What is the Switzerland vignette?
The Swiss vignette (German: Autobahnvignette, French: vignette autoroutière) is a road toll, in force since 1985. Switzerland uses a very simple vignette system — just one option (annual) for all vehicles up to 3.5t.
Since 1 August 2023, Switzerland operates an e-vignette system (alongside the traditional physical sticker). The e-vignette is linked directly to your vehicle number plate — no sticker, no windscreen mess.
The Swiss vignette obligation applies to every vehicle with a GVW up to 3.5 tonnes — including motorcycles and trailers (separate vignette for trailer!). Switzerland is NOT in the EU, but has fully open borders for tourist traffic.
If you're wondering when is best to buy a vignette before your trip, check our guide. The Swiss 2026 annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027 — over 14 months!
📅 14 months validity
The Swiss annual vignette is valid 1 December 2025 → 31 January 2027 — 14 months for 49 CHF (~€51.58). We register your e-vignette on the start date you choose and email it to you that day.
🛻 Trailer = SEPARATE vignette!
Unlike Slovenia (trailer included) or Bulgaria/Slovakia (trailer same price), Switzerland requires a completely separate vignette for trailers — also at 49 CHF (~€51.58). You buy TWO vignettes: one for the car, one for the trailer.
🏍️ Motorcycles ALSO need a vignette
Switzerland requires motorcycles to have a vignette — same price as car: 49 CHF (~€51.58). Don't forget! (Unlike Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria — where motorcycles are exempt.)
Motorways and tunnels requiring a vignette
Switzerland has one of the best motorway networks in Europe — ~1,892 km (~1,175 miles) of motorways and expressways. The vignette covers all tolled motorways and most tunnels. Some Alpine tunnels have SEPARATE tolls (not covered by vignette).
- A1 – Geneva → Lausanne → Bern → Zurich → St. Gallen (410 km / ~255 miles): Main east-west motorway. Connects all major Swiss cities.
- A2 – Basel → Lucerne → Gotthard → Lugano → Italian border (300 km / ~186 miles): Main north-south transit route via the Alps. Through Gotthard Tunnel (covered by vignette).
- A3 – Basel → Zurich → Sargans (203 km / ~126 miles): Eastern route to Austria/Liechtenstein.
- A4 – Schaffhausen → Zurich → Lucerne (124 km / ~77 miles): Connection from Germany to Lucerne.
- A5 – Yverdon → Solothurn → Bern (120 km / ~75 miles): Connection through Jura region.
- A8 – Spiez → Interlaken → Brünig (around 60 km): Alpine route through Bernese Oberland.
- A9 – Lausanne → Sion → Brig (Italian border) (~190 km): Route to Italy via Simplon Pass.
- A12 – Bern → Vevey (around 87 km): Connection from capital to Lake Geneva.
- A13 – San Bernardino → Chur (140 km / ~87 miles): Alternative Alpine crossing to Italy via San Bernardino Tunnel.
Tunnels with SEPARATE tolls
Most Swiss tunnels are covered by the vignette, BUT 2 important Alpine tunnels charge SEPARATE tolls:
Great St. Bernard Tunnel (Switzerland ↔ Italy, A1bis) — 5,798m, around 32-46 CHF for a car each way depending on direction.
Munt la Schera Tunnel (Engadin region, to Italy) — around 30 CHF each way.
All other tunnels (Gotthard, San Bernardino, Mont Blanc connection, Belchen, Seelisberg, etc.) are covered by the vignette.
Check current prices at via.admin.ch.
Swiss vignette price
Switzerland uses a very simple vignette system: one option, one price. The 2026 vignette is valid for over 14 months (1 December 2025 → 31 January 2027). The price includes the road toll – BAZG (40 CHF) and order handling. GBP and EUR conversions are approximate based on live exchange rates.
| Vignette type | Validity | Price (CHF) | Price (EUR ~) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual 2026 DEAL | 1 December 2025 → 31 January 2027 (14 months!) | 49 CHF | ~€51.58 |
* The price includes the road toll – BAZG (40 CHF) and order handling. Exchange rate is indicative. With a trailer? A SEPARATE vignette is required for the trailer — same price as the vehicle (49 CHF (~€51.58)). Total cost for car + trailer: 2× 49 CHF (~€51.58). Motorcycle: also 49 CHF (~€51.58). The current road toll rate is published by the operator at via.admin.ch.
