Swiss Vignette Purchase

OK, since I don't think in E roads (European through routes) but think in terms of Cantons and Autobahns and cities, where are you talking about, please?

You'll need to purchase the vignette and properly attach it BEFORE you enter Switzerland. In my experience, for all vignette qualifying roads, there is a camera about 100 feet after crossing the border into Switzerland. So, getting one at the next after getting into Switzerland will be too late. In most areas--like major autobahns-- you can purchase it well before the border crossings-just keep your eyes peeled for it.

Well I've worked out that is you are entering Switzerland from the north on the E35, that is actually the German A5 crossing at Weil am Rhine, Germany, one of the busiest crossings anywhere. Move your street view - if Google in Germany is allowed to - north a few km to Weil am Rhine and look for Zollamt Weil am Rhine.

What is there is, after the long queues (follow the icon of the automobile as you wind along past the queues of the trucks) a gray building you drive up to and wind around and get in the proper queue for either with Vignette or no Vignette - clearly marked - and if you are in the correct lane and displaying the Vignette correctly you will be waved through unless they are checking customs or immigration that day.

If you are in the no Vignette lane you will be stopped by a border guard and pay your CHF40 or Euro equivalent and the guard will apply the Vignette correctly. Unless they are checking immigration or customs that day they will then wave you on your way.

Just a few feet after you start, there is a parking lot, a filling station, a tasty Moevenpick Marché (slightly different format than other Marché) and other amenities of a rest area.

When you actually cross the border, as you say, it is a non-event.

If you are talking about the southern entry from the Italian A9 autostrada north of Milano, the crossing is at Chiasso, and similar arrangements apply, except the winding around is even more complex and erratic. You can get your Vignette there too.

Which way are you going?

It is possible to buy the vignette online in advance via Swiss railways website and I know someone who does that each year for convenience after having a problem a few years back. However, the postal costs to the USA are high since they seem to only use a courier service. By contrast to the UK it is free via regular post, although there is a processing fee over the normal 40 CHF.

There is a major rest area/truck stop/border post some 400m before the actual border. You can buy your vignette there. I myself have done it couple times.

Now a friendly reminder: E-numbers are not routinely in practice except in Belgium. Even if Google Maps think they are... So go with the national road numbers instead.

Firstly - sorry about the confusion, I really didn't include enough information did I...typed faster than I was thinking perhaps.

Then - Thank You to all who responded! And since I don't want to sound like an ugly tourist - no more E numbers for me :-)

Nigel - yes sir, I will be heading south on the A5 into Switzerland at Basel, unfortunately it appears that Google Street View is not used in Germany, but the overhead view shows what you described so well so I now understand what to do. Sounds like I just follow the sign to the no vignette lane (unless the rental car happens to have one) and the situation will be handled without much fuss. And will have the opportunity to get a cuppa and let the ladies stretch their limbs.

I was a bit surprised that there wasn't a border crossing - turns out I should have lifted my gaze a bit farther north.

Later in the trip I will be crossing on the A8 from Germany into Austria (A1) on the way to Salzburg, so it's back to Google maps for me to see what that looks like.

Thanks again,
-bruce

Bruce, when you go into Austria as you outline you will then need an Austrian Vignette before you cross the border. Shortly before the border the last couple of rest areas with fuel will have the distinctive sign outside and big Vignette signs easily visible. Pop into the filling station and ask for one, the 10 day should be sufficient unless you need longer, and they will punch the date on it - instructions on the back give clear directions for affixing it correctly.

As soon as you cross the border you are likely to see enforcement.