European Road Infrastructure Toll Collection Systems
Road tolls in Europe vary from country to country in terms of prices, types of roads subject to tolls, and the toll collection systems themselves. EU member states do not have an integrated toll system either, which is why you should check local regulations and toll collection systems before travelling abroad to use roads in different countries without issues.
Central European System Road Tolls - Vignette System
Popular in Central Europe, the vignette system is based on purchasing a pass that allows you to drive on a country's toll roads for a specified period. The vignette is linked to the vehicle's license plate number, and a system of cameras automatically monitors vehicles using the toll section and checks in the system whether they have a valid vignette.
The advantage of this system is certainly its throughput since there is no need to stop at toll booths. The downside is the higher risk of receiving a fine if you enter a toll road without a valid vignette, whether knowingly or not.
Countries with a vignette system (e-vignette):
| Country | System Details |
|---|---|
Austria
|
e-vignette + additional fees for tunnels/bridges | buy AT vignette |
Bulgaria
|
e-vignette | buy BG vignette |
Czech Republic
|
e-vignette | buy CZ vignette |
Moldova
|
e-vignette (for foreign vehicles) |
Romania
|
e-vignette | buy RO vignette |
Slovakia
|
e-vignette | buy SK vignette |
Slovenia
|
e-vignette | buy SI vignette |
Switzerland
|
e-vignette | buy CH vignette |
Hungary
|
e-vignette | buy HU vignette |
Traditional Payment Method Road Tolls - Traditional Toll Booth System
Widely used worldwide, the toll booth system involves collecting a ticket or payment at the entrance booth and settling the fee at the exit booth of the toll section. The advantage of this system is that you pay for the actual distance driven. Additionally, thanks to barrier gates, it is impossible to enter a toll road without paying. However, during heavy traffic, queues can form at the booths, significantly increasing travel time by car.
Countries with a classic toll booth system on motorways:
| Country | System Details |
|---|---|
Albania
|
Toll booths |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
Toll booths |
Croatia
|
Toll booths | Buy toll box for HR |
France
|
Toll booths | Buy toll box for FR |
Greece
|
Toll booths |
Spain
|
Toll booths (partially abolished) | Buy toll box for ES |
Ireland
|
Toll booths (e.g. M50 - electronic) |
Italy
|
Toll booths | Buy toll box for IT |
North Macedonia
|
Toll booths |
Poland
|
Toll booths + optional e-TOLL on GDDKiA sections | Install Autopay Mobile App |
Portugal
|
Toll booths + electronic systems | Buy toll box for PT |
Russia
|
Toll booths on selected sections |
Serbia
|
Toll booths |
Turkey
|
Toll booths (HGS/OGS) |
Free Road Networks Countries Without Tolls or Only Sectional Fees
There are also many countries in Europe without a central toll collection system, only sectional fees in certain places such as tunnels, bridges, or parts of motorways. Germany is best known for its free roads, where vehicles under 3.5 tonnes can use the extensive motorway network free of charge.
Countries without a vignette system or classic toll booths:
| Country | System Details |
|---|---|
Andorra
|
No tolls / local tunnel fees |
Belgium
|
No tolls (for <3.5 t) |
Belarus
|
BelToll for >3.5 t; passenger cars free |
Montenegro
|
No tolls / local toll booths |
Denmark
|
No tolls but bridges are tolled |
Estonia
|
No tolls for <3.5 t |
Finland
|
No tolls |
Netherlands
|
No tolls (for <3.5 t); some tunnels tolled |
Iceland
|
No tolls except for a tunnel |
Kosovo
|
No tolls |
Liechtenstein
|
No tolls |
Lithuania
|
No tolls for <3.5 t |
Luxembourg
|
No tolls |
Latvia
|
No tolls for <3.5 t |
Malta
|
No tolls (except Valletta zone) |
Monaco
|
No tolls |
Norway
|
Toll sections / bridges / cities (automatic) |
San Marino
|
No tolls |
Sweden
|
No tolls; some bridges and cities tolled |
Ukraine
|
No tolls |
Vatican City
|
No tolls |
United Kingdom
|
Some bridges/tunnels tolled; London - congestion charge, M6 motorway |
Plan Your European Road Trip
Before travelling across Europe, make sure to check the toll requirements for each country on your route. Purchase the necessary vignettes in advance to avoid fines and ensure a smooth journey.