In this article, we have compiled all the important information about toll fees in Slovenia. We will cover the following topics:
- Are you obliged to pay a toll for using Slovenian freeways and expressways?
- How does the electronic freeway toll in Slovenia work?
- How is the Slovenian toll calculated?
- How do you pay the Slovenian toll?
- Is there a way to avoid the toll in Slovenia?
Yes, that's right – you are.
Keyword: video toll.
Everything about toll fees.
Online, on-site, by bank transfer - as well as in advance and afterward.
Just so you know right away: it is not recommended.
Yes, you are required to pay tolls in Slovenia. This applies to all vehicles with that wish to use Slovenian freeways and expressways.
Since the use of other roads is prohibited for "heavy vehicles", they are legally required to pay the toll, as it is not possible to simply bypass the toll routes and roads.
For motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 3.5 tons, you are not required to pay a toll, but you must have a vignette. The difference between the two is that the toll is calculated based on the number of kilometers traveled, while vignettes have a fixed price depending on the vehicle class (toll class) and validity period. You can purchase the e-vignette for Slovenia in E-Vignette Slovenia.
The distinction between these two terms is fundamentally important for a clear understanding.
Here is an overview of the key details:
E-vignette:
- Applicable to vehicles under 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight, including motor homes and motorcycles.
- Fixed price based on the vehicle or toll class and the validity period.
Toll:
- Applicable to vehicles over 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight.
- Route-dependent, calculated based on the number of kilometers traveled, the number of axles, and the EURO emission class.
Tolls are mandatory across the extensive freeway and expressway network, spanning 623.3 kilometers in total. This encompasses routes such as the H5, H2, and H6, some of which are exceptions to the vignette requirement. Slovenia's road network comprises 128 toll sections.
This segmentation serves dual purposes: it facilitates monitoring through designated checkpoints at the start of each section and enables the calculation of distance-based tolls. These tolls are levied per kilometer traveled, factoring in the vehicle's axle count and EURO emission class. Refer to the toll roads map for details.
Slovenia does not feature toll-free roads. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons must pay a distance-based toll for freeway and expressway usage, with access prohibited on other roads in this category.
Exceptions exist for certain segments of freeways and expressways, like parts of the H2, H6, and A2. The Karawanken tunnel stands out as a special case, requiring toll payment for all vehicles regardless of weight. Notably, an e-vignette is not necessary for tunnel passage.
The Slovenian electronic toll collection system, known as the DarsGO system, consists of two main components. First, vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg intending to use the Slovenian network of motorways and expressways must affix a DarsGO box (DarsGo-OBU) to the windshield, similar to the former adhesive vignette.
This DarsGO unit can be purchased at any DarsGO petrol station, albeit with a pre-registration procedure in which all relevant vehicle data required for toll calculations is accurately recorded. Therefore, careful attention must be paid when filling out the application form to ensure accurate data entry. The information associated with the DarsGO device (for example, ŠOR or DarsGo customer number) must exactly match the vehicle data, otherwise the box cannot be issued.See the this video for details
Once activated and installed, the DarsGO unit enables seamless wireless transmission, reception and collection of data for offline purposes. Using the free-flow principle, it ensures smooth movement on highways and expressways without the need to stop. The system records the distance traveled and automatically calculates the toll.
Billing options include prepaid and postpaid models with various payment options. For a brief overview of the Slovenian toll collection system, you can watch video containing additional information.
How Much Does the Toll in Slovenia Cost?
The cost of tolls in Slovenia varies based on several factors, including the route, the number of axles (toll class), and the EURO emission class of the vehicle. The rates are outlined in the official toll fee price list (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 14/18, 74/18, 85/20, 105/20).
Toll Classes Explained
Toll Class 1 (R2) (Price per kilometre in EUR without VAT: 0.185346)
- Motor vehicles with two axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tons.
Toll Class 2 (R3) (Price per kilometre in EUR without VAT:0.205940)
- Vehicles with three axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tons.
- Groups of vehicles (towing vehicle plus trailer) where the towing vehicle exceeds a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons.
Toll Class 3 (R4) (Price per kilometre in EUR without VAT: 0.428356)
- Vehicles with more than three axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tons.
- Groups of vehicles with more than three axles (towing vehicle plus trailer) where the towing vehicle exceeds a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tons.
Calculate Your Toll with DarsGO
To easily calculate tolls for vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as caravans, buses, trucks (with or without trailers), or VW buses, you can use the DarsGO toll calculator provided by Dars. This tool ensures quick and accurate toll calculations for your journey through Slovenia.
For Motor Vehicles up to 3.5 Tons (Including Motor Homes):
- Standard Fee: EUR 7.60 (EUR 6.23 excluding VAT)
- Payment Methods: Cash, ATM, or credit card at the Hrušica toll station
- Frequent User Option: Points ticket allowing 14 trips at a reduced total cost of EUR 34.10 (EUR 27.95 excluding VAT), which breaks down to EUR 2.45 per trip
For Vehicles over 3.5 Tons:
- Billing System: DarsGO system using the DarsGo box
Important Note:
The Slovenian e-vignette (e-vinjeta) is not valid in the Karawanken tunnel. Toll payment must be made separately on-site, regardless of having a vignette.
You can pay the toll for the Karawanken Tunnel directly on-site at the Hrušica toll station. The accepted payment methods include cash, ATM, and credit card.
Additionally, you have the option to purchase a points ticket, which allows you to drive through the tunnel 14 times. This ticket not only speeds up the clearance process but also offers a reduced price. It is linked to your vehicle's license plate, non-transferable, and valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Register for the Digital Toll:
- Visit the Dars web portal to complete your registration.
- After registering, you can collect your personal DarsGo box from any Dars service station by providing your customer number and the printed registration certificate.
Payment:
- An administrative fee of EUR 10.00 plus VAT is required. You can pay this fee in advance or on-site to receive the DarsGo device.
Alternative Online Process:
- You can also complete the entire process online and have the DarsGo OBU sent to you by mail. Ensure that the receipt is properly coordinated.
In-Person Registration:
- Visit a Dars service center with all necessary documents to register and receive your toll box directly. This method is the safest, though it may be more time-consuming.
By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your toll payments and travel smoothly through Slovenia.
Tolls incurred through the DarsGo system in Slovenia can be paid using either a prepay or postpay model.
Prepay Model:
In the prepay model, you must acquire credit on your account in advance. You can do this through the following methods:
- On-site at a DarsGO service center
- Via bank transfer
- By purchasing online credit on the Dars web portal
The minimum amount you need to purchase is 10 euros, and the maximum is 1000 euros.
Postpay Model:
In the postpay model, payment can be made after the end of each billing period. You can pay:
- Using a fuel card
- Directly to Dars
If you enter into a deferred toll payment contract with Dars, you will need to provide a bank guarantee to secure the payment for tolls for the first two years.
More details in the this video
Driving through Slovenia with “heavy vehicles” weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, such as buses and trucks, requires paying a toll. For vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, including motorcycles and campers, an electronic vignette (e-vinjeta) is required. While it is technically possible to travel without one, it is not recommended.
To avoid tolls, you often have to take longer routes, which can lead to increased fuel consumption. In addition, you risk accidentally driving onto sections of roads or junctions near motorways where an electronic vignette is required. A striking example is the roundabout in Maribor, which also serves as an entrance to the highway.
Slovenian police often control these areas, and for good reason:
Fines for missing an electronic vignette range from 300 to 800 euros, making this a costly mistake. Buying an electronic vignette is much more profitable than risking large fines. You can buy it quickly and at the lowest price to E-Vignette Slovenia.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need for your trip to Slovenia. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us by email.