Texas toll prices went up again in 2026. If you drive any toll road in the state, you need to know exactly what you are paying and why. This guide breaks down every major road, every agency, and every fee in plain English.
- Why Texas Toll Pricing Is So Complicated
- How Toll Rates Are Calculated in 2026
- The Single Most Important Rule: Use a Transponder
- Houston Area Toll Roads
- Dallas-Fort Worth Area Toll Roads (NTTA)
- Austin Area Toll Roads
- SH 130: Two Very Different Roads
- Managed Lanes and Dynamic Pricing (TEXpress Lanes)
- Regional Specialty Toll Roads
- International Bridge Tolls
- Veterans and HOV Discounts
- Rental Cars and Toll Fees
- Which Transponder Should You Get?
- Plan Your Trip Costs in Advance
- Know Before You Go
Why Texas Toll Pricing Is So Complicated
Texas does not have a single toll system. It runs several systems at the same time, each managed by a different agency with its own pricing rules. That is why one road can feel completely different from another just a few miles away.
Here are the main agencies running toll roads in Texas:
- TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation)
- NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority)
- CTRMA (Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority)
- HCTRA (Harris County Toll Road Authority)
- FBCTRA (Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority)
- GPTC (Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation)
- NET RMA (North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority)
- CCRMA (Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority)
- CRRMA (Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority)
Each of these agencies sets its own rates. Most of them also raise prices every year or two based on inflation formulas. So yes, 2026 rates are higher than 2025 in most cases.
How Toll Rates Are Calculated in 2026
Most Texas toll agencies tie their price increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). They use a “floor” system to keep revenue predictable even when inflation is low.
Here is how the floor works:
- If actual CPI growth falls below the floor, the floor rate applies instead
- The most common floor is 2.0% per year
- CTRMA applied a 3.01% increase for 2026 based on Austin area construction costs
Between August 2024 and August 2025, the national CPI-W only grew 0.66%. Because that number was below the 2% floor used by TxDOT and GPTC, both agencies applied the full 2% rate for 2026.
The Houston area CPI-U grew 1.1% in the same period. HCTRA and FBCTRA also applied their 2% floor as a result.
The short version: prices go up every year, no matter what.
The Single Most Important Rule: Use a Transponder
Before getting into specific road prices, there is one thing that will save you the most money. Always use a transponder.
Pay-by-mail rates are 50% to 100% higher than transponder rates on most Texas roads. NTTA charges exactly double the tag rate for ZipCash (pay-by-mail) customers. That is the most aggressive markup in the state.
Here is a quick comparison to show what this means in practice:
| Payment Method | Typical Premium Over Tag Rate | Processing Fee Added |
|---|---|---|
| EZ TAG / TollTag / TxTag | None (base rate) | None |
| Pay by Mail (most roads) | 50% higher | None |
| Pay by Mail (NTTA ZipCash) | 100% higher | None |
| Pay by Mail (processing) | Varies | $1 to $4 per invoice |
Get your transponder at one of these official sites:
- TxTag (TxDOT) works on all Texas roads and in Oklahoma and Kansas
- EZ TAG (HCTRA) is best for Houston area drivers and gives a 10% discount on HCTRA roads
- TollTag (NTTA) is the DFW standard and is the only tag accepted for parking at DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field
All three tags work statewide through interoperability agreements.
Houston Area Toll Roads
The Houston metro uses a layered network of toll roads managed mainly by HCTRA. In late 2024, HCTRA also took over billing for TxDOT facilities in the region. That means one billing system handles most Houston area toll charges now.
Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8)
The Sam Houston Tollway forms a loop around Houston. It is one of the most used toll roads in the state. HCTRA manages it, and EZ TAG holders get a 10% discount automatically.
