Don’t get caught out by toll routes ever again
Heading to an unfamiliar airport? Don’t be caught out by a toll road, crossing or congestion-charge zone as you dash to catch your flight. Follow our essential guide to the UK’s toll routes and avoid getting stuck at the toll booths or coming home from your hols to be greeted by a huge fine.
Use the toll finder below to reveal costs and how you’ll need to pay at the UK’s major pay-to-drive facilities…
At-a-glance guide to charges for UK toll bridges and tunnels
Toll roads, tunnels, and bridges in the UK are roads or structures that require a fee to be paid in order to use them. Some examples include the Dartford Crossing, the Severn Crossing, and the Mersey Tunnels.
Congestion charge zones, on the other hand, are areas in cities where a fee is charged for driving in order to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. One example is the London Congestion Charge. Drivers are required to pay a daily fee for driving in the designated zone during specific hours.
It’s important to note that payment methods, hours of operation, and fees can vary depending on the specific toll road, tunnel, bridge or congestion charge zone. It’s always recommended to check the website of the specific location for more information about the rules, hours of operation and payment methods.
Find out how much it will cost you to use toll roads and bridges located across the UK.
| Bridge | Cars per crossing | Each-way toll | How to pay |
| Batheaston Toll Bridge | £0.70 | Yes | Cash |
| Cleddau Toll Bridge | £0.75 | Yes | Cash / Pre-paid |
| Dartford River Crossing | £2.50 | Yes | Online / Phone |
| Dunham Toll Bridge | £0.40 | Yes | Cash |
| Humber Bridge | £1.50 | Yes | Cash |
| Itchen Bridge | Up to £0.60 | Yes | Cash |
| M6 Toll Road | up to £5.50 (£5.90 from Aug 17) | Yes | Cash / Card / Tag |
| Mersey Gateway | £2.00 | Yes | Online /Phone |
| Mersey Tunnels | £1.70 | Yes | Cash |
| Second Severn River Crossings | £6.70 | No | Cash / Card / Tag |
| Tamar Bridge, Plymouth | £1.50 | No | Cash |
| Tyne Tunnels | £1.70 | Yes | Cash / Pre-paid |
The APH toll route finder…
Simply search below for in-depth information on the bridge, tunnel or congestion zone you’ll be using.
Batheaston Toll Bridge, Nr Bath
The Batheaston Toll Bridge near Bath: image credit
Travellers who could use it: Just off the A4 near Bath, this small toll bridge could meet drivers taking a scenic route to Bristol Airport.
How to pay: Drivers will need to pay in cash at the time of crossing – this will be collected by a roving bridge attendant. This tiny toll bridge is single carriageway, so expect queues at peak periods.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for your crossing:
| Type of vehicle | Cost per crossing |
|---|---|
| Car | £0.70 |
| Car towing trailer or caravan | £1.20 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Batheaston Toll Bridge could be on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: @NOWBath for local traffic
Cleddau Toll Bridge, Milford Haven
The Cleddau Bridge: image credit
Travellers who could use it: Located between Neyland and Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, the Cleddau Bridge could be part of your route if using the A477 heading east to airports such as Cardiff and Bristol.
How to pay: The Cleddau Bridge is funded by a toll charging system with cash payable at the toll booths. You can buy pre-paid discounted tickets which are available at the Bridge office or the Customer Service Centre, North Wing, County Hall.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: Using the Cleddau Bridge will incur the following charges.
| Vehicle | Cost per crossing |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles and three-wheel vehicles | £0.35p |
| Cars and vehicles up to 2 tonnes unladen | £0.75p |
| Caravans (additional to vehicle towing) | £0.75p |
| Vehicles over two tonnes unladen | £1.50 |
| Buses and coaches with more than 15 seats | £1.50 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Cleddau Bridge is on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: Get an update of the bridge status by texting ‘bridge’ to 80039?
Dartford River Crossing, Dartford
The QE2 Bridge at Dartford: image credit
Travellers who could use it: Anyone travelling to London Airports such as Luton, Gatwick and Stansted are likely to be in danger of having to use the Dartford Crossing.
Controversy: All the toll booths were removed from the Dartford Crossing in late 2014 – including the bridge and both tunnels. Users without an account must now pay before midnight the following day or face a fine of up to £125. Various payment methods are available, but with hundreds of thousands of motorists failing to pay, the system has been blasted as chaotic and difficult to understand by many motorists.
Click here for a full, in-depth guide to how the new system works.
How to pay: With toll booths and barriers removed from the Dartford Crossing, motorist have an all-new set of payment options. The toll must be satisfied by midnight the day after using the crossing. Here are the new payment methods.
