Toll Fees and Costs for the Gotthard Tunnel - What Drivers Should Know

The Gotthard Tunnel is one of the most important road connections through the Alps, used by millions of drivers annually traveling from Northern to Southern Europe. There is no separate toll fee required to pass through; however, a Swiss highway vignette or road fee is essential. Here is everything you need to know about current costs, toll fees, and useful tips for traveling through the Gotthard Tunnel.

Are toll fees required for the Gotthard Tunnel?

Unlike many other Alpine tunnels, such as the Mont Blanc or Brenner tunnels, the Gotthard Tunnel does not charge a separate toll fee for passage. Instead, access is included in the annual Swiss highway vignette. This means that only the Swiss highway vignette is required to drive through the Gotthard Tunnel.

The highway vignette covers all Swiss highways, providing an economical way to use not only the Gotthard but the entire Swiss autobahn network.

Swiss Highway Vignette Costs

To travel through the Gotthard Tunnel, all vehicles up to a total weight of 3.5 tons need a Swiss highway vignette. Here are the key details:

  • Price: The vignette costs CHF 40 (approximately €40).
  • Validity period: One year, from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year.

The vignette can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations, and also online. In addition to the traditional sticker, a digital E-Vignette is now available for purchase at www.e-vignette.ch.

Where to Buy the Swiss Vignette

The vignette is available at various sales points:

  • At the border: Available at Swiss border crossings upon entry
  • Gas stations: Most gas stations in Switzerland and in neighboring countries like Germany and Austria sell the vignette
  • Online: In addition to the physical sticker, the convenient E-Vignette can be purchased online at www.e-vignette.ch, an ideal option to avoid waiting at border crossings.

What Happens if You Drive Without a Vignette?

Driving through Switzerland and the Gotthard Tunnel without a valid vignette can lead to hefty fines:

  • Fine: CHF 200 (approximately €200) plus the cost of purchasing the vignette afterward.

To avoid unnecessary costs, it’s best to ensure the vignette is clearly displayed on the inside of your windshield — or, alternatively, have the E-Vignette registered.

For more up-to-date traffic information and helpful tips for driving through the tunnel, visit our main page and check out the latest articles on our blog.