Toll Box In Slovenia
Tolls in Slovenia (2023): comprehensive information on tolls and toll fees
- Are you obliged to pay a toll for using Slovenian freeways and expressways? (Yes, that's right – you are.)
- How does the electronic freeway toll in Slovenia work? (Keyword: video toll.)
- How is the Slovenian toll calculated? (Everything about toll fees.)
- How do you pay the Slovenian toll? (Online, on-site, by bank transfer - as well as in advance and afterward).
- Is there a way to avoid the toll in Slovenia? (Just so you know right away: it is not recommended).
Tolls in Slovenia: are you obliged to pay tolls in Slovenia?
Yes, you are obliged to pay tolls in Slovenia. This applies to all vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tons that wish to drive on Slovenian freeways and expressways.
Since the use of other roads is prohibited for "heavy vehicles", they are legally obliged 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 obliged to pay a toll, but you are obliged to have a vignette. The difference between the two is that the toll is calculated based on the number of kilometres traveled. While vignettes have a fixed price that depends on the vehicle class (toll class) and validity period. Buy the e-vignette in Slovenia here.
The distinction between the two terms (as well as the understanding) is fundamentally important. Therefore, here is an overview of the decisive details:
1. E-vignette:
For vehicles under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, including motor homes and motorcycles. Fixed price, depending on vehicle or toll class and validity period.
2. Toll:
For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Route-dependent, calculated according to the number of kilometres traveled in combination with the number of axles and the EURO emission class.
The Slovenian freeway toll is collected via the electronic DarsGO system. Dars stands for the Slovenian motorway company. It is the abbreviation for Družba za avtoceste v Republiki Sloveniji.
Where do I have to pay tolls in Slovenia?
The obligatory payment of tolls applies to the entire freeway and expressway network with a total length of 623.3 km. This also includes the H5 or the H2 and H6, which, for example, are exempt from the obligation to have a vignette. The Slovenian road network is divided into 128 toll sections.
On the one hand, this subdivision serves monitoring purposes as a checkpoint is set up at the beginning of each route section. On the other hand, it is used to calculate the distance-dependent toll, which is charged per kilometre travelled (in combination with the number of axles of the vehicle and its EURO emission class). Here you can find a map with the toll roads in Slovenia.
Which roads in Slovenia are toll-free?
There are no toll-free roads in Slovenia. The use of freeways and expressways with vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons entails payment of a kilometre-based toll. Driving on the rest of the roads is forbidden for this vehicle class.
However, there are sections of freeways and expressways which are exempt from the obligation to pay tolls. These include, for example, certain sections of the H2, H6, and A2. A special case is the Karawanken tunnel, for the crossing of which all motor vehicles - regardless of their weight - must pay a toll. An e-vignette, however, is not required.
How does the digital toll in Slovenia work?
The electronic toll system in Slovenia (DarsGO system), consists of 2 components. First, every vehicle weighing more than 3500 kg, wanting to use the Slovenian freeway and expressway network, must attach a so-called DarsGO box (DarsGo-OBU) on the inside of its windshield. Just like the former adhesive vignette.
This device can be purchased at all DarsGO service stations. However, prior registration is required, during which all necessary vehicle data for subsequent toll calculation will be recorded.
Therefore, when filling out the application form, be careful to enter the data correctly. The information linked to the DarsGO device (ŠOR or DarsGo customer number) must completely match that of the vehicle. Otherwise, the box cannot be handed over.
Subsequently, the DarsGo-OBU may only be used with the vehicle for which it is registered. Passing it on to non-registered vehicles is a serious offense, which is punishable by high fines. Here you can learn everything about registration for the DarsGO toll system. The following video also provides a short summary:
Once the DarsGO box is activated and installed, you can start driving without hesitation. The device then takes care of wireless transmission, reception, and collection of data for toll collection completely autonomously.
The video toll thus works according to the free-flow principle. You can drive freely on all highways and expressways without having to stop. The distance traveled is recorded and the calculation of toll fees is carried out automatically.
Billing is carried out either via a prepay or postpay model. A variety of different options are available for payment. This short video also briefly explains how the Slovenian toll system works:
How much does toll in Slovenia cost? (Toll fees)
As already mentioned, the Slovenian toll depends on the route. That is, its amount depends on the length of the route traveled, the number of axles (toll class), and the EURO emission class of the vehicle. The prices per km are determined in the price list of toll fees for toll roads (Official gazette of the RS, No. 14/18 , 74/18, 85/20, 105/20 )
The toll classes are distinguished as follows:
Toll class 1 (R2):
Motor vehicles with two axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tons.
