If you want to get to Paris by car, you shouldn't just think about the traffic. Because in France, a toll is due on many routes. And the environmental sticker is also often mandatory.
Paris is the city of love. And beyond that, France's capital has a lot to offer. The Louvre with the Mona Lisa, the Champs Élysée, the Arc de Tiomphe, the Eiffel Tower and of course Disneyland. In short, there are many reasons to pay a visit to the metropolis on the Seine. If you are going to Paris by car, you should be prepared for tolls in addition to the chaotic traffic.
As in many other European countries, France has to pay a toll if you want to use the motorways. However, there is no vignette, instead it is calculated depending on the route. Similar to Italy, where toll stations can quickly become a cost trap. Croatia is also relying on the system, but will introduce an e-vignette in 2024.
From the south to Paris: Up to 42.50 euros in tolls
If you are heading from the south of Germany in the direction of Paris, you have two options. The faster route is via Strasbourg and Metz to Paris. From Munich you can reach the French capital in just under nine and a half hours. But it is also the most expensive route in terms of tolls. A whopping 42.50 euros are due according to the ADAC route planner. Other portals mention 42.80 euros as the price.
Paris has a lot to offer. However, if you want to go to the city of love by car, you have to pay tolls beforehand. © imageBROKER/Imago
Somewhat cheaper and only slightly slower is the route via Saarbrücken. Although this route is 20 minutes longer, it costs only 32.60 euros (32.90 euros) in tolls. On the other hand, the consumption costs are significantly higher at 146 euros.
Travelling to Paris by car: don't forget the environmental badge
If you don't live in the middle or south of Germany, you can get to the Seine even cheaper. From the west or north, for example, you can go to Paris for as little as 12.10 euros. If you want to save fuel and take the shortest route, you pay 14.60 euros (15.40). It doesn't matter if you start in Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne. Of course, you should also plan the amount for the return trip. Unless you travel via the N2, which is toll-free.
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However, one cost factor is the same for everyone. Because in Paris there is a kind of congestion charge, just like in many cities in Europe. As in Germany, there are environmental zones in France that can only be entered with the Crit'Air environmental vignette. One of them is in the center of the state capital. In total, there are six different categories. The classification is based on the year of approval and pollutant emissions. Depending on the assignment, cars are no longer allowed to enter Paris at all or only at certain times. For cars registered in France, the sticker costs 3.72 euros per vehicle (3.11 euros + 61 cents poto). Foreigners pay 4.61 euros, as the postage is higher at 1.50 euros. It is best to order them directly on the official homepage. If you are caught without, you will pay a fine of 68 euros. For buses, trucks and heavy transports, even 135 euros are due.
