1. Passenger Cars: Do you have to pay? (Beware of the A24!)
The general rule remains unchanged: Most motorways in the Netherlands are free for passenger cars and motorcycles. You do not need a classic stick-on vignette.
However, in 2026, an important exception appeared, which many drivers are unaware of. This is the new A24 route (Blankenburgverbinding) near Rotterdam.
⚠️ New: Toll section A24 (e-TOL)
The newly opened connection A24 Blankenburgverbinding (Maasdeltatunnel) linking the A15 and A20 motorways under the Scheur river is TOLL FOR ALL VEHICLES, including passenger cars.
How to pay? There are no toll booths! It's a "Free-Flow" system (cameras scan license plates).
You must pay for the passage online (before or shortly after driving through) on the e-TOL operator's website. Failure to pay will result in a fine being sent to Poland.
Cost for a passenger car: approx. 1.51 EUR.
2. Tunnels: Westerschelde (free!) and Kiltunnel
Here's some great news that recently came into effect. The most expensive tunnel in the Netherlands is no longer a nightmare for tourists.
✅ Westerschelde Tunnel – NOW FREE (for passenger cars)
Since 2025, passage through the Westerschelde tunnel (connecting Zeeland to the mainland) is free for passenger cars and motorcycles. Only large trucks and buses pay.
💰 Kiltunnel – still subject to toll
You still have to pay to pass through the Kiltunnel (Dordrecht – Hoekse Waard).
- Price for passenger cars (2026): approx. 2.00 EUR.
- Payment: Cash and cards at the toll booths.
3. Trucks: Big Change from July 1, 2026
The year 2026 marks the end of an era for heavy transport in the Netherlands. The Eurovignette system, which we have known for years, is being replaced by a new kilometre-based toll system (Vrachtwagenheffing).
| Period in 2026 | Applicable system (>12t) | Principle of operation |
|---|---|---|
| Until June 30, 2026 | 🔶 Eurovignette | Old time-based system (daily/annual). Applies in NL, LU, DK, SE. |
| From July 1, 2026 | 🛑 Kilometre-based toll | New tax on kilometres driven (Vrachtwagenheffing). Applies to vehicles from 3.5t! |
What does this mean for carriers?
In the first half of the year, you still buy the Eurovignette (available from us). From July, you must have an on-board unit (OBU) that calculates charges for every kilometre, similar to the e-TOLL system in Poland or Toll Collect in Germany.
4. Clean Air Zones (ZE-zones 2026)
The Netherlands is tightening its policy. From 2025/2026, Zero-Emission Zones (ZE-zones) for urban logistics will come into force in many cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven).
- Vans and trucks: New vehicles registered after 2025 must be zero-emission (electric) to enter the city centre. Older vehicles have transitional periods.
- Passenger cars: Zones excluding older diesel cars are still in effect (usually Euro 4 and lower are prohibited from entering).
5. How to get to the Netherlands? Transit vignettes
When traveling to the Netherlands, don't forget about tolls in transit countries. The Netherlands is free (with the exceptions described above), but getting there may require vignettes.
Prepare for your journey on Winiety24.eu:
- 🇨🇿 Czech Vignette – if you're coming from southern Poland (A1).
- 🇦🇹 Austrian Vignette – for routes combined with Southern Europe.
- Germany: Passenger cars travel for free.
6. Summary
Traveling to the Netherlands in 2026 requires more attention than before.
- Passenger cars: Beware of the new toll route A24 near Rotterdam (online payment!). Enjoy the free Westerschelde tunnel.
- Trucks: Remember that on July 1, 2026, the Eurovignette will cease to operate in the Netherlands, and a kilometre-based toll will be introduced for vehicles >3.5t.
🚛 Do you run a transport company?
Secure your journeys with the Eurovignette (valid until mid-2026) and vignettes for other countries.
