Toll rates and taxes in Germany 2026 Germany
Last update: January 2026
At as of January 2026. The page has been updated accordingly.
At the moment, Germany does not require a vignette for light vehicles (up to 3.5 tons) for using the highway network (Autobahn). Driving on German highways for tourists and citizens with personal vehicles remains free.
However, there are two specific cases in which fees are paid:
- Environmental zones (Umweltzone): For entering the center of many German cities (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt), an environmental sticker (Feinstaubplakette) is required.
- Specific tunnels: Tolls are collected for passing through the Warnowtunnel and Herrentunnel in the northern part of the country.
Toll Taxes for Trucks and Heavy Vehicles (LKW-Maut)
From July 1, 2024, and continuing in 2026, the rules for charging freight transport were expanded.
- Scope: All vehicles with a technically permissible maximum mass over 3.5 tons are subject to toll tax.
- Emission class: The fee depends strongly on the vehicle's CO₂ emissions. Electric trucks and those with zero emissions receive significant preferences.
- How to pay: The easiest way is through an onboard unit (OBU) from Toll Collect or via a mobile application.
Toll Taxes for Specific Tunnels and Roads
In Germany, toll is paid only for a few objects: two tunnels in the northern part (Warnowtunnel and Herrentunnel) and one panoramic road (Roßfeldpanoramastraße). The prices are updated for 2026 and vary according to the season or type of vehicle. Payment is on site – in cash, card, or through applications.
Warnowtunnel (Rostock)
– Quick crossing under the Warnow River
This 790-meter tunnel connects Rostock and is convenient for avoiding traffic jams. The prices are seasonal (higher in summer).
Road Tolls for Passing Through the Warnowtunnel Warnowtunnel
| vehicle category | vehicle type | Winter (01.11–30.04) (EUR) | Summer (01.05–31.10) (EUR) |
| 1 | cars with trailer, campers (over 2 m) | 3.80 | 4.70 |
| 2 | Light commercial (over 2.6 m, 2 axles) | 4.40 | 5.80 |
| 3 | Cargo (over 2.6 m, 3 axles) | 8.90 | 11.60 |
| 4 | Cargo (over 2.6 m, 3 axles) | 12.30 | 16.60 |
| 5 | Buses, articulated (4+ axles) | 16.20 | 18.20 |
Tip: Pay with a card (no fee for amounts over 10 euros) or use discounts with TAG/Oscard. They do not accept banknotes over 50 euros.
Herrentunnel (Lübeck) – Crossing Under the Trave River
The tunnel is part of B75 and facilitates travel to Travemünde. Fixed prices year-round.
- Light cars (over 1.3 m height) – fee 2.10 EUR
- Cars with 2 axles (over 1.3 m) – fee 3.90 EUR
Tip: Pay in cash or with a card. Ideal for ferry connections to Scandinavia.
Roßfeldpanoramastraße – Panoramic Road in Berchtesgaden
This 15-kilometer panoramic road offers stunning views of the Alps. Toll is paid for maintenance.
- Light vehicles (including driver and passengers) – fee 9.00 EUR
- Motorcycles (including driver and passenger) – fee 5.50 EUR
- Buses (including passengers) – fee 60.00 EUR
Tip: Buy a 10x ticket for a discount if you visit frequently. The road is open year-round, but check for snow in winter.
Useful Tips for Traveling in Germany by Car
- Avoid fines: Always check Umweltzone with applications like Green-Zones or official websites. Fine for lack of sticker – up to 100 euros.
- Payment: In the tunnels, they accept cash, cards (Visa/Mastercard), and sometimes applications. For trucks – Toll Collect system.
- Electric cars: Full exemption for zero emissions until 2031 (only for trucks, but light cars are free anyway).
- Current changes 2026: No new tolls for light cars, but watch for CO₂-based fees in the future.
Recommendations: Use navigation like Google Maps to avoid zones. If traveling with a camper, check the height for category.