2026 Clockwise Rates (2-Axle Vehicles)
| Plaza | EZ TAG | Standard Tag | 3-Axle Tag | 5-Axle Tag | 8-Axle Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Road Exit Ramp | $0.45 | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.00 | $3.50 |
| John Ralston Road Exit | $0.81 | $0.90 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $7.00 |
| W. Lake Houston Exit | $1.08 | $1.20 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $8.75 |
| Sam Houston NE Mainline | $1.35 | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7.00 | $12.25 |
| Generation Parkway On-Ramp | $1.08 | $1.20 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $8.75 |
| Sam Houston Ship Channel Bridge | $1.35 | $1.50 | $4.00 | $8.00 | $14.00 |
| Sam Houston SE Plaza | $1.35 | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7.00 | $12.25 |
| Sam Houston SW Plaza | $1.35 | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7.00 | $12.25 |
| Westheimer Road Exit | $1.08 | $1.20 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $8.75 |
| Sam Houston North Plaza | $1.35 | $1.50 | $3.50 | $7.00 | $12.25 |
Source: HCTRA 2026 Rate Schedules
The Ship Channel Bridge costs more because of the specialized maintenance that structure requires. HCTRA uses an axle-based pricing model where 3-axle vehicles pay about 1.5 times the base 2-axle rate.
Hardy Toll Road
The Hardy Toll Road connects downtown Houston to the Spring and Woodlands area. It is also a direct route to Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
- Full 21.6-mile trip: $2.70 with a tag
- Pay-by-mail adds a significant premium on top of that
Westpark Tollway (HCTRA Section)
The Westpark Tollway is split between two counties. HCTRA manages the Harris County section, and FBCTRA manages the Fort Bend section.
2026 Westpark Tollway Rates (HCTRA Eastbound Section)
| Plaza | 2-Axle EZ TAG | 2-Axle Tag | 4-Axle Tag | 6-Axle Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook Road Exit | $1.08 | $1.20 | $3.75 | $6.25 |
| Wilcrest East Mainlane | $1.35 | $1.50 | $5.25 | $8.75 |
| Beltway 8 to SB Sam Houston | $0.45 | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Gessner Road East Exit | $0.36 | $0.40 | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Fondren Road Exit | $0.45 | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.50 |
| Fondren East Mainlane | $1.35 | $1.50 | $5.25 | $8.75 |
| Westpark Drive East Exit | $0.36 | $0.40 | $1.50 | $2.50 |
Source: HCTRA Westpark Tollway Rates
A full Westpark Tollway trip in 2026 costs about $1.99 with a tag, up from $1.95 in 2025. The FBCTRA section has its own smaller incremental increases at each plaza.
SH 99 Grand Parkway
The Grand Parkway is the outer loop of Houston. It is managed by the Grand Parkway Transportation Corporation (GPTC) for TxDOT.
In 2026, the full through-trip cost for a 2-axle vehicle using a tag from Segment D to Segment I-2B is $26.37, up from $25.82 in 2025.
2026 Grand Parkway Select Plaza Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | Non-Tag 2-Axle | Tag 5-Axle | Non-Tag 5-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Pkwy Ramps (Segment D) | $0.56 | $0.84 | $2.24 | $3.36 |
| Spencer Mainlane (Segment E) | $2.56 | $3.84 | $10.24 | $15.36 |
| Northwest ML South of US 290 | $1.33 | $2.00 | $5.32 | $8.00 |
| Cumberland/Mason ML (Segment F-1) | $1.75 | $2.63 | $7.00 | $10.52 |
| Champions Forest ML (Segment F-2) | $1.55 | $2.33 | $6.20 | $9.32 |
| Valley Ranch ML (Segment G) | $2.25 | $3.38 | $9.00 | $13.52 |
| Wolf Trot ML (Segment H) | $3.59 | $5.39 | $14.36 | $21.56 |
| SH 146 ML (Segments I-1 and I-2) | $3.63 | $5.45 | $14.52 | $21.80 |
Source: TxDOT SH 99 Grand Parkway Toll Rates
GPTC uses what they call “N-1 logic” for trucks. A 6-axle truck pays the 2-axle rate multiplied by 5. So at the Wolf Trot plaza, that would be $3.59 times 5, which equals $17.95.
