The individual traveller and the logistics company need to understand more than ever in 2025 how the tangled web of toll systems is spread through different European countries. The recent changes in EU directives regarding road tolls and the differences in implementations in the various countries have made it essential for the traveller to stay updated on road toll costs and systems for efficient planning and cost management.
Introduction: Navigating the European Motorway Toll Landscape in 2025
The European motorway network is a powerful symbol of modern infrastructure. It ties nations together to make travel easier. However, the motorway toll environment changed fundamentally in 2025 with the adoption of the EU Eurovignette directive amendment and other national policies. Key regions such as DACH, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Spain, Portugal, and France are at the forefront of these developments. Many of these changes focus on payment systems and pricing structures, with an emphasis on environmental factors and CO2 emissions.
European toll systems have evolved due to a larger trend that has impacted the evolution of sustainable transportation and digital integration. Pricing is increasingly integrated with environmental factors, and countries are implementing more complex electronic payment systems and are attempting to achieve more uniform cross-border solutions. This transformation means challenges and opportunities for both travellers and businesses.
Click here for more detailed information about CO2-related changes and to learn more about the latest toll rate changes across European countries due to the implementation of CO2 classes.
The DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, includes some of Europe's most travelled motorways. Each country has its own unique toll collection and management approach reflecting its infrastructure priorities and environmental goals.
Germany's distinctive approach to motorway tolls maintains its reputation for efficient infrastructure management. Its tradition of free movement continues in the sense that the famous German autobahns are still toll-free for passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles are still subject to the LKW-Maut system, and updates are being made in 2025.
The pricing within the German toll system incorporates environmental responsibility. LKW Maut rates are carefully calibrated according to emission class, number of axles and weight category. This sophistication ensures that less polluting vehicles pay more attention to infrastructure and encourage technological advancements.
In 2025, the CO2 tax on fuel is set to rise from €45 to €55 per tonne, an increase of €10 on the previous year. That adjustment affects operational costs by some €0.16 per litre of petrol or diesel. There will also be a major policy shift at the end of 2025 when the toll exemption for e-trucks ends on December 31st. While toll rates for e-trucks will remain significantly lower than for diesel vehicles in the CO2-based pricing system starting from 2026, this will be a fundamental shift away from the previous charging method for commercial vehicles in Germany.
Learn more about truck tolls in Germany
In 2025, Austria will maintain its dual system of vignettes for passenger vehicles and the GO Box for trucks but with changes in pricing structures. The country has increased tolls significantly by 12.6%, which aligns with the larger economic trends and the need to maintain infrastructure.
The digital vignette system has been enhanced with more user-friendly solutions, and the GO Box system for trucks has real-time tracking capabilities. It now integrates with fleet management systems. These updates aim to simplify toll payments and enhance operational efficiency for logistics companies.
Switzerland’s toll system remains one of the in Europe. Swiss road tolls offer seamless cross-border compatibility and efficient electronic payment options. Passenger vehicles continue to use the annual vignette system, while trucks rely on the electronic LSVA toll system. Both have seen a 5% increase in toll rates as of January 2025.
Switzerland’s commitment to well-maintained infrastructure and sustainable transport is evident in its weight-based tolling for heavy vehicles and advanced cross-border traffic management solutions. The system’s integration with European payment networks further simplifies toll payments for international logistics.
Eurowag supports seamless toll payments across DACH countries, offering businesses an efficient way to manage multiple toll systems under one platform.
The Central and Eastern European (CEE) region presents a diverse landscape of toll systems, each adapted to national needs while aligning with EU directives. Each country is making strides to modernise its toll infrastructure in 2025.
Poland's toll system will become electronic in 2025. On December 4th, 2024, the infrastructure minister announced in an official notice that major changes were implemented effective January 1st, 2025. The changes apply to heavy goods vehicles and buses with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes.
The Polish e-TOLL system offers an important leap forward in technology. It brings efficiency and reduces waiting time at toll points. Additional improvements in the system include integration with mobile devices and fleet management systems, which make it easier for individual travellers and commercial operators to manage their toll payments.
For 2025, Poland has implemented new electronic toll rates per kilometre for various road categories. The rates apply to different vehicle classes and road types, as shown in the comprehensive table below:
The delayed payment account guarantee system is a big change for 2025. If toll charges come to 99% of the guaranteed amount, the account automatically converts to a prepaid account with a zero balance. To avoid service disruption, users are advised to verify and adjust their guarantee amounts using the official 2025 guarantee calculator before paying the tolls.
