What a public toilet costs in Europe: fees and entry

A small coin can have a surprisingly useful place in a day bag. So can knowing that the next toilet is free.

There is no single European toilet price. The operator, location, payment system and entry conditions matter more than a country-wide rule. Check the individual facility before you go and the posted price when you arrive.

Four arrangements to recognise

Free to use. There is no toilet fee. Still check the opening hours and whether entry requires a ticket, key or permission.

Paid entry. Read the price and accepted payment methods before joining a queue. A card reader or coin slot tells you how payment works; neither tells you whether the facilities meet your needs.

A fee with a voucher. Some operators give a voucher towards a purchase. Check where it can be used, what it covers and whether you want to buy anything. A voucher is not the same as a cash refund.

Customer access. If a café or other business restricts toilets to customers, ask whether the toilet is available before buying something. A coffee purchase alone does not tell you about the entrance or facilities.

A few examples to plan around

Paris: a free city service

The City of Paris describes its street sanisettes as a free public service and provides a toilet map. Check the location and instructions at the facility; a free service can still have opening restrictions or a cleaning cycle. See the city’s public-toilet information.

Great Britain: check who manages the station

Network Rail says toilets at the 20 stations it manages are free. That statement applies to those stations, rather than every station in the country. Check your departure and connection stations individually. See Network Rail’s station-toilet guide.

Germany: understand the voucher

SANIFAIR describes a €1 entry fee with a €1 voucher at participating motorway service locations. The voucher can be applied to an eligible purchase, with one voucher per item and exclusions. Check the local terms before counting it as a saving. See SANIFAIR’s fee and voucher FAQ.

Switzerland: facilities have different prices

SBB lists CHF 1.50 for its WC and hygiene centres and CHF 1 for modular toilets. Its page also explains payment options, including cashless payment at some locations. Check the facility you plan to use rather than assuming every Swiss toilet follows this pricing. See SBB’s station-toilet information.

These examples were checked against the linked operator pages on 5 September 2026. Prices and arrangements can change.

Price is one useful detail

If you need baby changing, wheelchair access or a particular entrance, check that information alongside the fee. A free toilet may not meet your needs, and paying does not guarantee cleanliness or availability.

In a city covered by Phoo, check the recorded fee, entry conditions and confirmation details. Missing information stays unknown.

A small bit of preparation

Keep a payment card and some local coins accessible if you have them. For the next stop, the useful questions are straightforward: what does it cost, how can I pay, and can I use the facilities?

That is the part of the itinerary Phoo can help you check.