If you’re regularly driving through Hungary – whether commuting between Budapest and your countryside retreat or simply passing through on holiday – understanding the latest Hungarian vignette prices is essential. The motorway toll system is evolving in 2025, with a mix of price adjustments and new regulations that could affect your travel budget and planning.
Summer in Hungary means the motorways hum with a familiar buzz – families heading to the shimmering shores of Balaton, weekenders chasing festivals in Zamárdi, and cyclists rolling through the vineyards of Badacsony. The vignette system is your ticket to this seasonal migration, a necessary toll to access some of Central Europe’s most beloved summer escapes. Whether you’re cruising past the historic Festetics Palace in Keszthely or taking a detour to the lavender fields of Tihany Peninsula, the last thing you want is a surprise fine lurking behind a missed vignette.
Here’s a clear and straightforward guide to what’s new with Hungarian vignettes this year, so you can keep your journeys smooth and avoid any unexpected fines.
What Are Hungarian Vignettes and Why Do They Matter?
Hungary’s motorway system requires drivers to purchase a vignette – a time-based permit – to legally use motorways. These come in various durations: 10-day, monthly, and annual passes are the most common. The system funds road maintenance and helps manage traffic flow, but it also means you need to be aware of the latest pricing and rules to avoid penalties.
Key Hungarian Vignette Prices for 2025
Convenience Fees Banned from September 2025
One of the most driver-friendly changes is the ban on convenience fees for online vignette purchases, effective from September 2025. Previously, many online sellers charged an additional fee – around HUF 400 per purchase – adding up to about HUF 2 billion annually for Hungarian motorists. This ban means you’ll no longer pay extra just for buying your vignette online, which is a welcome saving if you frequently use motorways.
Slight Increase in Base Vignette Prices
While convenience fees are disappearing, the base prices of vignettes have increased slightly since January 2025. For example:
- The annual vignette for a standard car rose from HUF 57,260 to HUF 59,210 (around EUR 143).
- The 10-day vignette increased by about 3.4% to HUF 6,620 (EUR 16.6).
These modest hikes are worth factoring into your travel budget, especially if you rely on motorways regularly.
Introduction of the One-Day Vignette
Since March 2024, Hungary offers a one-day motorway vignette, mainly targeting foreign tourists and short-term users. It costs HUF 5,150 (EUR 13.4), making it the most expensive daily vignette in the region compared to neighbouring countries like Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia. The high price is designed to discourage casual transit traffic while still providing a legal option for occasional motorway use.
| Vignette Type | Price (2025) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 10-day | HUF 6,620 (EUR 16.6) | 10 consecutive days |
| Monthly | Varies by vehicle | 1 calendar month |
| Annual | HUF 59,210 (EUR 143) | 1 calendar year |
| One-day | HUF 5,150 (EUR 13.4) | 1 day |
Driving through Hungary’s motorways with the latest vignette prices in mind – keeping an eye on the road ahead and the countryside behind.
What These Updates Mean for You
So, as you plan your next trip, whether it’s a lazy afternoon sailing on Balaton’s turquoise waters, a sunset wine tasting on the volcanic slopes, or simply the familiar drive to your countryside refuge – keep these updates in mind. They’re the fine print that ensures your Hungarian summer drives stay as effortless and enjoyable as the lake’s endless horizons.
- once convenience fees are banned. It’s best to purchase your vignette directly from official sources to avoid hidden costs.
- according to the vignette duration that suits you best. If you’re only passing through briefly, the one-day vignette is an option, but it’s pricey. Longer-term passes offer better value for frequent trips.
- to avoid increased fines. Hungary has stepped up enforcement, so driving without a valid vignette can be costly.
Where to Find Official Information and Buy Vignettes
For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the National Toll Payment Services Company (NÚSZ Zrt.) website. This is the official platform for purchasing vignettes and checking current regulations.
If you found these Hungarian vignette updates useful, you’ll love my HOW TO HUNGARY ebook. It’s packed with practical chapters on driving in Hungary – from navigating tolls and vignettes to mastering local road rules and insider tips for stress-free summer drives to places like Lake Balaton. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveller between Budapest and the countryside, this guide will make your Hungarian journeys smoother and more enjoyable.
Ready to take the hassle out of driving in Hungary? Grab your copy of HOW TO HUNGARY today and enjoy 15% off with the coupon code SUMMER15 at checkout. Drive with confidence and save while you’re at it!
Anikó Woods is a Canadian-Hungarian writer, technology specialist, and digital strategist who swapped Toronto traffic for Hungarian bureaucracy. She’s the creator of HOW TO HUNGARY: Budapest & Beyond. Since moving to Hungary in 2017, she’s been deep in the paperwork trenches – fact-checking, interviewing experts, and helping others make sense of the madness. Her writing turns chaos into clarity, with a few laughs (and wine recommendations) along the way.