New motorway vignette prices and discounts unveiled in Hungary
Motorway vignette prices are expected to rise noticeably following the release of August’s inflation data, but in five counties they are set to become significantly cheaper: likely not just for locals or commuters, but for everyone. However, the exact details remain to be clarified.
How much more will vignettes cost next year?
The Central Statistical Office (KSH) has published August’s inflation rate (4.3%), which will determine the increase in motorway usage fees. According to calculations by autopalyamatrica.hu, by 2026, car drivers may pay HUF 5,550 (EUR 14.16) for a daily vignette (under EU regulations, this can be no more than 9% of the annual vignette price).
The 10-day national vignette may cost HUF 6,910 (EUR 17.63), the monthly national version HUF 11,170 (EUR 28.5), and the popular annual county vignettes (with the exception of the five mentioned counties) may rise to HUF 7,190 (EUR 18.34), while the annual national vignette could increase to HUF 61,760 (EUR 157.5).
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Where will driving be cheaper?
According to state news agency MTI, contrary to earlier reports suggesting four counties, it will actually be five counties where motorway travel becomes cheaper next year — and not just for locals.
The Hungarian News Agency points out:
- there has never before been a reduction in toll fees since fast roads became pay-to-use;
- the current rationale is traffic restrictions caused by the expansion of the M1 motorway and renovation works on the M30.
What works are starting on the M1 motorway?
- Major refurbishment and widening of the M1 motorway began this September and will last several years.
- As a result, Minister Lázár announced that residents of the four affected counties (Pest, Fejér, Komárom-Esztergom, Győr-Moson-Sopron) will be able to use the M1 between Budapest and Győr for just HUF 15,000 (EUR 38), about half price.
- This measure is expected to leave around HUF 7 billion in motorists’ pockets annually, while safety will improve further on Hungary’s busiest motorway after the expansion.
What happened to the M30 motorway?
- In February 2024, the section of the M30 motorway between North Miskolc and Szikszó had to be entirely closed due to subsidence. Repairs are still ongoing.
- In April, Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár, announced a 65% toll discount for residents of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County in 2026, as compensation.
- However, the decree published since confirmed that the HUF 2,500 vignette price (EUR 6.38) will apply not just to locals but to all who use the motorway there next year.
- Furthermore, the discount applies to the entire M30 and the M3: in other words, to all tolled roads in the county.
Who loses out?
Many questions remain unanswered, but one thing is clear: Lázár previously stated that the discounts will not be available to Budapest residents or those using company vehicles. However, it is still unclear how authorities intend to differentiate between local drivers, passing Hungarian motorists and foreign travellers.
- A national consultation could decide whether to raise motorway speed limits to 140–150 km/h
It also remains unclear why a driver living in Tatabánya but working in Budapest (or travelling there regularly) would be eligible for the discount, while a Budapest resident working in Tatabánya would not. A more plausible scenario is that, as with the M30, no proof of residence will be required to purchase discounted vignettes for the M1. This is likely to be clarified in the coming weeks.
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