Planning multi-country routes through the Alps? Read our guide to multi-country vignette bundles — Switzerland combined with Austria + Slovenia is the classic Alpine route.
Most popular Swiss cities for UK travellers
See which Swiss cities UK travellers visit most.
Zurich
Switzerland's largest city, ~430k inhabitants. Banking, business, culture. Lake Zurich, Old Town, Bahnhofstrasse. International airport — gateway to Switzerland.
Motorways: A1, A3, A4
Geneva
French-speaking western Switzerland (~200k). United Nations, Red Cross, Jet d'Eau fountain. Lake Geneva. International airport.
Motorways: A1
Basel
Northern border city with Germany/France (~175k). Art Basel, pharma industry, Rhine River. EuroAirport (3 countries).
Motorways: A2, A3, A4
Bern
Swiss capital (~135k). UNESCO Old Town, medieval Zytglogge clock tower, bears in the bear park. Surprisingly quiet capital.
Motorways: A1, A6, A12
Lucerne
Picture-perfect lakeside town (~80k). Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Lake Lucerne. Starting point for Alpine excursions.
Motorways: A2, A14
Interlaken
Gateway to the Bernese Alps. Between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Adventure sports — skydiving, paragliding, skiing.
Motorways: A8
Zermatt
World-famous Alpine resort at the foot of the Matterhorn. CAR-FREE — park in Täsch, take train. Top skiing, hiking.
Motorways: A9 (to Visp, then train)
Lausanne
Olympic city (~140k). IOC headquarters. Beautiful lakeside location. Vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO) nearby.
Motorways: A1, A9
Routes from the UK to Switzerland
Switzerland is a popular UK destination for the Alps (skiing in winter, hiking in summer), lakes (Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne) and as transit to Italy. Most routes go via the Channel Tunnel through France or Belgium.
| Route | Distance | Time | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| London → Geneva | ~900 km (~559 miles) | ~10 hrs | Channel Tunnel → FR (A26, A6) → CH (A1) |
| London → Zurich | ~1,050 km (~652 miles) | ~12 hrs | Channel Tunnel → BE → DE → CH (via Basel A3) |
| Manchester → Zurich | ~1,250 km (~777 miles) | ~14 hrs | Dover → FR → BE → DE → CH |
| Birmingham → Geneva | ~1,000 km (~621 miles) | ~11 hrs | Channel Tunnel → FR → CH |
| London → Bern | ~1,000 km (~621 miles) | ~11 hrs | Channel Tunnel → FR → CH (A1) |
| London → Lucerne | ~1,100 km (~684 miles) | ~13 hrs | Channel Tunnel → BE → DE → CH (A2) |
| London → Zermatt | ~1,150 km (~715 miles) | ~13 hrs | Via Geneva → A9 → Visp → train to Zermatt (car-free) |
| London → Lugano | ~1,200 km (~746 miles) | ~14 hrs | Via Basel → A2 → Gotthard Tunnel → Ticino |
Tips for UK drivers heading to Switzerland
- Switzerland is NOT in the EU — but in the Schengen Area (open borders). UK drivers face no border control for short tourist visits.
- Most popular UK route: Channel Tunnel → France → Switzerland (Geneva via A1 from Lyon). Faster than via Germany.
- Alternative: UK → BE → Luxembourg → DE → CH (Basel). Good if visiting Zurich.
- UK plates are routinely recognised by the Swiss e-vignette system since August 2023.
- Trailer: separate vignette required — buy BOTH (one for the car, one for the trailer).
- Transit through Switzerland to Italy: via Gotthard Tunnel on A2 (covered by vignette). Heavy traffic on summer weekends!
- Driving on the right — opposite of the UK.
- Swiss motorway speed limit: 120 km/h (75 mph) — LOWER than UK motorways (70 mph) but enforcement strict.
- Currency: CHF (Swiss franc), not EUR! ATMs widely available. Card payment everywhere.