The average per-mile rate for a 2-axle tag vehicle through Segments D to G reached $0.252 per mile in 2026.
Dallas-Fort Worth Area Toll Roads (NTTA)
The NTTA manages one of the densest toll networks in the country. Unlike most authorities, NTTA sets rates every two years. The current schedule runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.
One very important thing to note: NTTA’s ZipCash rates are 100% higher than TollTag rates. That is double the price. No other major Texas toll authority charges that much of a premium for pay-by-mail.
2026 NTTA Gantry Rates (Select Locations)
| Gantry Location | TollTag 2-Axle | ZipCash 2-Axle | TollTag 5-Axle | ZipCash 5-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addison Airport Toll Tunnel | $0.78 | $1.56 | $3.12 | $6.24 |
| Lower Tarrant North (NLTRD) | $0.59 | $1.18 | $2.36 | $4.72 |
| Lower Tarrant Mainlane Gantry | $1.29 | $2.58 | $5.16 | $10.32 |
| Lower Tarrant South (SLTRD) | $0.34 | $0.68 | $1.36 | $2.72 |
| Marshall Drive (MARDR) | $0.65 | $1.30 | $2.60 | $5.20 |
| Pioneer Parkway (PIOPY) | $0.83 | $1.66 | $3.32 | $6.64 |
| Arkansas Mainlane Gantry | $1.35 | $2.70 | $5.40 | $10.80 |
| Arkansas Lane (ARKLN) | $0.46 | $0.92 | $1.84 | $3.68 |
| Mayfield Road (MAYRD) | $0.34 | $0.68 | $1.36 | $2.72 |
Source: NTTA 2025-2027 Toll Rate Tables
NTTA also manages the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT), the Chisholm Trail Parkway (CTP), and the 360 Tollway. The 360 Tollway splits revenue 50/50 with TxDOT.
Worth noting: NTTA recently decided to only raise rates in the future when staff recommends it, rather than on a fixed biennial schedule. No additional increases are expected through 2027.
For full current NTTA rates, visit the NTTA official toll rates page.
Austin Area Toll Roads
Austin has some of the fastest-rising toll costs in Texas. CTRMA applied a 3.01% increase across all its corridors starting January 1, 2026. That is the highest percentage increase of any major authority this year.
The reason is straightforward. Austin has high construction inflation, fast population growth, and significant debt service obligations on its infrastructure.
CTRMA 183A Toll Road
The 183A serves the fast-growing communities of Leander and Cedar Park north of Austin. Rates went up by roughly $0.06 to $0.09 per gantry in 2026.
2026 CTRMA 183A Toll Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | Mail 2-Axle | Tag 4-Axle | Mail 4-Axle | Tag 6-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeline Mainline Plaza | $0.87 | $1.31 | $2.61 | $3.93 | $4.35 |
| Brushy Creek Ramps | $0.78 | $1.17 | $2.34 | $3.51 | $3.90 |
| Park Street Mainline Plaza | $2.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $9.00 | $10.00 |
| Scottsdale Drive Ramp | $0.78 | $1.17 | $2.34 | $3.51 | $3.90 |
| Crystal Falls Mainline Plaza | $1.52 | $2.28 | $4.56 | $6.84 | $7.60 |
| Crystal Falls Parkway Ramps | $0.71 | $1.07 | $2.13 | $3.21 | $3.55 |
| San Gabriel Mainline Plaza | $1.12 | $1.68 | $3.36 | $5.04 | $5.60 |
| Whitewing Mainline Plaza | $1.33 | $2.00 | $3.99 | $6.00 | $6.65 |
| North Whitewing Ramps | $1.05 | $1.58 | $3.15 | $4.74 | $5.25 |
Source: CTRMA Toll Rate Changes 2026
CTRMA 290 Toll (Manor Expressway)
The 290 Toll is a six-lane expressway with three tolled lanes and three free general-purpose lanes in each direction. Texas law requires a free alternative to run alongside any toll road, and this corridor is a good example of that model.