In 2025, both countries will have made major amendments to their vignette-based systems. Approximately a 5% increase in tolls for trucks over 3.5 tonnes has been seen in the Czech Republic and a 3% increase, as a result of VAT changes, in Slovakia.
The Czech system has been modernised with enhanced digital integration, which means an easy payment process and better user experience. Slovakia has upgraded their system to better support fleet operational needs with improved cross-border compatibility and better tracking features.
Discover more about Czech's toll system developments
Discover more about Slovakia's toll system developments
In Hungary's HU-GO electronic tolling system, charges for infrastructure on 1 January 2025 have increased by 3.4%, while charges for external costs remained unchanged. Meanwhile, the integration of technology and user-friendliness of the system are being improved.
Route planning is supported by improved capabilities for the Hungarian toll system and better integration with fleet management systems. The new system better supports international users and facilitates payments.
Comprehensive guide to Hungarian bus tolls
Romania’s Rovinieta vignette system still provides one of the lowest-cost toll systems in Europe, although in keeping with EU directives, it’s been updated. The modernised system offers better digital access and a more user-friendly experience.
Guide to Romanian toll systems
Eurowag simplifies toll payments in the CEE region, ensuring seamless integration for businesses operating across multiple countries. From Poland to Romania, Eurowag ensures efficient and reliable toll management for companies operating in this dynamic region.
In 2025, France's extensive toll network is being updated as of February 1, with an increase of 0.9% on average. However, the French system to this day remains one of Europe's most comprehensive, with a number of tools and payment options to accommodate both domestic and international travellers.
One standout feature of the French toll network is its compatibility with international payment systems, making it easier for logistics companies and tourists alike to navigate the extensive road network. The enhanced electronic payment systems significantly reduce processing times, providing seamless transactions for drivers. Paying motorway tolls in France is now more convenient, with multiple payment options and international system compatibility.
For journey planning, the updated French motorway tolls calculator, including the Michelin toll calculator, is a game-changer. This tool allows users to estimate toll costs accurately based on their route, vehicle type, and journey preferences. Coupled with real-time traffic updates, it ensures drivers can plan efficient routes while avoiding congestion.
Whether you’re a frequent traveller or managing a logistics fleet, France’s toll system prioritises efficiency and convenience. The combination of advanced payment methods and smart planning tools ensures a smooth experience for all road users.
Spain will start a three-stage motorway toll rates indexation process starting in January 2025, during which rates will go up by 4.64%. The integration system differs for concession motorways from the State Society for Land Transport Infrastructure (Seitt). The toll system varies significantly depending on whether the roads are managed by concession companies or the State Society for Land Transport Infrastructure (Seitt), with different pricing structures and payment methods.
Spain’s toll system continues to modernise with enhanced electronic payment options and improved integration with European toll networks. Frequent users can benefit from special rates, and new mobile app functionalities make payment and journey planning more convenient.
Comprehensive guide to Spanish toll systems
The Portuguese motorway toll system has undergone significant updates in 2025 aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing infrastructure costs. Tolls have been removed from some major motorways, particularly in less congested areas, while new tolls have been introduced in high-traffic regions like Porto. These changes balance the need for efficient infrastructure management with user convenience.
Portugal has also prioritised making toll payments more accessible for foreign visitors. Enhanced electronic payment systems and improved integration with international toll networks simplify the process for tourists and logistics companies alike.
As we have seen, the European motorway toll landscape in 2025 is complex but manageable and comprised of a variety of systems and rates. Understanding these diverse toll systems is paramount to the management and optimisation of an efficient fleet, from the efficient LKW-Maut system in Germany to the advanced electronic networks in France and the developing infrastructure in Eastern Europe.
Toll systems across Europe continue to be shaped by the trend for digital integration and environmental consciousness. Nowadays, travelling across European motorways has become smoother than ever, thanks to better payment methods, enjoyable cross-border functionalities, and a more pleasant user experience. Using a route planner with toll costs integrated can further optimise journeys and save time.
Eurowag is a solutions provider to European businesses looking to streamline their operational processes in Europe and to allow the optimised running of all toll payments. They offer an integrated tolling system solution that enables businesses to comply with local regulations. Their tools provide real-time tracking, flexible payment options, and comprehensive support, ensuring businesses stay ahead in an increasingly digital and eco-conscious world.
A future of European motorway tolls with even more integration and digitalisation lies ahead while continuing to champion environmental sustainability and user convenience. While systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, keeping abreast of these changes is still essential for individual travellers and commercial operators alike.