More in our article on multi-country vignette bundles and savings.
Switzerland Vignette vs Austria – 2026
UK drivers often choose between transit through Switzerland or Austria — particularly when heading to Italy, Slovenia or Croatia. Note: Austria is NOT in our offer (buy at asfinag.at) — but the comparison helps you plan your route.
| Feature | Switzerland | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual price | 49 CHF (~€51.58) | €106.80 (Austria) |
| 1-day vignette | No (annual only) | €9.60 (digital only) |
| 10-day vignette | No (annual only) | €12.80 |
| Validity period | 14 months (Dec→Jan!) | Annual: 14 months (Dec→Jan); 2-month €32 |
| Fine for no vignette | 240 CHF (~€252.63) | ~€120 |
| Motorcycle | Required (49 CHF (~€51.58)) | Required |
| Trailer | Separate vignette | No vignette needed |
| Electric vehicles | NO exemption | NO exemption |
| Currency | CHF | EUR |
| In the EU? | No (Schengen only) | Yes |
Which country to choose for transit to Italy?
- Shortest UK → Italy: via Switzerland (Gotthard Tunnel) — direct A2 motorway.
- From eastern UK → Italy: via Austria (Brenner Pass) — sometimes faster from Manchester.
- Short transit (1-3 days): Austria has 1-day (€9.60) and 10-day (€12.80) vignettes; Switzerland only the annual (49 CHF (~€51.58)).
- Multiple Alps trips per year: Switzerland annual pays off — 14 months validity!
- Going to Liechtenstein: use Swiss vignette (Liechtenstein has no own vignette).
- Fine: CH 240 CHF vs AT ~€120 — Switzerland higher (proportionally to vignette price!).
See also: full pricing of all vignettes. NOTE: Austria is not covered by europe-vignettes.com — the Austrian vignette is sold by ASFINAG at asfinag.at.
What to see in Switzerland – top attractions
Switzerland is one of Europe's premium destinations — Alps, lakes, chocolate, watches, fondue. Expensive, but spectacular. All require motorway access, so the vignette is a must.
Matterhorn (Zermatt)
Mountain / IconicIconic 4,478m peak. Symbol of Switzerland on every chocolate bar. Zermatt is car-free — park in Täsch, take train.
Jungfraujoch — Top of Europe
Mountain / TrainEurope's highest railway station (3,454m). Spectacular views, ice palace, observation deck. From Interlaken.
Lake Lucerne
Lake / Boat tripsStunning Alpine lake near Lucerne. Boat trips, Mt. Pilatus and Rigi mountain railways from the lakeside.
Geneva — Lake & Old Town
City / LakeFamous Jet d'Eau fountain (140m), UN, Red Cross museum. Lake Geneva, French-speaking culture.
Bern Old Town (UNESCO)
UNESCO / CapitalCapital with medieval UNESCO old town. Zytglogge clock tower, Rosengarten roses. Surprisingly underrated.
Gotthard Tunnel & St. Gotthard
Engineering / PassFamous Alpine crossing. A2 motorway tunnel (16.9km — world's 2nd longest road tunnel). Or historic Gotthard Pass road in summer.
Lake Geneva (Léman)
Lake / WineLargest Alpine lake. Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO terraces). Castle Chillon. Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Nature / WaterfallsSpectacular U-shaped valley with 72 waterfalls. Tolkien's inspiration for Rivendell. Hiking paradise.
Lugano (Italian Switzerland)
Lake / Italian cultureItalian-speaking canton Ticino. Mediterranean atmosphere, lakeside palaces, palm trees. Like Italy with Swiss precision.
Rhine Falls (Schaffhausen)
Waterfall / FamilyEurope's largest waterfall by volume. 23m high, 150m wide. Boat trips to the central rock. Near Zurich.
UK visitors to Switzerland — interesting facts
- Switzerland is NOT in the EU — but in the Schengen Area and EFTA. UK drivers face no border check for tourism.
- Swiss franc (CHF) is the currency — most places accept EUR but at a poor exchange rate. Card payments universal.
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas (especially in Zurich, Geneva, Interlaken, Zermatt). Multilingual nation.