2026 CTRMA 290 Toll Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | Mail 2-Axle | Tag 3-Axle | Tag 5-Axle | Tag 6-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 183 Ramps (Direct Connectors) | $0.75 | $1.13 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| Springdale Road Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| Giles Lane Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| Giles Lane Mainline Plaza | $1.53 | $2.30 | $3.06 | $6.12 | $7.65 |
| Harris Branch Parkway Ramps | $0.75 | $1.13 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| Parmer Lane Mainline Plaza | $0.75 | $1.13 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $3.75 |
| 290/130 Flyover | $0.77 | $1.16 | $1.54 | $3.08 | $3.85 |
Source: CTRMA 290 Toll Road
For the full CTRMA toll calculator, visit mobilityauthority.com/pay-your-toll/rates.
Central Texas Turnpike System (TxDOT)
TxDOT manages SH 45 North, Loop 1 North of Parmer Lane, and SH 130 Segments 1 to 4 as part of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS). These roads used the 2% floor escalation for 2026.
2026 SH 45 North Tag Rates
| Plaza | 2-Axle | 3-Axle | 4-Axle | 5-Axle | 6-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Creek Mainline Plaza | $1.36 | $2.72 | $4.08 | $5.44 | $6.80 |
| Heatherwilde Mainline Plaza | $1.36 | $2.72 | $4.08 | $5.44 | $6.80 |
| Ramps at Parmer Lane (FM 734) | $1.18 | $2.36 | $3.54 | $4.72 | $5.90 |
| Ramps at RM 620 | $1.18 | $2.36 | $3.54 | $4.72 | $5.90 |
| Ramps at O’Connor Drive | $1.20 | $2.40 | $3.60 | $4.80 | $6.00 |
| Ramps at Greenlawn Blvd | $0.90 | $1.80 | $2.70 | $3.60 | $4.50 |
| Ramps at A.W. Grimes Blvd | $0.90 | $1.80 | $2.70 | $3.60 | $4.50 |
| Ramps at Donnell Drive | $1.36 | $2.72 | $4.08 | $5.44 | $6.80 |
Non-tag vehicles pay a 50% surcharge on all CTTS roads.
2026 Loop 1 (North of Parmer Lane) Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | Non-Tag 2-Axle | Tag 5-Axle | Non-Tag 5-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrilltown Mainline Plaza | $1.36 | $2.04 | $5.44 | $8.16 |
| Ramps at Shoreline Drive | $0.90 | $1.35 | $3.60 | $5.40 |
| Ramps at Howard Lane | $0.90 | $1.35 | $3.60 | $5.40 |
| Ramps at O’Connor Drive | $1.20 | $1.80 | $4.80 | $7.20 |
Source: TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System Toll Rates
SH 130: Two Very Different Roads
SH 130 is technically one road, but it operates as two completely separate toll systems. Segments 1 to 4 are public and managed by TxDOT. Segments 5 and 6 are privately operated under a 50-year concession agreement.
SH 130 Segments 1 to 4 (TxDOT)
These segments cover 49 miles from Georgetown to US 183 southeast of Austin. They used the 2% floor for 2026.
2026 SH 130 Segments 1 to 4 Sample Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | Non-Tag 2-Axle | Tag 6-Axle | Non-Tag 6-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang Creek Mainline Plaza | $2.24 | $3.36 | $11.20 | $16.80 |
| Cameron Mainline Plaza | $2.24 | $3.36 | $11.20 | $16.80 |
| Decker Creek Mainline Plaza | $2.24 | $3.36 | $11.20 | $16.80 |
| Airport Mainline Plaza | $2.24 | $3.36 | $11.20 | $16.80 |
| Ramps at SH 29 / University | $0.61 | $0.92 | $3.05 | $4.60 |
| Ramps at CR 104 | $0.76 | $1.14 | $3.80 | $5.70 |
| Ramps at US 79 | $0.95 | $1.43 | $4.75 | $7.13 |
Source: TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System
SH 130 Segments 5 and 6 (Private Concession)
The southern section from Mustang Ridge to Seguin is privately managed. It is famous for having the highest posted speed limit in the United States at 85 mph. It uses vehicle shape and size categories rather than axle counts for pricing.
