Planning a trip through Central and Eastern Europe requires prior knowledge of the tolls for using the highway network.Although all of these countries offer electronic vignettes, their pricing policies vary widely.Electronic vignettes are mandatory for driving on national road networks in many European countries, including Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.All four countries operate an electronic system without stickers - verification by registration number.

Prices for 2026 are current at the beginning of the year and refer to passenger cars (category D1/M1, up to 7 seats).The comparison is for the most frequently used periods: daily/weekend, 10-day/weekly, monthly and yearly.Although all these countries use a system of charging motor vehicles for road infrastructure, the prices and structure of the vignettes vary widely depending on the geographical scope, time period and type of vehicle.A comparison of price vignettes can help drivers who travel frequently in Central Europe to plan their expenses more effectively.For trucks, buses and campers, prices are usually many times higher than for cars and have a complex tariff based on number of axles and emission class.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria electronic vignette is purchased according to the time period of validity and the category of the car.Weekend, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual vignettes are available for cars up to 3.5 tonnes.The annual vignette is most beneficial for regular travel, while the short-term options are preferred by tourists and seasonal travelers.

The prices are relatively moderate and are tailored to the local economic conditions, which makes the vignettes in Bulgaria more affordable compared to some Western European countries.For trucks over 3.5 tons, the system is different - charging by kilometers traveled.Validity starts from selected date within 3 months after purchase.

Hungary

In Hungary, where vignettes (called "e-matricák") are also mandatory for highway use, the structure is similar but with higher rates.For passenger cars, 10-day, 30-day or annual vignettes are most often chosen.Prices for Hungarian vignettes are generally higher than those in Bulgaria, which is partly due to heavier traffic and better maintained highways.Tourists traveling through Hungary in transit often choose the 10-day option, which is most efficient for short stays.Specific to Hungary is the availability of "regional" vignettes (around €17 per year) which are valid only for a specific area - an extremely advantageous option if you are only passing through a certain section.However, the national one is the most used. The system has been fully electronic since 2008. The vignette comes into effect immediately after purchase, and the annual one is valid for 365 days ahead.It is mandatory for all highways and expressways.

Czech Republic

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Czech Republic applies a similar system, but with a more focused structure on short-term and annual vignettes.For passenger cars, the main options are 10-day, monthly and annual vignettes.The annual vignette in the Czech Republic is usually more expensive compared to Bulgaria and Hungary, but offers access to an extremely dense and well-developed network of roads.Shorter-term vignettes are cheaper compared to other countries, but less advantageous for regular drivers.However, the roads are in excellent condition, especially the highways.

The Czech Republic has recently updated its prices, introducing a one-day vignette.Prices are tied to fuel type (electric cars are exempt or pay a minimum), and for green cars it's ~50% lower.

Slovakia

A vignette system is also used in Slovakia, with the main categories including 10-day, monthly and annual for passenger cars.The electronic system offers fast activation and discounts for electric and hybrid cars.Prices are competitive with the Czech Republic, but usually a bit lower.Slovakia offers a good balance between price and quality of the road network, which makes it attractive for drivers who travel frequently in Central Europe.Classics was recently abolished in the countrydeleted the annual vignette, replacing it with a 365-day one (valid for 12 months from the date of purchase).

The prices are close to the Bulgarian ones, but with one difference – the highway network is significantly smaller.The charge is for fewer kilometers of quality road.

Overall, Bulgaria remains among the more affordable countries in terms of road tolls, especially for short-term vignettes, while the Czech Republic and Hungary have higher rates reflecting the level of infrastructure and traffic volume.Slovakia is positioned among these countries, offering reasonable prices and good coverage.It is important for travelers planning itineraries through these countries to compare prices based on validity period, length of stay and planned kilometers to choose the most advantageous option for their needs

Bulgaria (bgtoll.bg)

Weekend: EUR 5.11;
Weekly: 7.67 EUR;
Monthly: EUR 15.34;
Quarterly: EUR 27.61;
Annual: EUR 49.60;
Daily (from 2026): EUR 4.09;

Bulgaria offers the most affordable prices, especially for short-term trips.

Hungary (e-matricabolt.hu)

10-day: 6,910 HUF (≈17.5 EUR)
Monthly: HUF 11,170 (≈28 EUR / BGN 55)
Annual: HUF 61,760 (≈157 EUR / BGN 306).

Prices are higher, with fines of up to 99,580 HUF (≈250 EUR) for non-compliance.

Czech Republic (edalnice.cz)

Daily: 230 CZK (≈9.2 EUR)
10-day: 300 CZK (≈12 EUR)
Monthly: 480 CZK (≈19.2 EUR)
Annual: 2570 CZK (≈103 EUR)

Slovakia (eznamka.sk)

Daily: EUR 8.10
10-day: EUR 10.80
30-day: EUR 17.10
Annual: 90 EUR

If traveling from Sofia to Prague via Hungary and Slovakia, a minimum of €31 will be paid for vignettes only (weekly).In the summer, when tourists flood Central Europe, these differences become sensitive.

The Bulgarian driver, used to an almost 8 euro weekly vignette, gets a culture shock at the Hungarian border.The European tourist coming to Bulgaria enjoys the reduced prices, but quickly understands why - after the first pothole on the „Thrakia“ highway.

That is why it is important to budget for transit countries –in Germany, France and the Netherlands there are no vignettes for passenger cars.The highways are free there.

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