Toll class 2 (R3):
Vehicles with three axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 tons. As well as groups of vehicles (towing vehicle plus trailer), whereby the towing vehicle exceeds a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg.
Toll class 3 (R4):
Vehicles with more than three axles and a permissible gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 t. As well as groups of vehicles with more than three axles (towing vehicle plus trailer), whereby the towing vehicle exceeds a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg.
DarsGo toll calculator for Slovenia for vehicles over 3.5 t
To calculate the Slovenian tolls for your caravan (camper), bus, truck (with or without trailer), or VW bus quickly and easily, Dars has provided a handy DarsGO toll calculator .
What does the Karawanken tunnel cost?
The fee for using the Karawanken tunnel is:
For motor vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross vehicle weight including motor homes: EUR 7.60 (EUR 6.23 excluding VAT). Payable at the Hrušica toll station in cash or by ATM or credit card. If you use the Karawanken tunnel on a regular basis, the option to purchase a points ticket that allows you to drive through 14 times at a lower price is also available. At a total price of 34.10 EUR (27.95 EUR without VAT), the cost per trip is only 2.45 EUR.
For vehicles with a permissible gross vehicle weight of more than 3.5 t, the DarsGO system is used for billing via the DarsGo box.
Important note:
The Slovenian e-vignette (e-vinjeta) is not valid in the Karawanken tunnel. The toll must therefore be paid separately directly on-site without exception (even in the event that you already have a vignette).
Where can I pay the toll for the Karawanken tunnel?
The toll for the Karawanken tunnel can only be paid directly on-site (at the Hrušica toll station). The payment methods available are cash, ATM, or credit card.
In addition, you can decide to purchase a points ticket (for driving through 14 times), which not only speeds up clearance but also reduces the price. It is linked to the license plate, non-transferable, and valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Where do I pay the toll for Slovenia?
Registration for the digital toll is done via the Dars web portal. Once this has been completed, the personal DarsGo box can be collected from any of the Dars service stations by stating the customer number and presenting the printed registration certificate.
In addition, payment of the administrative fee of EUR 10.00 plus VAT is required in advance or on-site to receive the DarsGo device.
It is also possible to complete the entire process online and have the DarsGo OBU sent to you by mail. In this case, however, the receipt must be coordinated.
You can also go to a Dars service center with all the necessary documents and register to receive your toll box directly. This is the safest, but also the most time-consuming method.
How do I pay the toll for Slovenia?
Tolls incurred through electronic collection via the DarsGo system can be paid using either a prepay or postpay model. With a prepay model, you must acquire credit on your account in advance. This can be done either
- on-site at a DarsGO service center,
- via bank transfer
- or via purchasing online credit on the Dars web portal.
The minimum amount you need to buy is 10 euros for this option. The maximum amount, on the other hand, is 1000.
When using a postpay model, the payment can be made afterward (at the end of each billing period). Either via a fuel card or directly to Dars. If a deferred toll payment contract is concluded with Dars, then the latter requires the applicant to provide a bank guarantee to secure the payment for tolls for the first two years.
Traveling through Slovenia without paying toll
As already mentioned, it is not possible to drive through Slovenia with a "heavy vehicle" over 3.5 t (buses, trucks, etc.) without paying a toll. Without an e-vignette (e-vinjeta), which is required for motor vehicles under 3500 kg including motorcycles and campers, it is possible - but not really recommended.
Apart from the extra time spent driving overland (and most likely equally increased fuel consumption), you constantly run the risk of entering road sections or traffic circles near the highway that require an e-vignette. A notorious example of this is the traffic circle in Maribor, which also serves as a highway entrance.
However, the Slovenian police like to monitor precisely these areas - and for good reason. It is quick and easy money in fines that go toward the public treasury. Therefore, it is better to invest in an e-vignette than to pay much more (between 300 and 800 euros) in unnecessary fines, which you will almost certainly face if you try to drive through Slovenia without a vignette.
Buy your vignette for Slovenia quickly and easily online.
Buy a vignette for Slovenia nowThis brings us to the end of our guide on tolls in Slovenia. We hope that we have covered all the topics and you have received all the necessary info for your trip by car to Slovenia. If there are still any questions from your side or you need additional help, do not hesitate to contact us, for example by sending us an e-mail.