2026 SH 130 Segments 5 and 6 Full Rate Schedule
| Vehicle Class | Plaza | Tag Price | Mail Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (under 7 ft high, under 20 ft long) | Skyline Plaza NB and SB | $3.29 | $4.38 |
| Class A | Bluebonnet Plaza NB and SB | $7.18 | $9.55 |
| Class A | SH 80 Entrance/Exit | $4.14 | $5.51 |
| Class B (Class A with trailer) | Skyline Plaza NB and SB | $6.56 | $8.72 |
| Class B | Bluebonnet Plaza NB and SB | $14.33 | $17.39 |
| Class C (7 to 12 ft high or 20 to 46 ft long) | Skyline Plaza NB and SB | $9.84 | $12.90 |
| Class C | Bluebonnet Plaza NB and SB | $21.51 | $24.57 |
| Class D (over 12 ft high or over 46 ft long) | Skyline Plaza NB and SB | $13.12 | $16.18 |
| Class D | Bluebonnet Plaza NB and SB | $28.66 | $31.72 |
| Class E (any vehicle with 2 or more trailers) | Bluebonnet Plaza NB and SB | $35.83 | $38.89 |
Source: SH 130 Concession Company Toll Rates
A full 91-mile trip from Georgetown to Seguin costs $19.43 with a tag for a standard passenger vehicle. The same trip costs $27.37 without a tag. For a heavy Class D commercial vehicle, the full trip reaches $77.62 with a tag.
Managed Lanes and Dynamic Pricing (TEXpress Lanes)
Some Texas highways offer special express lanes with prices that change in real time. These are called managed lanes or TEXpress lanes. The idea is simple: keep traffic moving at a minimum of 50 mph by adjusting prices based on demand.
Roadside equipment monitors traffic every five minutes. When congestion rises, prices go up. When traffic clears, prices drop.
Here is what you need to know about these lanes:
- Minimum rate: 15 to 35 cents per mile during light traffic
- Peak rate: 45 to 90 cents per mile during rush hour
- Extreme congestion: up to $24 per segment on some corridors
- Full corridor peak pricing: the North Tarrant Express can exceed $69 for one trip
- Once you enter a segment, your price is locked in at the entry sign amount
Major TEXpress Corridors
| Corridor | Minimum Rate | Peak Rate Per Segment | ZipCash Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-820 / SH 121-183 (Segment 1) | $1.00 | $24.00 and above | 100% |
| SH 121-183 (Segment 2) | $0.75 | $18.00 and above | 100% |
| I-35W (Segment 3) | $0.75 | $15.00 and above | 100% |
| I-35W (Segment 4) | $0.75 | $12.00 and above | 100% |
Source: TEXpress Lanes Dynamic Pricing
Active TEXpress corridors in 2026 include:
- LBJ TEXpress (I-635) managed by LBJ Infrastructure Group under a 52-year lease
- NTE TEXpress (I-820, SH 183) serving Tarrant County through to Industrial Boulevard
- I-35W TEXpress stretching from I-30 northward to Eagle Parkway
- Southern Gateway TEXpress with free reversible lanes on I-35E and US 67
- I-635 East TEXpress scheduled to open in late 2026
For live pricing and segment details, visit texpresslanes.com.
SH 288 Managed Lanes: Now State Controlled
In late 2024, the Texas Transportation Commission bought out the private SH 288 concession from BlueRidge Transportation Group for $1.7 billion. Before the buyout, drivers were paying as much as $17 to $18 one way for a 10-mile trip.
HCTRA now handles billing for SH 288. Prices change by 30-minute time windows throughout the day.
