Before embarking on your journey, it's essential to find out what you need to be aware of in your destination country. Therefore, we are happy to provide an overview of the key topics for your trip. The border between Poland and the Czech Republic is approximately 762 kilometers long and primarily runs through mountainous terrain.
There are several border crossings between the Czech Republic and Poland that you can use to cross the border:
In addition to these border crossings, there are several smaller connections between the Czech Republic and Poland.
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette or a toll based on the distance in the Czech Republic.
In the Czech Republic, you need a digital vignette to use highways and expressways. This vignette requirement applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight (GVW). The vignette is an efficient system to ensure the financing and maintenance of the Czech highway network. You can purchase the vignette at most gas stations in the Czech Republic, but also at selected sales points in Germany, primarily near the border. Another convenient option is to easily purchase the vignette online with us before you start your journey.
The Czech vignette is available in different validity periods, including 10 days, 1 month, and 1 year. The choice of validity period depends on your travel plans. For example, if you are only on a short holiday in the Czech Republic, the 10-day vignette is a practical choice. For longer stays or frequent trips to the country, the annual vignette might be more cost-effective.
Vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW must pay a toll on highways, expressways, and certain sections of first-class roads marked with an "M" on a yellow background. The satellite-based onboard unit (OBU 5051) ensures the collection of the toll.
Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and the deposit must be paid before using a toll road. Additionally, the onboard unit must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have an onboard unit, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. At this sales point, you can buy the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech onboard unit for automatic toll collection. Electronic identification is required for registration. Especially for frequent travelers and foreign vehicles passing through the Czech Republic regularly, these electronic toll boxes (like the MYTO CZ OBU) offer a convenient and easy way to handle toll payments automatically.
The toll varies depending on the road category, route length (number of kilometers), vehicle category (weight class, number of axles, and emission class), CO2 emission class, and time of day (higher prices may apply between 10 PM and 5 AM). Previously toll-exempt electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 tons are now classified as toll liable since March 2024. You can pay the toll in advance or pay it later (pre-pay vs. post-pay).
The following section provides an overview of whether you need a vignette or a toll based on the distance in Poland.
In Poland, there is no vignette requirement. Instead, toll fees are collected based on distance. The toll is determined by the kilometers driven, vehicle type, Euro emission class (pollution level), and the type of financed highway sections.
Currently, only two highway sections in Poland are subject to tolls for cars and motorcycles. These are the A2 and A4 highways. These sections are considered concession highways, meaning they are privately financed. The following sections of A2 and A4 are subject to tolls:
It is important to note that there is no nationwide uniform kilometer price, meaning different prices apply on various highway sections. At concession highways, you can pay either with cash or by card.
For all vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW, there is a toll obligation both on private highway sections (concession highways) and on publicly funded highways as well as on expressways and national roads.
While you can pay with cash or card on concession highways, the procedure differs on publicly funded sections. When driving on publicly funded roads with a vehicle over 3.5 tons GVW, the toll must be paid electronically through the e-TOLL system. The vehicle must be registered in e-TOLL (online or on-site registration available). Only then can tolls be collected via the e-TOLL PL app, onboard unit (OBU), or an external tracking device (ZSL) installed in the vehicle. Important: viaBOX and viaTOLL are no longer valid! A more detailed explanation can be found here.
We wish you a pleasant journey and are happy to offer you our digital vignette. Order your vignette conveniently and easily from home. Enjoy the immediate validity of your vignette without waiting! If you'd like to prepare even better for your destination, feel free to check out our guide! Discover tips for delicious Czech culinary specialties or sightseeing in cities.
