Drivers in Hungary could save up to EUR 40 on motorway vignettes in 2026 – but many remain unaware
Hungarian motorists may be able to cut their motorway costs significantly next year, with savings of up to HUF 15,000 (EUR 40) possible if they choose the right motorway vignette. However, fresh research suggests that most drivers are still not aware of the key changes coming in 2026, including new discounts, newly tolled road sections and revised categories.
The pre-purchase period for 2026 motorway vignettes has already begun, and experts are warning drivers not to buy out of habit, as doing so could mean missing out on substantial savings.
New tolled sections from 2026
Several changes are on the way next year. While vignette prices have increased in line with inflation, three additional road sections will become subject to tolls in 2026. These include parts of the M6 motorway in Baranya County, between Bátaszék and the Croatian border near Ivándárda, as well as new sections of the M44 in Bács-Kiskun County, between the Kecskemét North–Lajosmizse junction and the Szentkirály and Tiszaug–Tiszakürt junctions.
At the same time, extensive roadworks will continue across the country, bringing not only disruptions but also temporary discounts in certain areas.
Major discounts linked to motorway renovations
According to an online survey by autopalyamatrica.hu, completed by more than 10,000 respondents, nearly two-thirds of drivers were unaware that annual county vignettes would be available at half price or even cheaper in five counties next year.
Due to the long-term renovation and widening of the M1 motorway, drivers will be able to use the motorway in four affected counties – Pest, Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom and Győr-Moson-Sopron – for just HUF 15,000 (EUR 40) for the entire year, roughly half the usual price.
Meanwhile, ongoing repair works on the M30 motorway between Miskolc North and Szikszó mean that the annual vignette for Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County will cost only HUF 2,500 (EUR 6.5) in 2026.
National vignette still out of reach for many
The survey also revealed that only one in four motorists currently buys an annual nationwide motorway vignette, with most opting instead for county-based passes. Around 40% of respondents said paying the full price of the national vignette – around HUF 62,000 (EUR 162) – in one instalment is a serious financial burden.
Interestingly, half of those surveyed said they would choose the nationwide vignette if instalment payments were available. Many drivers reported relying on two to four county vignettes to cover their regular routes, often purchasing them gradually throughout the year. Some even continue to buy short-term 10-day vignettes, despite the fact that these can add up to the cost of an annual national pass over time.
At present, instalment payment options are only available through a single provider.
Online purchases gain further ground
The research also examined the impact of scrapping the so-called “convenience fee” for online vignette purchases in September. The trend away from petrol station sales appears to be accelerating: 54% of respondents said they plan to buy their vignette online in the future, compared with 42% who were already doing so previously.
Experts say the findings highlight a clear need for better information, as many drivers could benefit from the new discounts and options in 2026 – but only if they are aware of them before making their purchase.