California State Toll Guide
Everything you need to know
A Tourist’s Guide to California Toll Roads
Planning to explore the Golden State? Avis is here to make your journey smooth. With our guidance and toll services, navigating California's toll roads is a breeze. Relax and enjoy your journey, knowing we've got you covered.
How Do Tolls Work in California?
In California, toll roads are primarily found in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. They're relatively common, especially on highways connecting these cities and surrounding regions. They provide convenient routes but are less prevalent than in other states.
You'll typically pay tolls electronically through systems like FasTrak or manually at toll booths. For drivers in rental cars, Avis e-Toll services automatically track any toll road fees you accumulate, and you’ll be billed at the end of your rental period.
- Toll road systems: FasTrak, Pay-By-Plate
- Accepted payment methods: FasTrak, toll tag/transponder, credit/debit, pay-by-plate
- Cash payments are no longer accepted for most toll roads, such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Official resources:
Avis E-Toll Services
Hit the road without hassle when you choose Avis e-Toll. Cruise through any state’s tolls, including California highway tolls, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of cash toll payments.
Our standard e-Toll service starts at just $6.95 per day plus the price of any tolls you use. If you need to commute daily over toll roads, you might prefer our e-Toll Unlimited service. The charge for this service is all-inclusive rather than a per-toll fee.
Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, Avis e-Toll keeps you moving efficiently. Drive worry-free and save time with Avis e-Toll.
Learn MoreMajor Tollways in California
Golden Gate Bridge (US 101/SR 1)
- Direction: North-South
- Route: Marin County to San Francisco
- Toll Rates for Cars: $8.75 - $9 southbound only (Source)
- Length: 1.7 miles (Source)
- Speed Limit: 45 mph (Source)
- Along the Way: San Francisco, Marin County, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is a quintessential landmark of San Francisco. Connecting the city to Marin County, it offers stunning views of the bay and is a gateway to the northern part of the Bay Area. Whether you're exploring the scenic coast or visiting Muir Woods, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-drive for any visitor to San Francisco.
San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80)
- Direction: East-West
- Route: San Francisco to Oakland
- Toll Rates for Cars: $3.50-$7 westbound only (Source)
- Length: 8.4 miles
- Speed Limit: 50 mph (Source)
- Along the Way: San Francisco, Oakland, Treasure Island
Connecting San Francisco to Oakland, this bridge is a vital link between the two major cities of the Bay Area. It connects San Francisco’s SoMa area to Oakland's vibrant neighborhoods. Plus, the bridge offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, making it a drive worth experiencing, especially during sunset. (Source)
Interstate 880 Express Lanes
- Direction: North-South
- Route: San Jose to Oakland
- Toll Rates for Cars: Varies depending on congestion and vehicle occupancy (Source)
- Length: Approximately 20 miles (Source)
- Along the Way: San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland
The Interstate 880 Express Lanes offer a quicker route for commuting between San Jose and Oakland. With adjustable toll rates based on traffic conditions, these lanes provide a reliable option to bypass congestion during peak hours. Whether you're heading to Silicon Valley for business or exploring the cultural hubs of the East Bay, these express lanes can help you get there faster. (Source)
Orange County Eastern Transportation Corridor (SR 133, SR 241, and SR 261)
- Routes:
- Toll Rates for Cars: Variable rate depending on distance traveled
- Get a toll price estimate according to your travel plans
- Along the Way: Laguna Beach, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Orange
Drivers looking for alternatives to I-5 and the 405 in busy Orange County, California, can choose this network of toll roads instead. The Eastern Transportation Corridor consists of three connected roads in central and eastern Orange County with less congested routes.
State Route 73
- Direction: North-South
- Route: Costa Mesa to San Juan Capistrano
- Toll Rates for Cars: Variable rate depending on distance traveled
- Get a toll price estimate according to your travel plans
- Length: Approximately 12 miles (Source)
- Along the Way: Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano
State Route 73, also known as the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, provides a convenient route for travelers moving between Orange County's southern and central regions. Whether heading to Laguna Beach for sun and surf or commuting between Irvine and Costa Mesa for work, SR 73 offers a smooth and efficient drive with minimal congestion and variable toll fees. (Source)
San Diego "South Bay Expressway" (SR 125)
- Direction: North-South
- Route: Otay Mesa to Spring Valley
- Toll Rates for Cars: $.50 - $8.00 depending on distance traveled and traffic volume (Source)
- Length: Approximately 10 miles (Source)
- Speed Limit: 55-65 mph (Source)
- Along the Way: Otay Mesa, Chula Vista, Spring Valley
The South Bay Expressway, also known as State Route 125, provides a convenient bypass route for travelers between San Diego's southern suburbs and inland areas like the eastern suburbs. For commuting to work in downtown San Diego or exploring the cultural offerings of Chula Vista, this toll road offers a faster and less congested alternative to Interstate 805. Plus, with its efficient tolling system, you can breeze through without lengthy delays. (Source)
Additional Tolled Roads in California
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Antioch Bridge (SR 160)
- Benicia-Martinez Bridge (I-680)
- Carquinez Bridge (I-80)
- Dumbarton Bridge (SR 84)
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (I-580)
- San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (SR 92)
- State Route 237
FAQs About Toll Roads in California
Tolls in California can be paid using FasTrak transponders, license plate tolling, online, by phone, or cash at specific locations with designated cash lanes. Check your route ahead and choose the payment method that suits you best.
No, EZPass is not accepted in California. However, FasTrak transponders are widely used for electronic toll collection on California toll roads and bridges.
Most rental car companies offer options for paying tolls, either by pre-paying for a toll package or being billed after the rental period, including any tolls incurred. Avis is pleased to offer a cashless toll option wherever you’re driving. Check with your local Avis for specific details and costs.
Visitors to California can pay tolls using various methods, including online payments, cash at toll booths, FasTrak transponders rented from toll agencies, or utilizing rental car programs that offer toll payment solutions, such as the cashless toll systems at Avis. Plan your payment method ahead to avoid any inconvenience during your visit.
*Toll road information provided on this page is current as of June 2024. Toll road information is subject to change without notice.
