border tunnel
€32.00
Munt la Schera Tunnel
CH-IT (Livigno)
€26.00
info Gotthard Tunnel is FREE!
The famous Gotthard Road Tunnel (A2) is covered by the vignette – no additional toll required. However, expect long queues during peak travel times (summer weekends, holidays).
gavel Fines for Driving Without a Vignette
Swiss Police Don't Mess Around!
Switzerland actively enforces vignette requirements with police checks, especially near borders and at tunnel entrances.
Fine Structure
Fine:CHF 200
Plus: You must buy a vignette on the spot (CHF 40)
Total:CHF 240 (~€250)
You'll also be fined for:
Incorrectly attached sticker (wrong position, not visible)
Damaged or manipulated vignette
Using previous year's vignette (check the color!)
Wrong vehicle registered for digital vignette
lightbulb Sticker Placement
For physical stickers: Place it on the inside of the windshield, either behind the rearview mirror or in the lower left corner. It must be directly on glass – not on a tinted strip or sticker.
alt_route Alternatives: Can You Avoid the Vignette?
If you don't want to buy the annual vignette, you have limited options:
Use Regular Roads (Free)
Possible but significantly slower (mountain roads, villages)
Some scenic routes like lake roads are enjoyable
GPS navigation can route you around motorways
Time impact: Zurich → Geneva: 2.5h (motorway) vs. 4h+ (regular roads)
Take the Train (Car Transport)
Car trains through tunnels: Lötschberg, Vereina, Furka
Your car travels on a train wagon while you relax
Useful for crossing the Alps without mountain driving
Prices: CHF 30-60 depending on route
Honest Advice
Unless you have significant time to spare, the CHF 40 vignette is worth it. Avoiding Swiss motorways adds hours to most journeys and uses more fuel. The 14-month validity makes it decent value if you visit Switzerland even twice per year.
It's a political decision. The annual-only system has been in place since 1985. There have been referendums to introduce short-term options, but they haven't passed. The Swiss government argues it keeps administration simple and costs low.
I'm just driving through Switzerland for 2 hours. Do I really need a vignette?
Yes, if you use any motorway. Even for a short transit (e.g., Germany → Italy via Gotthard), you need the full annual vignette. The only way to avoid it is using regular roads, which significantly increases travel time.
Can I pay in Euros at the border?
Most border sales points accept Euros, but you'll get an unfavorable exchange rate. It's better to pay in CHF or buy the digital vignette online beforehand.
Is the digital e-vignette valid immediately?
Yes! The digital e-vignette is valid immediately after purchase. No waiting period like in some other countries. You can buy it online and drive onto Swiss motorways right away.
Do rental cars in Switzerland have vignettes?
Usually yes. Most Swiss rental companies include the vignette. For international rentals entering Switzerland, check with your rental company – you may need to buy one yourself.
Can I transfer the vignette to another vehicle?
Physical sticker: No, it's destroyed when removed. Digital e-vignette: Also linked to one license plate, but you can buy multiple for different vehicles under one account.
What color is the 2026 vignette?
Each year has a different color to prevent fraud. The 2026 color is announced by Swiss authorities before December 1. Check the official website for the current year's color.
Planning a Road Trip Through Switzerland?
Use our free toll calculator to estimate your total costs including vignettes, tunnel tolls, and fuel.