Toll in Slovenia

Slovenia, a picturesque country in Southeastern Europe, is not only known for its mountains, rivers, and historic cities but also for its strategic location as a transit country. Many travelers pass through Slovenia on their way to the sunny beaches of Croatia, the Alps of Austria, or the cultural highlights of Italy.

As an important transportation hub, Slovenia imposes Toll Fees for using its well-developed motorway and expressway network. This comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary information about toll regulations in Slovenia: from the various toll systems, tips for smooth travel, to the maximum speed limits and frequently asked questions.

Here, you will find everything you need to know to travel through Slovenia well-prepared.

Why does Slovenia charge toll fees?

The introduction of toll fees in Slovenia, as in many other European countries, is necessary to finance the maintenance and expansion of the road network. As Slovenia is an important transit country, maintaining a well-functioning and safe road network is of central importance.

The revenues from the tolls are used to modernize and maintain the road infrastructure in order to handle the increasingly heavy traffic. The rising international transit traffic, especially in the summer months when many tourists travel through Slovenia, poses significant infrastructural challenges that could not be managed without these revenues.

The Toll System in Slovenia: An Overview

The Slovenian toll system varies depending on the vehicle type and weight. Vehicles up to 3.5 tons are subject to a vignette system, while vehicles over 3.5 tons are charged via the electronic DarsGo System.

The aim of this separation is to enable a simple, time-efficient, and cost-effective toll collection for lighter vehicles, while heavier vehicles pay based on the actual distance traveled.

The Vignette for Vehicles up to 3.5 Tons

The vignette for Slovenia is required for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons traveling on Slovenian motorways and expressways. It serves as proof of toll payment for a specific period and must be purchased before using the roads. There are three main types of vignettes, depending on the duration of stay or road use in Slovenia:

• 7-Day Vignette: This is particularly suitable for short-term visitors or travelers passing through. It costs 23,90 € for cars and allows use of the motorways and expressways for one week. For motorcycles, the price is slightly lower.
• 1-Month Vignette: This vignette costs 40,90 € and is ideal for longer stays or regular trips within Slovenia. It offers flexibility for people staying longer than a week but not requiring the full-year vignette.
• Annual Vignette: For frequent drivers and commuters, the annual vignette, costing 127,50 €, is the best option. It is valid from December 1 of the current year until January 31 of the following year, making it valid for a total of 14 months. This is particularly attractive for people who travel regularly through Slovenia.

The vignette must be clearly displayed on the vehicle's windshield. For motorcycles, there are special attachment instructions since these vehicles do not have a windshield.

The DarsGo System for Vehicles Over 3.5 Tons

For vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as trucks, buses, and larger motorhomes, the DarsGo System applies. This is an electronic toll system based on distance. This means that toll fees are calculated based on the actual kilometers traveled.

To use the DarsGo System, the vehicle must be equipped with a DarsGo Box, which is mounted on the windshield. This box automatically records the traveled distance and calculates the toll fees.

The fee is determined by several factors, including the number of axles and the vehicle's emission class. The DarsGo Box can be used either in prepaid mode, where drivers load credit onto the box before using the roads, or in postpaid mode, where fees are calculated and charged after the trip.

Where to Purchase the Vignette and DarsGo Box?

The vignette is available at numerous sales points in Slovenia and neighboring countries. Travelers can purchase the vignette at gas stations, border crossings, rest areas, or in special stores.

A convenient option is to buy the vignette online, which is particularly practical because it becomes valid immediately and allows you to avoid long lines at sales points. When purchasing the digital vignette, the vehicle's license plate is entered into the system, and no physical sticker is required.

The DarsGo Box is available at specialized sales points, including DarsGo service stations along the motorways and at Slovenian border crossings.

It is also possible to buy the DarsGo Box online, but drivers should ensure that the box is properly installed and activated in the vehicle before driving on a toll road.