- Switzerland is expensive — restaurants 2-3× UK prices. Self-catering and supermarket meals save money.
- Fuel is more expensive than UK — fill up in France/Germany before crossing into Switzerland.
- 14-month vignette validity (1 December → 31 January, 14 months) — good value if you visit Switzerland several times a year.
- Gotthard Tunnel can have heavy summer traffic — check live traffic before driving.
- Speed limit 120 km/h on motorways — strict enforcement, expensive fines.
- Switzerland has the highest standard of living — extremely safe, clean, punctual.
Vehicle categories in Switzerland
Switzerland uses a single category for vehicles up to 3.5t — same price for everyone (motorcycles, cars, vans). However trailers require a SEPARATE vignette.
Vehicles subject to the obligation:
- Passenger cars up to 3.5t GVW — 49 CHF (~€51.58)
- SUVs, vans, motorhomes up to 3.5t — 49 CHF (~€51.58)
- Motorcycles — 49 CHF (~€51.58) (motorcycles ALSO need a vignette in Switzerland!)
- Trailers and caravans — SEPARATE vignette required at 49 CHF (~€51.58) (total: 2× 49 CHF (~€51.58) for car + trailer)
- Vehicles registered abroad (including UK)
Vehicles exempt:
- Vehicles over 3.5t GVW (Swiss LSVA per-km heavy vehicle toll system)
- Emergency services, police and military vehicles
- Diplomatic vehicles
- Electric vehicles — NO exemption (unlike the Czech Republic)
How to buy a Swiss vignette online
On europe-vignettes.com you buy the e-vignette in 3 simple steps:
- Choose vehicle type — passenger car, motorcycle, or trailer (separate vignette).
- Enter your number plate — exactly as it appears on the vehicle.
- Pay securely online — card, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Instant order confirmation; we register the e-vignette in the official BAZG system on your chosen start date and email it to you that day.
Penalties for no vignette in Switzerland
Driving without a vignette in Switzerland costs a fine of 200 CHF, and you must also buy the vignette on the spot (40 CHF) — 240 CHF in total. Swiss enforcement is strict and efficient.
| Type | Amount (Native) | ~ EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fine (car/motorcycle) | 200 CHF | ~€210 |
| Fine + vignette purchase obligation | 240 CHF | ~€253 |
| No trailer vignette | 200 CHF | ~€210 |
| Tampering with sticker (physical version) | up to 600 CHF | ~€630 |
- Automated enforcement: ANPR cameras at border crossings + on motorways — 24/7
- Physical checks: Swiss Customs (Zoll) and police at border crossings — frequent on weekends
- Border check: Vignette inspected on entry from Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein
- No "first offence" leniency: Swiss enforcement strict and uniform — no discounts for first-time violators
- Payment: On the spot at the border (cash CHF or card), or later by postal notice
- Trailer fine: Even if your CAR has a vignette, NO TRAILER vignette = full fine
💡 Important:
If towing a trailer, you need TWO vignettes — one for the car, one for the trailer (each at 49 CHF (~€51.58)). Forgetting the trailer vignette = 240 CHF (~€252.63) fine. Always check before crossing the border!
More in our article on vignette fines across Europe 2026.
Road safety and driving rules in Switzerland
Swiss roads are among the best in the world — well-maintained, well-marked, safe. Drivers must follow strict rules. Below are key tips for UK drivers.
Road conditions
- Motorways A1-A13: excellent condition, similar to UK motorways
- National roads: excellent, well-maintained
- Alpine mountain roads: well-engineered with safety barriers, winding with hairpin turns
- Many Alpine passes close in winter — check before travelling October-May
Traffic rules in Switzerland
- Speed limits: Motorways 120 km/h (75 mph), expressways 100 km/h (62 mph), open road 80 km/h (50 mph), urban 50 km/h (31 mph) — STRICT enforcement!
- Headlights: Mandatory 24/7, all year round.
- Alcohol: 0.5‰ limit (0.1‰ for drivers <3 years experience and professional drivers).
- Mandatory equipment: Warning triangle, reflective vest. First-aid kit recommended (not mandatory but advised).
- Winter tyres: Not mandatory by law, but you may be liable for blocking traffic without them. Snow chains required for some Alpine passes.
