Tolls in Europe

Whether on vacation, a business trip or commuting, anyone traveling by car in Europe must pay tolls for the most part. But the different regulations are complicated and involve a lot of effort. It becomes especially confusing and time consuming if you want to cross several countries.

With us — maut1 GmbH — you get an overview of tolling in the most popular European countries: Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia.

Types of tolls in Europe

The most common form of freeway and toll charges in Europe are both flat rates (for example vignettes) and distance-based charges on selected routes. High tolls are charged in western and southern Europe in particular, but many countries in eastern Europe also charge tolls. On average, French freeways are the most expensive. 

Basically, there are two types of tolls in Europe: the distance-based toll and the time-based vignette. 

• In the case of the distance-based toll, the toll is calculated according to the number of kilometers traveled, although the toll is not always due on the entire freeway and expressway network. The toll is then paid at the respective sections of the route. In some countries, electronic payment systems are also used. 
• The time-linked vignette is used for tolls in Bulgaria, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, which are regulated very differently. The vignette is purchased in advance at border crossings in all sales points with a vignette symbol and, for example, at gas stations and post offices.

Types of tolls in Europe

The most common form of freeway and toll charges in Europe are both flat rates (for example vignettes) and distance-based charges on selected routes. High tolls are charged in western and southern Europe in particular, but many countries in eastern Europe also charge tolls. On average, French freeways are the most expensive. 

Basically, there are two types of tolls in Europe: the distance-based toll and the time-based vignette. 

• In the case of the distance-based toll, the toll is calculated according to the number of kilometers traveled, although the toll is not always due on the entire freeway and expressway network. The toll is then paid at the respective sections of the route. In some countries, electronic payment systems are also used. 
• The time-linked vignette is used for tolls in Bulgaria, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, which are regulated very differently. The vignette is purchased in advance at border crossings in all sales points with a vignette symbol and, for example, at gas stations and post offices.

Types of tolls in Europe

The most common form of freeway and toll charges in Europe are both flat rates (for example vignettes) and distance-based charges on selected routes. High tolls are charged in western and southern Europe in particular, but many countries in eastern Europe also charge tolls. On average, French freeways are the most expensive. 

Basically, there are two types of tolls in Europe: the distance-based toll and the time-based vignette. 

• In the case of the distance-based toll, the toll is calculated according to the number of kilometers traveled, although the toll is not always due on the entire freeway and expressway network. The toll is then paid at the respective sections of the route. In some countries, electronic payment systems are also used. 
• The time-linked vignette is used for tolls in Bulgaria, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, which are regulated very differently. The vignette is purchased in advance at border crossings in all sales points with a vignette symbol and, for example, at gas stations and post offices.