Swiss Toll System Overview
The usage of vignettes is obligatory on expressways and motorways in Switzerland. Most vehicles weighing under 3.5 t must have a valid toll.
Swiss authorities implemented a digital vignette on August 1, 2023. Therefore, now, traveler can choose between a usual sticker and an electronic option.
Switzerland offers only type of vignette for all categories of vehicles under 3.5 t – an annual one. It stays valid for 14 months.
The validity period starts on December 1st of the previous year and lasts until January 31st of the following year.
Driving tollways without a valid Swiss vignette leads to fines of CHF 200 plus the costs of the vignette.
You will also be penalized in case of improper usage: affixing the permit in a wrong way, damaging it, or transferring it to another vehicle. Forging a vignette may result in serious legal consequences.
Pay the Seelisberg Tunnel Toll
The Seelisberg Tunnel does not have a separate toll or fee. Since it belongs to the A2 motorway, which connects the German-Swiss border to the Italian-Swiss border, it is included in the general Swiss vignette system.
The vignette in Switzerland can be purchased as a traditional sticker at gas stations or as a digital vignette in a convenient way online.
To buy a Swiss e-vignette for the Seelisberg Tunnel in a simple way, just follow this guide:
- Enter the vehicle’s information (vehicle’s category, registration country, plate number).
- Provide your contact details (email address and phone number).
- Make the payment (use available online payment options).
- Receive a confirmation email (you may make a paper copy just in case).
A valid vignette for Switzerland will be electronically linked to your vehicle’s registration plate number.
Swiss Toll Exemptions and Discounts
There are certain categories of vehicles that are exempt from the vignette obligation in Switzerland:
- Military vehicles
- Police, fire brigade, oil and chemical emergency unit, civil protection and ambulance vehicles
- Vehicles for the concessionary transport of persons
- Agricultural vehicles
- Swiss short-term number plates
- Vehicles which are not currently licensed and have dealers’ number plates
- Driving school vehicles
- Veteran and vintage cars
- Vehicles with electrical traction
- Trailers for persons and goods used by the carney industry and circuses
- Crawler-type vehicle
- Transport axles
- Vehicles used for humanitarian, non-profit, or non-commercial purposes
Currently, there are no discounts regarding Swiss tolls.
Tips for Smooth Passage Through the Seelisberg Tunnel
To prepare for a smooth passage through the Seelisberg Tunnel, use these helpful tips:
- hold a valid driver’s license for the class of vehicle being driven
- buy a Swiss vignette before entering toll roads
- remember about speed limit (100 km/h)
- carry an emergency hazard triangle
- check the traffic conditions on the Seelisberg Tunnel Webcam before traveling
Additional Information
The Seelisberg Tunnel takes its name from the town of Seelisberg. It is a crucial crossing in central Switzerland that stretches through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Its impressive length (the twin bores of the tunnel are 9,250 m and 9,292 m) and efficient construction facilitate traffic flow between northern and southern Switzerland, particularly during the challenging winter months.
Considering the mountainous nature of the area, the tunnel provides an excellent alternative to winding alpine roads, making it a preferred route for many travelers.
Understanding the toll regulations for the Seelisberg Tunnel is essential for all drivers since this helps avoid unnecessary delays and allows for an unproblematic journey without penalties.
The Seelisberg Tunnel: A Vital Connection
The Seelisberg Tunnel is a vital route for north-south travel in Europe. It is a part of the A2 motorway, commonly known as the Gotthard road, which connects the German border at Basel via Switzerland to the Italian border near Chiasso.
Opened to the public in December 1980, the Seelisberg Tunnel stretches from Lucerne to Altdorf through the mountains beside Lake Lucerne. The north-south route was often covered by ferries prior to 1980. Nowadays, more than 20,000 cars cross the Seelisberg Tunnel every day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much is the Seelisberg Tunnel toll for different vehicles?
The Seelisberg Tunnel toll for different vehicles is the same – 58 EUR. You can cover the fee via one of the presented online payment methods – e.g., a debit/credit card, PayPal, Klarna, etc.
Are there discounts available for frequent travelers?
There are no specific discounts for frequent travelers using the Seelisberg Tunnel. The cost remains the same regardless of how often you use the motorways.
Is paying the Seelisberg Tunnel toll mandatory?
Yes. The Seelisberg Tunnel belongs to the Swiss vignette system, so all vehicles under 3.5 t must have a valid permit. Those who fail to meet the requirement will be fined or even face legal consequences.
Can I pre-pay the Seelisberg Tunnel toll online?
Yes. It is recommended to cover the Seelisberg Tunnel toll in advance of your trip, as you must have a valid Swiss vignette before entering the country’s toll roads. You have to buy an annual vignette even if you will be in the country only for a couple of days.