Route · Hungary · ~550 km
Road charges Warsaw → Budapest
Through Slovakia to Hungary - both countries require an electronic vignette linked to the registration number.
Trip summary
- Distance
- ~550 km
- Countries with charges
- 2
- Road charges from
- ~€29
Updated: July 2026
What you need on this route
Driving to Hungary: the practical guide
Which way to drive?
From Warsaw or Krakow the natural route is the E77 corridor: Chyzne border crossing, then Slovakia via Ruzomberok, Banska Bystrica and Sahy, entering Hungary just north of Budapest. From western Poland many drivers go via Czechia and Bratislava instead, joining the Hungarian M1. Either way you cross Slovakia, so plan for two vignettes.
Vignettes for this route
- •Slovakia - 10-day e-vignette, 59 zł (a 1-day one for 45 zł works if you only transit once),
- •Hungary - 10-day country vignette, 99 zł, required on the M1/M2/M3 motorways around Budapest,
- •both are electronic and tied to your plate number - nothing to print or stick.
Watch out in Hungary
Hungarian motorways are enforced by camera, with no barriers and no stickers. A typo in the plate number or a vignette bought after entering the motorway means a fine of tens of thousands of forints, and it will find you in Poland too. Buy before you cross the border and double-check the registration.
Distance and time
Warsaw-Budapest is roughly 700 km and 8-9 hours of driving; Krakow-Budapest about 400 km and 5 hours. Going to Lake Balaton? The same country vignette covers the M7 as well.
Frequently asked questions about this route
Do I need a vignette to drive to Hungary?
Yes. Hungary requires a vignette on motorways and expressways, including foreign-registered cars. It is electronic and tied to your plate.
How much are the road charges on the Warsaw - Budapest route?
The full set of official charges on this route starts from about 124 zł (vignettes and tolls for the transit countries). We calculate the exact amount from your departure date and chosen route variant - you pay the official operator price plus a transparent Roadence service fee, with no hidden costs.
Which vignettes do you need when driving to Hungary?
On this route vignettes are required in: Slovakia (from 45 zł) and Hungary (from 79 zł). Each is tied to your registration number, so you enter it once at checkout and we buy the whole set for your chosen period.
What is the penalty for missing a vignette in Slovakia?
Mandat do 300 EUR. That is why it pays to have the vignette from the first motorway kilometre - we buy it in advance and assign it to your registration so it is valid when you enter.
From when is the vignette valid after purchase?
Electronic vignettes bought through Roadence are valid from the start date you choose (usually straight away). We send confirmations with your registration number by email, normally within a few hours - in good time before your trip. Travelling today? Email kontakt@roadence.com and we will prioritise it.