How drivers in Austria will be affected by Switzerland’s new tourist transit tax

Switzerland looks set to introduce a new transit charge on foreign motorists driving through the country. How much could drivers from Austria be forced to pay?

Switzerland is moving ahead with a plan to charge motorists who cross its territory without stopping – a measure that could have knock-on effects for travellers from Austria.

What is the new Swiss transit tax?

In late September, Switzerland’s Council of States approved a proposal to introduce a so-called “tourist transit tax”. The idea is simple: foreign vehicles entering Switzerland from one neighbouring country and exiting into another, without making a substantial stop, would pay a fee.

Supporters argue this would reduce “parasitic traffic” – long queues of vehicles using the Gotthard Tunnel and other Alpine routes as shortcuts. Swiss MP Marco Chiesa said that local residents were being “literally suffocated by traffic” and that drivers rushing through offered no benefit to the country, as reported by The Local Switzerland.

The amount of the tax has not yet been fixed. It would vary depending on traffic density, time of day and the day of the week, with higher charges during peak holiday weekends.

How could this affect people in Austria?

For many in Austria, particularly those in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, Switzerland serves as a key corridor when driving to Italy or France. Currently, travellers heading from Germany to Italy often choose between the Swiss Gotthard route or Austria’s Brenner motorway.

If the Swiss fee is implemented, more drivers may avoid Swiss motorways and instead travel through Austria. Experts warn this could worsen congestion on Austria’s already busy Alpine roads. According to Der Standard, Tyrolean authorities are cautious but say they will make a “detailed assessment” if the Swiss law is implemented.

Traffic scientist Alexander Erath told Swiss broadcaster SRF that the levy may comply with EU treaties but would test neighbourly relations. He also noted that transit is only part of the problem, as domestic Swiss traffic contributes significantly to congestion.

Will Austrian drivers have to pay?

Yes, if you drive into Switzerland and exit into another country without making an “essential stop” – such as staying overnight or spending time at a tourist site – you would likely be subject to the new fee. The Swiss parliament has not yet defined what constitutes a substantial stop, so there is uncertainty about whether brief breaks, such as eating at a restaurant or refuelling, would exempt you.

Importantly, this fee would be separate from Switzerland’s existing motorway vignette, which currently costs 40 francs (€43). Drivers could therefore end up paying both.

However, those who live on the border and go to Switzerland for short trips or quick errands would not have to pay, since they wouldn’t be entering Switzerland from one country and leaving for another.

What happens next?

The measure still needs to pass Switzerland’s National Council in December, where it is expected to be approved.

However, the Federal Council, Switzerland’s government, has voiced concerns about high administrative costs and possible tensions with the EU.

If introduced, the tax would be channelled into Switzerland’s National Roads and Urban Traffic Fund to finance transport improvements. For Austrians, though, the immediate consequence may be longer queues on the Brenner route.