Toll Roads in Slovenia

In Slovenia, all motorways and expressways are subject to toll fees. These include the country’s major traffic routes:

• A1 (Primorska Motorway): This motorway runs from the Austrian border via Maribor, Celje, and Ljubljana to the Croatian border near Koper. It is the most important north-south route in the country and is heavily used by both holidaymakers and transit drivers.
• A2 (Karawanken Motorway): The A2 connects Austria via the Karawanken Tunnel with the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and continues to the Croatian border at Obrežje. It is particularly important for travelers from Germany and Austria.
• A5 (Prekmurje Motorway): This motorway runs from the Hungarian border through the Prekmurje region to the junction with the A1. It is an important east-west connection for traffic between Hungary and the rest of Europe.

In addition to the motorways, several expressways are also subject to tolls. However, country roads and urban streets are exempt from tolls and can be used free of charge.

Differences from Toll Systems in Other European Countries

The Slovenian toll system has some differences compared to the regulations in other European countries:

• Austria: Like Slovenia, Austria also has a vignette requirement for vehicles up to 3.5 tons. However, additional tolls are required on certain routes, such as tunnels or mountain passes, known as route tolls. In Slovenia, the vignette covers all toll roads without additional fees.
• Croatia: In Croatia, tolls are calculated on a distance-based system for all vehicles, regardless of their weight. This means that drivers must pay at toll stations located along the motorways. In Slovenia, the toll for lighter vehicles is covered by a time-based vignette. Starting in 2025, a barrier-free payment system including an e-vignette that can be purchased online is planned.
• Switzerland: In Switzerland, only an annual vignette is required, while in Slovenia, there are several vignette options for different durations. This offers travelers more flexibility in choosing the vignette that suits them best.

It is important for travelers crossing multiple countries to be informed about the respective toll regulations to avoid fines and inconvenience.

Maximum Speed Limits in Slovenia

Different speed limits apply on Slovenian roads, depending on the type of road and vehicle:

• Motorways: The maximum speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h for cars and motorcycles. For vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as trucks and buses, the speed limit is 80 km/h.
• Expressways: On expressways, cars and motorcycles can drive up to 110 km/h, while heavier vehicles are limited to 80 km/h.
• Urban Areas: In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h, unless other signs indicate a different limit.
• Country Roads: On country roads, cars and motorcycles can drive up to 90 km/h. Vehicles over 3.5 tons are limited to a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

It is important to obey speed limits as regular speed checks are conducted in Slovenia. Violations can result in heavy fines and points on your driving license.

Practical Travel Tips for Passing Through Slovenia

As Slovenia is a heavily trafficked transit country, travelers should keep some practical tips in mind to make their journey as stress-free as possible:

• Avoid Peak Hours: Especially during the summer months and holidays, the motorways in Slovenia can get very crowded. Try to plan your trip to avoid rush hours in the morning and late afternoon.
• Gas Stations: Fuel prices in Slovenia are generally cheaper than in neighboring countries Italy and Croatia. Take the opportunity to refuel before continuing your journey. Most gas stations along the motorways are open 24/7 and offer good facilities.
• Rest Areas and Services: Slovenia has numerous well-equipped rest areas along its motorways. These provide not only parking and sanitary facilities but also restaurants and cafés where travelers can take a break.
• Roadside Assistance and Emergency Numbers: In case of a breakdown or accident on the motorways, travelers can contact the Slovenian Automobile Club AMZS at the emergency number 1987. For serious accidents or emergencies, dial the general emergency number 112.

Conclusion: Toll in Slovenia

The toll in Slovenia is an essential part of using the well-developed road network, especially the motorways and expressways. Whether you are just passing through or planning a longer stay, the correct vignette or use of the DarsGo system for heavy vehicles is crucial to avoid hefty fines.

By adhering to the toll regulations and speed limits, you not only contribute to road safety but also ensure that your journey through the beautiful Slovenia goes smoothly.