1) Set up a pre-pay account
2) Pay online
3) Pay in advance for a one-off crossing
4) Over the phone
5) Payzone retail outlet
6) Pay by post
Click here for full links and instructions for making payments
Please note – all toll booths have been removed and no payment can be taken at the time of crossing.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: These are the latest prices for using the tunnel and bridge. Please note, it’s free to use the crossing between 10:00pm and 06:00am.
| Vehicle class | Vehicle type | Non-account | Dart Charge account |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Motorbike | Free | N/A |
| B | Cars | £2.50 | £1.67 |
| C | Two-Axle Goods | £3.00 | £2.63 |
| D | Multi-Axle Goods | £6.00 | £5.19 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Dartford Crossing is on your proposed journey.
Crossing is free to use 10.00pm – 6.00am
Get travel status upgrades: @DartCharge
Get more information: Many drivers complain that signs are unclear as they approach the crossing – with some believing it is now free to use – resulting in almost 650,000 penalty charge notices being issued in the first six months of the new system going live.
Click here for our in-depth guide to all you need to know about changes at the Dartford Crossing
Dunham Toll Bridge, Lincoln
Dunham Toll Bridge: image credit
Travellers who could use it: Dunham Toll Bridge carries the A57 over the River Trent between the villages of Newton-on-Trent and Dunham-on-Trent, crossing the border between the counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Drivers heading to catch flights might encounter the toll bridge en route to facilities such as Robin Hood Airport and East Midlands Airport.
How to pay: Occasional users will need to pay a toll using cash at the time of crossing. A new toll plaza was constructed in 1994 and expanded the cash collection from two to four lanes.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes. However, motorist will receive free passage over the bridge on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for using the Dunham Toll Bridge:
| Vehicle type | Cost per crossing |
|---|---|
| Four-wheel car, van or bus/coach under 509kg (10cwt) and up to 16 passengers | £0.40p |
| Four-wheel van, truck or bus/coach over 509kg (10cwt) | £0.60p |
| Six-wheel trucks over 509kg (10cwt) | £1.00 |
| Pedestrians, cylists, motorbikes and three-wheel vehicles | £Free |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Dunham Toll Bridge is on your proposed route.
Get travel status updates: @BBCRadioLincs
Humber Bridge, Hull
The Humber Bridge: image credit
Travellers who could use it: A time-saving option for those crossing the Humber Estuary, the Humber Bridge could potentially be used by travellers heading to airports such as Leeds Bradford, Doncaster or even East Midlands.
How to pay: Drivers will need to pay in cash at the time of crossing – credit cards are not accepted. The bridge is manned and change will be given.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for your crossing:
| Class | Cost per crossing |
|---|---|
| Cars and Goods vehicles having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes Motor Caravans Class 2 vehicles with trailers including caravans | £1.50 |
| Goods vehicles having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes Small buses (with seating for 9-16 passengers) Class 3 vehicles with lightweight trailers | £4.00 |
| Goods vehicles having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 2 axles Large buses (with seating for 17 or more passengers) Class 4 vehicles with lightweight trailers | £4.00 |
| Goods vehicles having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 3 axles | £12.00 |
| Goods vehicles having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 4 or more axles | £12.00 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Humber Bridge is on your proposed journey.
Humber toll update: The Humber Bridge is updating how tolls are collected and this will include some automatic charging in free-flow lanes for drivers with accounts. However, unlike the Dartford Crossing, there will still be booths where drivers can pay the toll in cash. The changes are set to go live in November 2015.
Find out the latest here.
Get travel status updates: @HumBridgeNews
Itchen Bridge, Southampton
Travellers who could use it: If you’re staying in a local hotel in Southampton before your flight or cruise, using Itchen Bridge will provide a more direct route to Southampton Port Parking.
How to pay: You can pay in cash using 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins, but the tolls automated so no change is given. Credit cards aren’t accepted.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: Using the Itchen Bridge will incur the following charges. Peak times are Monday to Friday 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 18:30
All other times are off peak, including weekends and bank holidays. There is no charge on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
| Vehicle | Peak | Off-peak |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Free | Free |
| Cars | £0.60p | £0.50p |
| Large vans | £1.20 | £1.20 |
| HGVs | £25.00 | £25.00 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Itchen Bridge is on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: @scchighways
M6 Toll Road (Midland Expressway)
The M6 Toll can help quicken your journey: image credit
Travellers who could use it: Anyone heading for Manchester Airport or facilities in the Midlands could find the M6 Toll a useful tool for cutting time in getting to the terminal. Unlike the Dartford Crossing, payment can be made at the toll booths using both cash or cards. The booths are manned.
