European Toll Guide for Caravans, Campervans & Motorhomes (2026)
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
When travelling through Europe with a caravan, campervan or motorhome, toll roads are common in many countries. Understanding how toll systems work can help you avoid delays and unexpected charges when touring abroad. If you’re planning a European road trip with a caravan, campervan or motorhome, understanding toll roads is essential. You may also find our European Touring Guide for Caravans, Campervans and Motorhomes helpful when planning your route.
In this European Toll Guide we cover:
How Toll Roads Work in Europe
European Toll Systems Explained
France Toll Roads for Caravans & Motorhomes
Italy Toll Roads and Distance Charges
Austria Vignette and Alpine Tolls
Switzerland Motorway Vignette Rules
Germany Toll Rules for Touring Vehicles
Apps That Help Plan European Toll Routes
Tips to Save Money on European Tolls
Common Toll Mistakes Caravan & Motorhome Drivers Make
Frequently Asked Questions
France Toll Roads
France operates a péage motorway system, where drivers pay tolls based on the distance travelled. For caravans, campervans and motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, vehicles are usually classified as Class 2, which means slightly higher charges than standard cars. Tolls can be paid by card, cash or automated tags such as Liber-T. One notable route for travellers heading into Italy is the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which connects France with the Aosta Valley. This spectacular Alpine crossing is popular with motorhome and caravan travellers heading towards northern Italy. If you’re planning this route, see our Mont Blanc Tunnel travel guide for caravans, campervans and motorhomes for detailed information on toll costs, driving tips and route planning.
Typical costs:
Car + caravan
€20 – €60 for longer journeys.
Motorhomes under 3.5t
Usually Class 2 vehicles.
Payment methods:
• card
• cash
• Liber-T toll tag
Italy Toll Roads
The Brenner motorway between Austria and Italy is one of the most popular Alpine routes for UK travellers. If you’re planning this journey, see our Brenner Pass Travel Guide for Caravans and Motorhomes.
Italy uses distance-based tolls.
Example:
Brenner Pass → Verona
€10 – €15.
Payment:
• card
• cash
• Telepass
Austria
Austria has a vignette system.
Cars under 3.5t require:
10-day vignette
€9.90
Motorhomes over 3.5t:
GO-Box system
Additional toll roads:
• Brenner motorway
• Alpine passes
Where to Buy Austrian Vignettes
Austria requires a motorway vignette for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.
Official Online Store
You can purchase digital vignettes here:
ASFINAG (Official Austrian Motorway Authority)
Available options include:
10-day vignette
2-month vignette
Annual vignette
Prices change slightly each year but are typically around:
10 days – about €10–€12
2 months – about €29–€32
Annual – about €96–€100
⚠️ Important:
Online purchases may have a 18-day activation delay unless you buy it as a business customer.
Buy at Petrol Stations
Vignettes are commonly sold at:
Service stations near the German / Austrian border
Motorway service areas
ADAC offices (Germany)
Common petrol station brands include:
Shell
BP
OMV
Aral
These sell physical stickers for immediate use.
Border Crossing Points
You can also buy them at:
Austrian motorway border stations
Toll stations on Alpine motorways
Special Austrian Tolls
Some Alpine routes charge additional tolls, even if you have a vignette.
Examples include:
Brenner Autobahn (A13)
Tauern Autobahn
Karawanken Tunnel
These are paid separately at toll booths or digitally.
Switzerland
Switzerland requires a motorway vignette.
Cost:
40 CHF per year.
Important:
Caravans require a separate vignette.
Where to Buy Swiss Vignettes
Switzerland uses a single annual vignette.
There are no short-term options.
Cost
Approximately 40 Swiss Francs (CHF).
The vignette is valid for:
The current year
December of the previous year
January of the following year
Official Online Store
Swiss Federal Roads Office
This allows purchase of a digital e-vignette linked to your vehicle registration.
Petrol Stations and Border Crossings
You can also buy them at:
Swiss border control points
Motorway service stations
Petrol stations in Switzerland
Some petrol stations in neighbouring countries
Important Caravan Rule in Switzerland
If you are towing a caravan, you must buy:
one vignette for the car
one vignette for the caravan
Many travellers forget this.
Germany
Germany currently has no motorway tolls for vehicles under 3.5t.
However:
Some tunnels and mountain roads have charges.
Recommended Toll Apps
Apps that help with toll planning:
ViaMichelin
Google Maps
Park4Night
Searchforsites
Quick Comparison Toll Table
Country | System | Typical Cost |
Austria | Short-term vignette | €10–€100 |
Switzerland | Annual vignette | CHF 40 |
Germany | No tolls under 3.5t | Free |
France | Distance tolls | Variable |
Italy | Distance tolls | Variable |
Money Saving Tips
Avoid peak holiday toll queues.
Travel early morning.
Consider toll tags like:
• Liber-T
• Telepass
• EasyGo+
These allow automatic toll payments.
Common Mistakes
• Entering truck lanes with a caravan
• Not knowing vehicle height class
• Forgetting vignettes in Austria or Switzerland
• Using cash lanes without small change
FAQs
Do caravans pay extra tolls in Europe?
Yes. On many toll roads caravans increase the vehicle class which increases the toll cost.
Do motorhomes pay more on French toll roads?
Motorhomes are usually Class 2 vehicles, which costs slightly more than cars.
Do you need a vignette in Switzerland?
Yes. Both the car and caravan require a vignette.
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