Moving Abroad Checklist (Free PDF Download)
Cancelling services, preparing documents, packing, and registering in your new country—there’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we’ve…
Relocating abroad isn’t just about moving your belongings—it also means driving across Europe, and that comes with road-related fees. Toll stickers, pay-per-use tolls, tunnels, ferries… Each country has its own system, its own rules, and its own pricing. If you want to avoid delays—or worse, fines—it’s worth knowing what to expect and how to prepare.
In this article, you’ll find a practical overview of the most common road charges you might encounter when moving across Europe. We’ll walk you through what you’ll need, how and where to pay, and what to watch out for.
In most European countries, using the motorway isn’t free. In some places, all you need is a toll sticker; in others, you’re charged based on the distance you drive. But it’s not just about the price—the systems vary in how they work and how the fees are collected.
A toll sticker (or vignette) is a flat-rate fee for using motorways over a set period—typically 10 days, one month, or a full year. This system is mostly used in Central European countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. You can usually buy a vignette online via official websites (e.g. edalnice.cz, eznamka.sk, asfinag.at), or in person at fuel stations and border kiosks.
It’s important to purchase the vignette before entering a toll section. Most countries now use an electronic system that automatically checks your license plate. However, in some cases, you may still come across physical stickers that must be displayed on your windshield.
Be aware of the following:
Many European countries use a toll system where fees are not paid in advance but are based on the actual distance driven. Payments can be made at toll booths (by cash, card, or contactless) or via an onboard unit that communicates with the local system. Each country has its own rules, so it’s worth checking what you’ll need before you travel.
The advantage is that you only pay for the sections of road you actually drive. In some countries, automatic license plate readers handle the payment, while in others, you’ll need your own device or must stop at toll booths. If you’re traveling through multiple countries, be prepared for different systems and potential registration requirements.
Prices vary depending on:
Below, you’ll find a comparison of selected countries, including the type of fee, the approximate price for a 10-day vignette, and the average toll cost per kilometer:
Many European countries offer toll benefits for eco-friendly vehicles. These usually include electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and vehicles powered by CNG or LNG. The discounts may apply to both toll stickers and pay-per-use tolls. In some cases, these vehicles are completely exempt from charges; in others, they may qualify for reduced rates—often based on meeting emissions standards like Euro 6.
However, the rules vary by country. In some places, the discount is applied automatically based on your license plate. Elsewhere, you may need to request a certificate or obtain a special sticker. If you’re driving an eco-friendly vehicle, it’s definitely worth checking whether you’re entitled to any toll relief before your trip.
Toll stickers and motorway fees aren’t the only charges you’ll face when moving abroad. In some countries, you’ll also pay for driving through long-distance tunnels, crossing major bridges, or using ferry transport. These extra costs are often higher than expected.
Some of the most expensive toll sections in Europe are tunnels—such as the Brenner Pass tunnel between Austria and Italy, the Mont Blanc tunnel, or the Gotthard tunnel in Switzerland. Fees for a single crossing can range from a few euros to over €40.
Bridges can carry similar tolls. This applies, for example, to the Millau Viaduct in France or major highway bridges in Denmark and Sweden—such as the Øresund Bridge connecting Copenhagen and Malmö. The fee usually depends on the vehicle type, time of day, and sometimes even the season. Peak-hour rates can be significantly higher.
If you’re relocating to the UK, using a ferry is almost unavoidable. Ferry transport is also common on routes between Italy and Greece or when traveling to or within Scandinavia. Ferries are often used to reach islands or to avoid long detours overland.
Prices vary depending on the route length, type of vehicle, number of passengers, and time of day. Day and night crossings differ in both cost and availability. For longer routes, ferry fares can amount to several hundred euros. It’s worth booking in advance—ideally through the official provider or national booking systems.
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Even if you’ve already paid for your toll sticker or registered for a toll system, it’s still possible to miss something important. Each country has its own requirements, systems, and methods of enforcement. It’s far better to double-check everything in advance than deal with problems on the road.
Make sure to check the following:
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