Getting there

You drive through Germany towards Basel or Lake Constance. There are car trains from Hamburg to Lörrach, right on the border near Basel.

Charging networks

More than half of the rest areas on the Swiss motorways had rapid chargers in May 2026, and the rest will get them by 2030. GOFAST has one of the largest rapid charging networks. IONITY, Tesla, Electra, Fastned and Atlante are also there. See more in EV charging networks in Europe.

Vignette

You need a vignette to drive on the motorway. It costs 40 CHF and comes as a sticker or as an e-vignette linked to the number plate. The 2026 vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2027. Buy the e-vignette on the official site. Other sites charge more.

Speed

The limit is 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on country roads, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on motorways. Serious speeding can get a foreign driver a driving ban of at least two years, and the car can be confiscated. Speed camera warnings in navigation systems are banned.

Winter

Winter tyres are not mandatory, but you can be fined if you hold up traffic without them. Snow chains must be fitted where signposted. Some mountain passes are closed in winter.

Onwards

Through the Gotthard tunnel you reach Italy. To the west lies France and to the east Austria.

Checklist