- Children: Children under 12 years / 150 cm (~4'11") must use a child seat.
- Phone: Hands-free only. Fine: 100-250 CHF.
- Driving on the right: Switzerland drives on the right (unlike UK) — take extra care at junctions and roundabouts.
- Strict speed enforcement: Speed cameras everywhere. Fines higher than UK — €30 = ~30 km/h over limit can be 250+ CHF.
- Tunnels: Lights ON in all tunnels (even short ones). Keep safety distance.
Practical tips
- UK driving licence: fully accepted in Switzerland. International Driving Permit not required for short tourist visits.
- V5C document: bring it (proof of ownership).
- Insurance: ensure your policy covers Switzerland (NOT just EU/EEA — Swiss is separate). Green Card recommended.
- Currency: CHF (Swiss franc) — but most places accept EUR at a poor rate. ATMs widely available.
- Card payment: universal everywhere. Even small shops/restaurants take cards.
- Fuel: more expensive than UK. Fill up in France/Germany before entering Switzerland.
- Language: 4 official — German, French, Italian, Romansh. English widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Emergency: 112 (same as UK)
- Road assistance TCS: 0800 140 140
Official sources
- 🔗 Official Swiss e-vignette: via.admin.ch
- 🔗 Federal Roads Office (ASTRA): astra.admin.ch
- 📞 Road assistance TCS: 0800 140 140
- 📞 Emergency: 112
FAQ – most common questions about the Switzerland vignette
Is a Swiss vignette mandatory for UK drivers?
Yes. The obligation applies to all vehicles up to 3.5t GVW, regardless of country of registration. Since August 2023, Switzerland operates an e-vignette system — vehicle linked to number plate, no sticker needed. UK plates are recognised by the system of the Swiss customs authority BAZG.
How much does the 2026 Swiss vignette cost?
2026 Swiss vignette price: 49 CHF (~€51.58) — the road toll – BAZG (40 CHF) plus order handling. ONE price for everyone — cars, motorcycles, vans. Trailers require a SEPARATE vignette at 49 CHF (~€51.58) (you buy two vignettes for car + trailer). Validity: 14 months (1 December 2025 → 31 January 2027).
Why is there no 1-day or 10-day Swiss vignette?
Switzerland has just one option — the annual vignette. Even short transit (1 day to Italy) requires it. This is a downside for one-time transit, but good value if you visit Switzerland several times a year. Austria offers 1-day (€9.60) and 10-day (€12.80) vignettes, but Switzerland does not.
Does a motorcycle need a vignette in Switzerland?
YES — unlike Czech Republic, Slovakia or Bulgaria where motorcycles are exempt, in Switzerland motorcycles MUST have a vignette. Same price as cars: 49 CHF (~€51.58). Don't forget!
Do I need a separate vignette for a trailer?
YES. Unlike most countries, Switzerland requires a COMPLETELY SEPARATE vignette for trailers — same price as the vehicle (49 CHF (~€51.58)). You buy TWO vignettes: one for the car, one for the trailer. Even small trailers require a vignette. Forgetting the trailer vignette = 240 CHF (~€252.63) fine.
When does the 2026 Swiss vignette become valid?
The 2026 Swiss vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027 — over 14 months. When you order from us, we register your e-vignette on the start date you choose and email it to you that day, not before.
Is the Swiss e-vignette mandatory or can I still use a sticker?
BOTH options exist. Since August 2023, you can choose: e-vignette (linked to plate, online purchase, no sticker) OR physical sticker (traditional). The e-vignette is more convenient — no windscreen mess, easy renewal. Through europe-vignettes.com you get the e-vignette (no sticker).
What fine for no vignette in Switzerland?
Swiss fines: 200 CHF, plus the vignette you must buy on the spot (40 CHF) — 240 CHF in total. Tampering with the sticker = up to 600 CHF. Swiss enforcement is strict — no first-offence leniency. UK plates routinely recognised.
Does the Swiss vignette cover the Gotthard Tunnel?
