Do you need a vignette in Switzerland with a rental car? Price and rules (2026)
According to the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, checked on 31 October 2026, you need a vignette to use Swiss motorways; it costs CHF 40 and is valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year, and you can check online whether a rental car's number plate already has an e-vignette.
Prices and rules change, and each rental company has its own toll fees. We quote the motorway operators and governments word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Before you drive, check the official page and ask the rental company how it charges you for tolls.
At a glance
| How you pay | Vignette (e-vignette or sticker), one price for the whole year |
|---|---|
| Vignette | Yes |
| Price for a car | CHF 40 per year |
| Rental cars | Check online whether the car's plate already has an e-vignette |
| Checked | 31 October 2026 |
Official prices
| Item | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vignette (e-vignette or sticker), valid 1 Dec to 31 Jan of the following year | CHF 40 | FOCBS: FAQ vignette and e-vignette purchase |
What the official sources say
How you pay
Use of Swiss motorways is subject to a charge. The motorway charge must be paid by motor vehicles and trailers that are not subject to the heavy vehicle charge. The charge is levied in the form of a vignette.
Source: FOCBS: Motorway charge (vignette) (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Prices
The vignette is valid from 1 December of the previous year until 31 January of the following year and costs CHF 40.
The FOCBS charges exactly CHF 40 and does not impose any fees.
Source: FOCBS: FAQ vignette and e-vignette purchase (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
When and where to pay
Purchase your vignette before entering Switzerland.
Source: FOCBS: Motorway charge (vignette) (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
With a rental car
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) says this about rental cars:
Before buying an e-vignette, for example, you can use the Via portal to check whether a valid e-vignette has already been purchased for a specific number plate. This could be useful in the case of a rental vehicle, for example.
Source: FOCBS: Electronic vignette (Via portal) (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Hire a car in Switzerland
Hiring a car in Switzerland? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Before you book, ask whether the car comes with a valid vignette for your dates.
Compare car hire in Switzerland
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Questions
Does a rental car in Switzerland need a vignette?
Yes, on motorways. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security says: “Use of Swiss motorways is subject to a charge. The motorway charge must be paid by motor vehicles and trailers that are not subject to the heavy vehicle charge. The charge is levied in the form of a vignette.” “Before buying an e-vignette, for example, you can use the Via portal to check whether a valid e-vignette has already been purchased for a specific number plate. This could be useful in the case of a rental vehicle, for example.”
How much is the Swiss vignette?
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security says: “The vignette is valid from 1 December of the previous year until 31 January of the following year and costs CHF 40.” “The FOCBS charges exactly CHF 40 and does not impose any fees.”
Can I drive in Switzerland without a vignette?
Not on the motorways. The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security says: “Use of Swiss motorways is subject to a charge. The motorway charge must be paid by motor vehicles and trailers that are not subject to the heavy vehicle charge. The charge is levied in the form of a vignette.” “Purchase your vignette before entering Switzerland.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official pages of the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, read on 31 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Tolls with a rental car: all countries.