Traveling by car across Europe can be an exciting adventure, but it requires proper preparation, especially when it comes to tolls and vignettes. If you're renting a car from Avaco Rent a Car, it’s essential to understand the toll systems in the countries you’ll be passing through. Some countries use vignettes—prepaid permits for highway access—while others charge tolls based on the distance traveled.
This guide will help you navigate different toll systems and avoid fines for driving without a valid vignette or unpaid tolls.
What is a Vignette?
A vignette is a sticker or electronic permit that allows you to use highways in certain countries for a specific period. Many European countries, such as Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania, use vignettes. Prices and durations vary by country, and you can purchase them at borders, gas stations, or online.
Where Are Vignettes Required?
Vignettes for Hungary
In Hungary, vignettes are required for highway use and can be purchased at gas stations, online, or at border crossings. A 10-day vignette for passenger vehicles costs around €8, while a monthly vignette is approximately €13. There’s also an annual vignette for frequent travelers. It’s recommended to buy the vignette before your journey to avoid crowds and potential fines.
Vignettes for Slovenia
Slovenia requires vignettes for all vehicles using its highways. A 7-day vignette costs around €16 for passenger vehicles, while an annual vignette is nearly €118. Vignettes can be purchased at borders, gas stations, or online. If you buy a physical sticker, make sure to place it on the windshield before entering the highway, as inspections are strict, and fines are high.
Vignettes for Austria
Austria follows a similar system, where a 10-day vignette costs around €12. Monthly and annual vignettes are also available depending on travelers' needs. Electronic vignettes are available online, offering a convenient option for those who prefer to plan ahead.
In addition to highways, Austria has extra tolls for specific tunnels and bridges, such as the Arlberg and Tauern tunnels.
Vignettes for Bulgaria
Bulgaria also requires vignettes for highway travel. A 7-day vignette costs about €7, while an annual vignette is around €45. Electronic vignettes can be purchased online, which is ideal for travelers arriving from abroad. You can also buy them at MOL gas stations and border crossings.
Vignettes for Romania
In Romania, vignettes are mandatory for all highways. A 10-day vignette costs around €4, and an annual vignette for passenger vehicles costs approximately €28. Romania uses an electronic vignette system, so there’s no need for a physical sticker—just vehicle registration in the system. You can purchase these vignettes online or at border crossings.
Which Countries Use Pay-Per-Kilometer Tolls?
Unlike the vignette system, countries like Serbia and Croatia use a pay-per-kilometer toll system. In Serbia, tolls are paid at toll gates based on the distance traveled, with payments accepted in cash, by card, or through electronic toll devices (ENP). Croatia follows a similar system with toll payments at toll booths.
This system is also common in countries such as Italy, France, and Spain, where you pay based on the distance traveled.
Fines for Not Having a Vignette
It's crucial to purchase a vignette before entering a highway in a country where vignettes are mandatory. Fines for not having a vignette can be steep—for example, in Slovenia, fines range from €300 to €800, and in Austria, fines for missing vignettes are around €120. Inspections are frequent, especially on major transit routes, so it’s important to stay prepared.
Where Can You Buy Vignettes?
Vignettes for Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania can be purchased at gas stations, border crossings, or online. If you rent a car from Avaco Rent a Car, we recommend choosing electronic vignettes to save time and avoid crowds at gas stations or borders. Electronic vignettes also allow for smoother travel without the need to apply physical stickers.
Conclusion
Traveling through Europe by car can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to be well-informed about the rules regarding vignettes and tolls in different countries. Preparing ahead by purchasing vignettes on time will save you money and ensure a stress-free journey.
With Avaco Rent a Car, you can rent modern and efficient vehicles, while we provide all the essential information you need for your trip.
Plan wisely, travel safely, and enjoy your European adventures!