2026 SH 288 Brays Bayou Northbound Mainlane Sample Schedule
| Time Window | Monday | Wednesday | Friday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midnight to 4:30 AM | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 |
| 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM | $0.94 to $1.82 | $0.94 to $1.71 | $0.94 to $1.71 | $1.05 |
| 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM (Peak) | $3.26 | $3.26 | $3.15 | $1.05 |
| 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM | $2.25 to $1.18 | $2.14 to $1.07 | $2.14 to $1.07 | $1.46 |
| 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 to $0.62 | $1.46 |
| 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Peak) | $2.58 to $2.71 | $2.47 to $2.71 | $2.47 to $2.49 | $1.46 |
| 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 | $1.05 to $1.18 |
| 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.51 |
Source: TxDOT SH 288 Managed Lanes Toll Rates
Regional Specialty Toll Roads
Beyond the major metro areas, Texas has several smaller regional authorities managing local toll corridors. Each one operates independently and reinvests its revenue into local improvements.
Toll 49 in Tyler (NET RMA)
Toll 49 circles the Tyler area in East Texas. NET RMA operates the system and adjusts rates every two years. Pay-by-mail customers pay up to 50% more than tag users.
NET RMA uses NTTA’s infrastructure for ZipCash billing. If you do not pay within 30 days, late fees are added and your vehicle registration can be blocked.
For current Toll 49 rates, visit NETRMA Toll Rates.
SH 550 in Brownsville (CCRMA)
SH 550 connects to the Port of Brownsville and handles significant commercial and industrial traffic. The CCRMA offers a Fuego Tag that provides a 25% discount compared to other standard tags on this specific road.
2026 CCRMA SH 550 Sample Rates
| Plaza | Tag 2-Axle | PBM 2-Axle | Tag 4-Axle | PBM 4-Axle | Tag 5-Axle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paredes Line Road | $0.50 | $0.67 | $1.00 | $1.33 | $1.50 |
| Port Spur | $0.50 | $0.67 | $1.00 | $1.33 | $1.50 |
| Direct Connector | $0.50 | $0.67 | $1.00 | $1.33 | $1.50 |
| Old Alice Road | $0.50 | $0.67 | $1.00 | $1.33 | $1.50 |
Note: Pay-by-mail invoices include an additional $1.00 mail processing fee per invoice.
Source: CCRMA Official Site
Loop 375 in El Paso (CRRMA)
The Border West Expressway (Loop 375) in El Paso was still in a toll deferral period as of early 2026. Travel remains free while the authority coordinates a commencement date with TxDOT. Once tolling begins, prices will vary by time of day.
Separately, CRRMA has already removed tolls from the Cesar Chavez Express Toll Lanes on Loop 375 between US 54 and Zaragoza. That stretch is now permanently free.
Learn more at crrma.org.
International Bridge Tolls
Texas shares a long border with Mexico, and several international bridges charge tolls to fund local city services and bridge maintenance.
Eagle Pass International Bridge II
| Vehicle Type | USD | Express Card | Mexican Peso |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars and Pickup Trucks | $5.00 | $4.00 | $115.00 |
| 2-Axle Commercial Truck | $13.00 | $13.00 | $295.00 |
| 3-Axle Commercial Truck | $25.00 | $25.00 | $565.00 |
| 4-Axle Commercial Truck | $26.00 | $26.00 | $585.00 |
| 5-Axle Commercial Truck | $32.50 | $32.50 | $730.00 |
| 6-Axle Commercial Truck | $39.00 | $39.00 | $880.00 |
| Buses (2-Axle) | $13.00 | $13.00 | $295.00 |
| Pedestrians | $1.00 | N/A | $20.00 |
Source: Eagle Pass Bridge System 2026
In El Paso, commercial trucks crossing at Ysleta-Zaragoza and Stanton-Lerdo are billed at a base rate of $9.00 plus $4.50 for each additional axle.
For El Paso bridge rates, visit the City of El Paso International Bridges page.
