Truck Toll Switzerland: The LSVA
Quick answer: A 40 t truck pays around CHF 0.9/km in Switzerland (Euro 6) – on the entire road network, not just motorways. The LSVA (heavy vehicle charge) is billed via an OBU (BAZG) based on kilometres, weight and emission class.
Switzerland is a special case among European toll systems: instead of a motorway fee, it levies the LSVA – performance-related heavy vehicle fee (German: leistungsabhängige Schwerverkehrsabgabe). Unlike in Germany or France, the fee is charged on the entire road network – not just motorways. For truck transport into Switzerland, it is one of the most important cost factors of all.
Who is subject to the LSVA?
The LSVA applies to all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes permissible gross weight – domestic and foreign. It is charged on all public roads in Switzerland, including cantonal and municipal roads.
How is the LSVA calculated?
The formula is unique in European comparison:
Toll = kilometres driven × permissible gross weight × rate (depending on emission class)
Three factors determine the price:
- Distance: Every kilometre on Swiss roads counts – there are practically no toll-free "avoidance routes"
- Weight: The permissible gross weight goes directly into the calculation
- Emission class: Euro 6 vehicles pay the lowest rate, older classes considerably more
For a fully loaded 40-tonne articulated lorry with Euro 6, the rate is around CHF 0.9 per kilometre – making Switzerland one of the most expensive toll countries in Europe.
How is the LSVA collected?
Collection is fully electronic via an OBU (on-board unit) that must be installed in all toll-liable vehicles. It transmits position and trip data automatically to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG). Driving without a functioning OBU can result in fines.
Vignette and special tolls
The Swiss motorway vignette only applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes – it is not relevant for trucks. There are no additional tunnel fees; the LSVA covers all road use.
Cost examples (40 t, Euro 6)
| Route | Distance | Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Basel → Zurich | 96 km | approx. CHF 86 |
| Zurich → Bern | 135 km | approx. CHF 123 |
| Bern → Geneva | 160 km | approx. CHF 146 |
The LSVA is one of Europe's highest heavy-vehicle charges and applies to the whole network, including cantonal and municipal roads.
Discounts and Concessions
Note: User-dependent discounts are the exception in Europe – rates are generally determined solely by vehicle data (weight, axles, Euro/CO₂ class). Where operators do offer discounts, these apply per concession and are subject to specific conditions. As of October 2026; the conditions of the respective operator are authoritative.
| Discount Type | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent user / subscription | No | No frequent-user discount under the LSVA |
| Passenger cars | No | Motorway vignon (CHF 40/year); no discounts |
| Payment method | No | OBU (BAZG) – identical rate regardless of payment |
| Emissions / CO₂ class | Yes | Emission class (Euro standard) determines the rate; zero-emission trucks are exempt until end of 2030, after which degressive discounts apply (min. 70% → 10% through 2035) |
| Time of day | No | – |
| Time-limited | No | – |
Operator: BAZG (Federal Customs Office).
FAQ
How much is the LSVA for a truck in Switzerland?
A 40 t truck pays around CHF 0.9/km (Euro 6). The LSVA applies across the entire road network.
On which roads is the LSVA due?
On all Swiss public roads, including cantonal and municipal roads – not only motorways.
Do I need an OBU for the LSVA?
Yes. Recording is electronic via a mandatory on-board unit that transmits position and driving data to customs (BAZG).
See also
- Truck toll Germany – Toll Collect
- Truck toll Austria – GO-Box
- Truck toll France – the péage system