YES. The Gotthard Tunnel (16.9km, A2 motorway) is fully covered by the vignette — no additional fee. Same for San Bernardino Tunnel, Belchen, Seelisberg. EXCEPTION: Great St. Bernard Tunnel (to Italy) — separate fee ~32-46 CHF. Munt la Schera Tunnel — separate fee ~30 CHF.
Do I need a vignette in Liechtenstein?
Liechtenstein has NO own vignette system. The Liechtenstein customs union with Switzerland means the Swiss vignette is valid on the few Liechtenstein motorway sections. UK drivers visiting Vaduz from Switzerland need ONLY the Swiss vignette.
Are electric vehicles exempt from the Swiss vignette?
NO — unlike the Czech Republic, electric vehicles are NOT exempt in Switzerland. EVs pay the same vignette as combustion vehicles. The Swiss philosophy: vignette is for road usage, not pollution.
How can I check the validity of a Swiss e-vignette?
Visit the official via.admin.ch website, enter your vehicle number plate. The system will show active vignettes with validity dates. Checking is free and requires no login.
Can I get a refund on an unused vignette?
Once registered, a Swiss vignette cannot be refunded — even if you didn't use Swiss motorways. We register it on the start date you choose, so until then you can cancel your order with a full refund (our Terms, section 7).
How does the Swiss BAZG enforce e-vignettes?
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG, formerly the Federal Customs Administration) uses ANPR cameras at border crossings and on motorways. The system automatically scans plates and verifies vignettes in the database. Physical checks by customs and police are common, especially at weekends. UK plates are processed via international agreements.
Transit through Switzerland to Italy — which route?
Most popular: A2 motorway via Gotthard Tunnel (covered by vignette). Alternative: A13 via San Bernardino Tunnel (also covered). For Aosta Valley: A1 → A9 → Great St. Bernard Tunnel (SEPARATE fee). Heavy summer traffic on Gotthard — check before travelling.
Is the Swiss vignette good value?
For multiple visits per year: yes. 49 CHF (~€51.58) for 14 months works out at about 3.50 CHF a month — less than the annual vignettes of Hungary (73,500 HUF (~€188.46)) or Slovenia (€128). For one-time transit it is less good value (no shorter option); Austria's 10-day vignette (€12.80) costs less for a short visit.
Can I buy a Swiss vignette at the border?
Yes — at border crossings (customs), nearby petrol stations and post offices in Switzerland, and on the official via.admin.ch portal, at the road toll price of 40 CHF. Our price is 49 CHF (~€51.58) because it includes order handling on top of the 40 CHF road toll. What you get: you order online 24/7 in about 2 minutes, without queues at the border (especially at weekends), and we register the e-vignette to your plate on the start date you choose and email it to you that day.
What is the difference between e-vignette and sticker?
E-vignette: linked to number plate, online purchase, no physical sticker. Sticker: traditional adhesive, stuck to windscreen. At the official outlets both cost the same road toll of 40 CHF and have the same validity (14 months). Through us you get the e-vignette for 49 CHF (~€51.58), which includes order handling. The e-vignette is more convenient — no sticker to apply.
Do I need an additional vignette in Zurich/Geneva?
No. The motorway vignette covers all Swiss motorway sections including city ring roads (Zurich A1, A3, A4; Geneva A1). In city centres there are paid parking zones (Parkscheibe) but no separate vignette. Some inner cities have low-emission zones for diesel vehicles.
Is a UK driving licence accepted in Switzerland?
Yes, a UK driving licence is fully recognised in Switzerland. An International Driving Permit is not required for short tourist visits. Remember your V5C registration document, valid insurance including Switzerland (NOT just EU/EEA — Swiss separate), and a Green Card.
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Buy your Swiss vignette now – stress-free, no queues
Don't risk a fine of 240 CHF (~€252.63). Order your Swiss vignette online in 2 minutes and enjoy 14 months of Alpine driving — Zurich, Geneva, the Alps, transit to Italy.
- Order in 2 minutes
- 14 months validity (1.12.2025 → 31.1.2027)
- Instant order confirmation — vignette by email within 2–3 min
- Secure online payment
- E-vignette registered in the official BAZG system on your start date
- No queues at the border
- E-vignette linked to your number plate — no sticker
- Order handling and customer support 24/7
