Motorhome Class 2 Tolls: Prices, Rules and Smart Travel Tips Across Europe
A Class 2 motorhome (2 to 3 metres high, under 3.5 tonnes) pays more at tolls than a car. In France, expect to pay around 1.7 times the car rate for a Paris-Marseille trip—about £110 instead of £65. But the rules vary from country to country. Hungary requires a vignette, Turkey has electronic tolls, and Poland has hiked rates by 40% since 2026. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.
To avoid nasty surprises on a road trip, plan ahead. A 400 km weekend with two bikes on the roof can get expensive if you’re not up to speed on the rates.
1. How are motorhomes classified at tolls?
Tolls classify vehicles based on height and maximum authorised mass (MAM). In France, a Class 2 motorhome is between 2 and 3 metres high and weighs under 3.5 tonnes. This category includes most campervans and compact motorhomes.
Why the classification? A taller or heavier vehicle takes up more space and causes more wear on infrastructure. The result: higher tolls. For example, on the A6 between Paris and Lyon, a Class 2 motorhome will pay around £80, while a car pays just £50. That difference adds up on a family trip.
The 5 vehicle classes at French tolls
| Class | Height | MAM | Vehicle examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | < 2 m | < 3.5 t | Cars, motorbikes, small vans |
| 2 | 2–3 m | < 3.5 t | Campervans, compact motorhomes |
| 3 | > 3 m | < 3.5 t | Integral motorhomes, buses |
| 4 | > 3 m | 3.5–12 t | HGVs, coaches |
| 5 | All | > 12 t | Lorries, articulated vehicles |
Tip: Check your motorhome’s exact height. Some models are just over 3 metres, which bumps them into Class 3. The toll bill can jump by 30–50%—a crucial detail if you’re on a tight budget.
2. Class 2 motorhome toll rates in France (2026)
In France, toll rates depend on the vehicle class and distance. For a Class 2 motorhome, the multiplier is 1.7. Here are some real-world examples for a summer trip—with two bikes on the roof and a full tank of E85 fuel:
- Paris → Marseille (A6/A7): ~£110 (vs £65 for a car).
- Lyon → Bordeaux (A89): ~£95 (vs £56 for a car).
- Strasbourg → Montpellier (A36/A7): ~£105 (vs £62 for a car).
These rates include annual inflation-linked increases but exclude surcharges for roadworks or special events. To estimate your route precisely, use the official toll calculator—our guide on insurance and regulations includes one.
How to pay less: 3 tried-and-tested tips
- Avoid peak hours: Some tolls offer discounts at night or weekends. For example, on the A13 between Paris and Caen, rates drop by 10% between 10 pm and 6 am. A handy tip for trips with kids.
- Take toll-free roads: National and departmental roads are free but often add time. Compare costs using a route planner—our article on motorhome speed limits includes one.
- Check passes and subscriptions: A Liber-t subscription (VINCI Autoroutes) can cut tolls by 5–10%. A smart investment for frequent travellers.
3. Tolls in Europe: what changes for a Class 2 motorhome
Every European country has its own toll system, and the rules for Class 2 motorhomes vary. Here’s a rundown of the most popular destinations—with real-world examples for a two-week summer trip.
Hungary: mandatory electronic vignette
Hungary has no toll booths. Instead, an electronic vignette (e-matrica) is compulsory for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. In 2026, the annual rate for a Class 2 motorhome is around £168—up from £160 in 2025. Ten-day (£15) and monthly (£30) vignettes are also available.
The system is fully digital, linked to your number plate. Checks are camera-based, and fines for non-compliance are steep. Buy online via the Hungarian government’s official site—the vignette is valid immediately after payment.
Poland: tolls on specific sections + 40% hike in 2026
Poland has no national vignette, but tolls apply on certain motorway sections (A1, A2, A4). In 2026, rates rose by 40%—a hike to factor in. For example, Gdańsk–Toruń (~150 km) costs around £5 for a Class 2 motorhome, while Katowice–Kraków (~60 km) is about £3.
Payment is by cash or card at toll booths. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes use the e-TOLL system, but Class 2 motorhomes don’t. Poland’s motorway network is expanding, but some free sections can be rough after heavy rain.
Turkey: electronic tolls (OGS/HGS) and Bosphorus bridges
Turkey’s tolls are fully electronic, based on distance travelled. Two systems operate: the OGS transponder and HGS card. For a Class 2 motorhome, expect to pay around £0.50 for Edirne–Istanbul (O-3) and £1.50 to cross the Bosphorus bridges.
No cash payments are accepted. Without OGS or HGS, you won’t get through. Rates are reviewed annually in January, based on inflation. One quirk: Class 2 motorhomes are categorised as Class 2—like delivery vans.
Romania: budget-friendly Rovinieta vignette
Romania uses an electronic vignette (Rovinieta) for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. In 2026, rates remain low: £3 for 7 days, £7 for 30 days, or £28 for a year. A bargain for a road trip in the Carpathians.
The vignette is linked to your number plate, with camera-based checks. Buy online via the official site—it’s valid immediately. Romania’s motorway network is growing, but some stretches are still under construction. Allow extra time if you’re in a hurry.
Morocco: annual vignette + traditional tolls
Morocco combines two systems: a mandatory annual vignette and traditional tolls on motorways. In 2026, vignette rates vary by engine size and fuel type—350 MAD (~£35) for a petrol vehicle under 8 tax horsepower, up to 20,000 MAD (~£2,000) for a diesel over 10 tax horsepower.
The vignette is checked digitally by police terminals. Without it, you can’t use motorways. Motorway tolls can be paid by cash or card. Late payments incur a 15% surcharge from the first month—a unique system in Europe. Plan ahead before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Greece: barrier tolls similar to France
Greece uses a traditional toll system, with physical barriers on motorways. Rates vary by section, and Class 2 motorhomes pay slightly more than cars. For example, Athens–Thessaloniki costs around £30, compared to £20 for a car.
Payment is by cash or card at toll booths. Motorbikes get a discount, as in France. Greece’s motorway network is well-developed, but some secondary roads are winding and narrow. Factor in frequent stops to enjoy the scenery.
4. Mistakes to avoid with a Class 2 motorhome
Travelling by motorhome means freedom—if you steer clear of a few pitfalls. Here are the costly mistakes to avoid, especially on your first trip with a vehicle of this size.
- Forgetting to check the exact height: A motorhome measuring 3.01 metres tips into Class 3, pushing tolls up by 30–50%. Measure before you leave—especially if you’ve added a bike rack or satellite dish.
- Not preparing for electronic systems: In Turkey or Hungary, cash isn’t an option. Without an OGS transponder or e-matrica vignette, you’ll block traffic and risk a fine.
- Skipping the right insurance: A Class 2 motorhome needs specialist cover. Check your policy includes accessories like bike racks or bikes—often excluded from standard policies. Our motorhome insurance comparison highlights what to look for.
- Parking anywhere: In France, motorhomes can park on public roads unless a local bylaw (arrêté municipal) bans it. These bylaws are often ruled illegal, but it’s best to check before risking a fine—especially in tourist hotspots. Our article on parking rules in towns covers common cases.
- Ignoring speed limits: A Class 2 motorhome follows the same rules as a car, but some countries have specific limits. In Spain, for example, the limit is 90 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways. Check our article on speed limits to avoid surprises.
For more tips, visit our motorhome and campervan hub: advice on choosing your vehicle, insuring it, and planning your road trip.