Travelling on European Highways by Motorhome – Everything You Need for a Carefree Journey

2025. 06. 27. 12:10

Anyone seeking unique travel experiences should try a caravan or motorhome holiday at least once. The flexibility, the freedom from finding accommodation, and the sense of liberty are all advantages that many consider essential when taking time off. However, you can only fully enjoy this carefree lifestyle if you're aware of the regulations that apply to caravans and motorhomes. This includes highway vignettes—let’s take a look at what e-vignettes might be needed for traveling with a caravan on Europe’s highways.

Table of Contents

• Motorhome or Caravan?
• Is a Vignette Required for a Caravan or Motorhome?
• Popular European Countries with a Caravan
• What Are the Rules for Motorhomes and Caravans in Austria?
• How Much Does the Austrian Highway Vignette Cost for a Motorhome?
• Is a Highway Vignette Required for Motorhomes in Slovenia?
• How Much Does the Slovenian Highway Vignette Cost for a Motorhome?
• Slovakia with a Caravan – What Highway Vignette is Required?
• How Much Does the Slovak Motorhome Vignette Cost?
• Speed Limits for Motorhomes and Caravans
• Summary
• FAQ

Motorhome or Caravan?

The first important factor is to clarify the terminology related to the vehicles to avoid misunderstandings. Motorhomes are vehicles classified as self-propelled, meaning they have their own engine. In contrast, caravans are trailers that cannot move independently and this classification is reflected in their registration documents.

Is a Vignette Required for a Caravan or Motorhome?

While the regulations regarding highway vignettes for caravans vary from country to country, motorhomes typically require a separate e-vignette in most European countries.

Popular European Countries with a Caravan

Motorhome travel is becoming increasingly popular due to its many advantages: complete freedom, cost-effectiveness, comfort, direct connection with nature, and flexible route planning. That’s why Austria, Slovenia, and Slovakia can all be ideal destinations for motorhome travel, as each of these countries offers well-developed infrastructure, easy accessibility, and stunning natural sights.

What Are the Rules for Motorhomes and Caravans in Austria?

The Austrian Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic landscapes make Austria a great destination for trips—especially by motorhome or caravan. However, it is important not to forget about road tolls, and you should purchase the required highway vignette online before your journey.

Austria has the following highway vignette requirements:

• For caravan travel, no separate highway vignette is needed for the caravan itself—only the towing vehicle requires one.
• For motorhome travel, if the vehicle weighs up to 3.5 tonnes, a highway vignette must be purchased.

If the motorhome weighs over 3.5 tonnes, a GO toll must be paid through the toll system. The amount depends on distance traveled, number of axles, CO₂ emissions class, and time of day.

How Much Does the Austrian Highway Vignette Cost for a Motorhome?

If you're driving a motorhome under 3.5 tonnes, you can purchase an Austrian highway vignette for the following short-term validity periods:

• 1-day vignette: €9.30
• 10-day vignette: €12.40

Is a Highway Vignette Required for Motorhomes in Slovenia?

Despite its small size, Slovenia offers a wide variety of camping spots and is an excellent choice for travel by motorhome or caravan. However, if you plan to use toll roads, make sure you comply with the road usage regulations.

• For caravans, no separate highway vignette is required—only the towing vehicle needs one.

For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, two different vignette categories may apply, depending on the vehicle’s height over the front axle:

• 2A vignette: if the height above the front axle is 1.3 meters or less
• 2B vignette: if the height above the front axle is more than 1.3 meters

How Much Does the Slovenian Highway Vignette Cost for a Motorhome?

Here are the prices for shorter-validity Slovenian highway vignettes:

Slovakia by Motorhome – What Highway Vignette Do You Need?

Unlike Slovenia, Slovakia doesn’t have as many designated camping areas, but it’s still worth visiting places like the Tatra Mountains, the Orava region, or Slovak Paradise National Park.

Traveling by motorhome requires proper planning to ensure a smooth trip. This includes carefully mapping your route. If you intend to use highways, a highway vignette may be required. It’s recommended to purchase the necessary road use authorizations in advance. The rules differ for caravans and motorhomes:

• For caravans, only the towing vehicle needs a highway vignette. However, if the combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan exceeds 3.5 tonnes, both the towing vehicle and the caravan must have a vignette.
• For motorhomes under 3.5 tonnes, a highway vignette is required.

How Much Is the Slovak Highway Vignette for a Motorhome?

Slovak highway vignettes are available at uniform prices for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. For short trips, short-term vignettes may be sufficient. Here are the prices:

Speed Limits for Motorhomes and Caravans

When planning your route and calculating estimated arrival times, keep in mind the different speed limits that apply to motorhomes and caravans. Motorhomes generally follow the same speed limits as passenger cars, while caravans are subject to lower maximum speeds. Here are the highway speed limits by country:

 Note: These limits may be reduced in certain areas or under specific weather conditions. Always pay attention to road signs while driving.

Summary

Traveling by motorhome or with a caravan is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, offering complete freedom and flexibility. However, to ensure a truly carefree experience, it’s important to understand the rules of highway use. In Austria and Slovenia, only the towing vehicle requires a vignette when traveling with a caravan, while for motorhomes, the vehicle’s weight and size determine the type of toll. Slovakia follows similar regulations, but if the combined weight exceeds 3.5 tons, a separate vignette may be needed for the caravan as well.

Toll prices vary by country and validity period, so it's worth checking in advance. Speed limits also differ: motorhomes can generally travel up to 130 km/h, while caravans are typically limited to 90–100 km/h. Always pay attention to road signs and weather conditions along the way.