Switzerland is a popular destination for skiers, but tourists can find many other sights and attractions there, and foodies will be tempted by popular wines and cheeses. When going to Switzerland, you should think about traveling by car. Below is a summary of highway and fuel costs. We will tell you what documents you need to take with you.
Good road infrastructure can encourage people to travel to Switzerland by car. The country is small, regionally and culturally diverse. The main attractions are located not far from each other, so many places can be visited by car.
Toll roads and highways in Switzerland
Switzerland has a well-developed road infrastructure. There are many freeways and roads on which one charge is valid, that is, a vignette. Below is a map with marked toll roads.
Tolls in Switzerland
In Switzerland, on freeways and expressways, you need to have a vignette, which costs 40 francs. The validity period is one year, so it will definitely be enough for the holidays. Due to the mountainous location of Switzerland, many tunnels were built. They are available for an additional fee. For example, to drive through the Great St. tunnel. The Bernard tunnel costs about 28 euros and the Munt La Schera tunnel about 24 euros .
Below is a list of the longest tunnels:
- Gotthard – 16,918 m
- Zelisberg tunnel – 9280 m
- San Bernardino – 6596 m
- Hubrist tunnel – 6546 m
- Mappo-Morettina – 5518 m
- Zakseln – 5191 m
- Le Vigne – 4458 m
- Pierre Pertuis – 4258 m
- Mont-Terry – 4078 m
- Mont Rasselin – 3550 m
- Hirsberg Tunnel – 3485 m
- Vernier Tunnel – 3480 m
- San Salvatore – 3456 m
- Giesbach – 3340 m
- Tunnel du Wispertal – 3260 m
Vignettes in Switzerland
For cars up to 3.5 tons and motorcycles, it is necessary to purchase an annual vignette, which is valid for 14 months – from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year 100. Vignettes can be purchased at border crossings, gas stations, and post offices. Trailer vignettes are purchased separately.
Learn more about vignettes in Switzerland
Auto equipment in Switzerland
When traveling to Switzerland by car, remember that your car must have a warning triangle , and if you also have a trailer, two warning triangles. This is mandatory car equipment in Switzerland. Switzerland, like Poland, has ratified the Vienna Convention, which means that the equipment of the car must correspond to the equipment required in the country of registration. It is also worth remembering that in winter in Switzerland it is mandatory to use winter tires (tread not less than 4 mm). Chains are required in mountainous terrain. These places are marked with signs. In addition, you should have a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher, but this is not necessary .
Before leaving for Switzerland, it is worth checking the technical condition of your car. Such an inspection before the next trip is necessary so that the car does not break down during the vacation. It would be an unnecessary hassle. Of course, it is worth buying help that can help in such a situation, but it is better to make sure in advance that the car is ready for the road.
Switzerland – the most important traffic rules and speed limits
Speeding in Switzerland can be expensive. Fines are very high. In addition, there are many cameras , and there is no warning sign on the roads. Road signs and rules are similar to other countries. Therefore, there should be no problems with understanding for experienced drivers. It is worth remembering that in Switzerland, emphasis is placed on the safety of pedestrians , so you must give way to the road.
Speed limits in Switzerland:
- highway 120 km/year,
- expressways 80 km/h,
- roads outside populated areas 80 km/h,
- roads in populated areas 50 km/h,
- city centers 30 km/h.
In addition, it is worth remembering that turn on the low beams of the headlights all year round and around the clock, fasten seat belts in the back and front of the car, use the phone only through the headset.
Important phone numbers when traveling in Switzerland
When traveling in Switzerland, it is a good idea to prepare emergency phone numbers in advance. It certainly helps in a crisis situation where you no longer have to search for a phone number, but just call for help right away.
- 117 – Police
- 118 – Fire department
- 144 – Emergency service
- 140 – Assistance on the road
- 1414 – Helicopter emergency service