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 4 November 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 | 4 November 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 4 November 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 4 November 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 4 November 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 4 November 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 4 November 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.