Veterans and HOV Discounts
Texas has a long tradition of supporting veterans with toll waivers, but the rules vary a lot depending on which road you are on. Knowing which program applies to your route can save you a significant amount each month.
Veterans Toll Waivers
Waivers apply to vehicles registered in Texas with qualifying specialty license plates such as Purple Heart, Medal of Honor, Legion of Valor, or Disabled Veteran.
Here is how the programs break down:
| Authority | Roads Covered | Roads Excluded |
|---|---|---|
| TxDOT | SH 130 Segments 1 to 4, SH 45 North, Loop 1 North, Grand Parkway | None listed |
| CTRMA | 183A, 290, 71, 45SW, 183 Toll | MoPac Express and 183 Express (dynamic pricing) |
| NTTA | None | All NTTA roads excluded |
| NET RMA | Toll 49 (must register tag first) | None |
| Private Managed Lanes | None | LBJ, NTE, and all private lanes excluded |
Sources: TxDOT Veterans Discount Program and CTRMA Qualified Service Member Program
HOV Discounts on Managed Lanes
Carpoolers can save 50% on most managed lane corridors during peak weekday hours. Peak hours are generally 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
The GoCarma app handles HOV registration. It uses GPS and Bluetooth to verify occupancy without requiring manual entry. HOV violations have dropped below 2% system-wide since this technology was introduced.
HOV discounts only apply to managed lanes. Standard toll roads like Beltway 8 and the Grand Parkway do not offer HOV pricing.
Rental Cars and Toll Fees
Renting a car in Texas and driving toll roads adds a layer of fees that most people do not expect. Rental agencies charge their own administrative fees on top of the actual toll amounts.
| Fee Type | When It Applies | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Toll Plan | Fixed rate regardless of toll usage | $10 to $20 per day |
| Per-Day Admin Fee | Charged only on days tolls are used | $5 to $10 per day |
| Per-Toll Admin Fee | Added to every gantry passage | $2 to $5 per toll |
| Violation Processing Fee | For handling a toll notice | $25 to $50 per notice |
The best option if you travel frequently is to bring a personal transponder and register your rental car’s plate to that account. Check with your rental agency first to confirm they allow this.
Which Transponder Should You Get?
All major Texas transponders work statewide through interoperability agreements. However, each one has its own advantages depending on where you drive most.
| Transponder | Issuer | Best For | Out-of-State Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| TxTag | TxDOT | All Texas roads, frequent statewide travel | Oklahoma and Kansas |
| EZ TAG | HCTRA | Houston area, 10% HCTRA discount | Statewide through interoperability |
| TollTag | NTTA | DFW area, airport parking at DFW and Love Field | Statewide through interoperability |
| Fuego Tag | CCRMA | SH 550 in Brownsville, 25% local discount | Statewide through interoperability |
Texas gantries also accept out-of-state tags including KTAG (Kansas), PIKEPASS (Oklahoma), SunPass (Florida), and ExpressToll (Colorado).
If you regularly travel across Texas, TxTag is the most versatile choice. It works everywhere and crosses state lines.
Plan Your Trip Costs in Advance
All the major Texas toll authorities offer online calculators so you can estimate costs before you hit the road.
- TxDOT Toll Roads Overview
- NTTA Toll Rate Calculator
- CTRMA Toll Calculator
- HCTRA Trip Information
- SH 130 Segments 5 and 6 Rates
These tools let you enter your starting point and destination and get a reliable cost estimate before you travel.
Know Before You Go
Texas toll roads in 2026 reward drivers who plan ahead and penalize those who do not. Here is a short checklist before every toll road trip:
- Confirm your transponder account has a positive balance
- Make sure the vehicle you are driving is registered to your account
- Check for any outstanding notices at TxTag account portal
- Use the appropriate toll calculator for your specific route
- Know whether your route uses dynamic pricing managed lanes
All rates in this article are sourced from official toll authority rate schedules and TxDOT publications effective for 2026. Always verify current rates directly with the relevant authority before your trip, as rates can be updated during the year.
Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.