Special Tolls & Passes in Switzerland

While the annual motorway vignette covers most of the Swiss national road network, certain tunnels, passes, and car train services require an additional fee. This guide helps you identify where these extra charges apply, ensuring a fine-free journey.

Roads and Tunnels with Additional Tolls

Beyond the vignette, some significant transit routes are privately managed or offer special services, necessitating a separate payment. These are crucial for crossing major alpine barriers.

Great St. Bernard Tunnel (Grand-Saint-Bernard Tunnel)

Connecting Switzerland and Italy, this tunnel is a vital route through the Alps. It is open year-round.

  • Cost: Approx. CHF 31.00 one-way for a car. Return tickets are available and cheaper.
  • Payment: Cash (CHF, EUR), credit cards are accepted.
  • Location: Martigny (CH) to Aosta (IT)

Munt la Schera Tunnel (Livigno Tunnel)

This tunnel provides direct access to the duty-free Italian enclave of Livigno from Switzerland. Note that it's often one-way alternating traffic and subject to specific opening hours.

  • Cost: Varies significantly by season and day of the week, approx. CHF 13.00 - 35.00 one-way.
  • Seasonality: Open year-round, but check specific times.
  • Location: Zernez (CH) to Livigno (IT)

Alpine Passes (Seasonal Considerations)

While most major alpine passes in Switzerland (e.g., Gotthard Pass, Susten Pass, Furka Pass) are free to drive on, they are subject to seasonal closures due to snow, typically from late autumn to late spring. Always check their status before planning your route.

  • Important: These passes do not typically charge a toll for passage by private vehicles.
  • Closure Alerts: Check official Swiss road reports or TCS (Touring Club Switzerland) for current pass conditions.

Car Train Services (Autoverlad)

Car trains are a convenient way to bypass difficult or seasonally closed alpine passes by transporting your vehicle through tunnels. These are especially popular for avoiding long detours.

Lötschberg Car Train (Kandersteg - Goppenstein)

A quick and popular way to save time and kilometres when traveling between Bernese Oberland and Valais, bypassing the winding mountain roads.

  • Frequency: Trains run frequently, typically every 15-30 minutes.
  • Cost: Approx. CHF 27.00 - 33.00 one-way (depending on time of day/year).

Furka Car Train (Realp - Oberwald)

Transports vehicles through the Furka Base Tunnel, offering an alternative when the Furka Pass road is closed or to save driving time.

  • Frequency: Regular departures.
  • Cost: Approx. CHF 33.00 one-way.

Vereina Car Train (Sagliains - Klosters Selfranga)

Connects Prättigau (Klosters) with the Lower Engadine (Sagliains), providing a swift, weather-independent connection through the Vereina Tunnel.

  • Frequency: High frequency, especially during peak season.
  • Cost: Approx. CHF 34.00 - 45.00 one-way (varies by season/day).

Visualize Your Route

While we cannot provide an interactive map embedded here, this visual represents key areas where special tolls apply. Always consult a real-time navigation system.


Map Placeholder

Open in Google Maps

Consider downloading a reliable offline map application or having a physical map as a backup, especially when venturing into remote alpine areas.

Scenic view of an empty winding mountain road through the Swiss Alps, illustrating a pass or tunnel

Planning Your Trip

Always verify current tunnel and car train operating hours and prices before your journey, as they can change due to maintenance, season, or special events. Official websites of the respective operators are the best source for up-to-date information.

The Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) website is also an excellent resource for real-time traffic and pass conditions.