How to pay: Drivers using the M6 Toll Road have five ways to pay. Here’s what you need to know…
1) With Cash (attended lane – euro notes accepted – receipts available)
2) With Coins (unattended lane – correct fare only – receipts available)
3) Credit or Debit Card (unattended lane – Visa, Mastercard, Amercian Express and Maestro cards are accepted)
4) Fuel Cards (unattended lane – KeyFuels, EuroShell and AllStar)
5) By Tag (electronic pre-payment method – cruise through the Tag lane without the need to stop – save money each journey you make)
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: These prices are for using the full toll road and for those paying at the tolls without a ‘tag’ – which offers a 5% discount. Click here for a full list of vehicle classes.
| Vehicle type | Mon – Fri 06:00 – 23:00 | Sat – Sun 06:00 – 23:00 | Night 23:00 – 06:00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | £3.00 | £2.80 | £1.80 |
| Car | £5.50 (£5.90 from Aug 17) | £4.80 | £3.80 |
| Car and trailer | £10.00 | £8.60 | £6.60 |
| Van or coach | £11.00 | £9.60 | £8.60 |
| HGV or coach | £11.00 | £9.60 | £8.60 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the M6 Toll road is on your proposed journey.
Services: If you need to refuel your car or yourself, the M6 Toll offers a service area operated by Roadchef. The site has parking for up to 460 cars with separate areas for HGVs and coaches. It is accessible from both carriageways of the M6 Toll at Norton Canes with a broad range of facilities from shops and restaurants to a Days Inn. The service area also offers free BT Openzone Wi-Fi for customers.
Get travel status updates: @m6tollroad
Mersey Gateway
The Mersey Gateway opened in 2017 and connects Runcorn and Widnes in Cheshire. The bridge spans the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal. Like the Dartford Crossing, the Mersey Gateway operates using an automated payment system that must be paid by midnight the following day.
How to pay: The video, above highlights how the toll can be paid.
How much: Currently, the tolls are as follows.
| Payment method | Motorbikes | Cars | Vans and small trucks | Large lorries & buses |
| Sticker-registered | Free | £1.80 | £5.40 | £7.20 |
| Video-registered | Free | £1.90 | £5.70 | £7.60 |
| Unregistered toll (no discount) | Free | £2.00 | £6.00 | £8.00 |
Will I need to pay both ways? Yes.
Anything else? Yes, if you breakdown, you will need to pay £150 recovery as private recovery services are not allowed to operate on the bridge.
Where is it?
Mersey Tunnels – Queensway and Kingsway, Liverpool
Queensway Road entrance to the Mersey Tunnel: image credit
Travellers who could use it: The Mersey Tunnels connect Liverpool with the Wirral Peninsula, under the River Mersey. Drivers heading to Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airport could find they utilise the tunnels if staying in certain areas of Liverpool ahead of their departure.
How to pay: Occasional users will need to pay a toll using cash at the time of crossing. Toll booths are in place.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes.
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for using the Mersey Tunnels:
| Type of vehicle | Costmn per crossing |
|---|---|
|
Motorcycle with sidecar and 3-wheeled vehicle Private/light goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight Passenger carrying vehicle with seating capacity for under 9 persons | £1.70 |
|
Private/light goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, with trailer Heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, with two axles Passenger carrying vehicle with seating capacity for 9 or more persons, with two axles | £3.40 |
|
Heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, with three axles Passenger carrying vehicle with seating capacity for 9 or more persons, with three axles | £5.10 |
| Heavy goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, with four or more axles | £6.80 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Mersey Tunnels are on your proposed route.
Get travel status updates: @Merseytravel
Second Severn River Crossings (M48 & M4)
Second Severn River Crossing: : image credit
Travellers who could use it: The M48 Severn Bridge and M4 Second River Crossing span the Severn Estuary at Aust and Rogiet respectively and are of particular use for holidaymakers heading to Bristol Airport, Cardiff Airport, Exeter Airport and London facilities such as Heathrow and Gatwick.
How to pay: Drivers can pay using cash or credit cards in all lanes as they approach the toll booths. Drivers who use the crossing on a regular basis can purchase a ‘tag’ payment system.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: No – drivers are only required to pay for westward crossings (entering Wales).
How much: These are the standard toll prices for vehicles using both Severn River Crossings:
LATEST NEWS – TOLLS TO BE SLASHED: From early 2018, toll charges will be cut as the crossing goes into public ownership. Tolls for car drivers will fall from £6.70 to £3, but it’s drivers of light vans that will see the biggest savings with payment falling to £3 from £13.40. Lorries and coaches will pay £10 instead of £20. Current charges, as listed below, will remain in place until next year.
UPDATE: The Conservatives have pledged to cut tolls completely if they retain power on June 8.
| Vehicle type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cat 1: Vehicle with up to nine seats | £6.70 |
| Cat 2: Small bus up to 17 seats & goods vehicles up to 3,500KG) | £13.40 |
| Cat 3: Bus with 18 seats and more & goods vehicles from 3,500KG) | £20.00 |
| Motorcycles | £Free |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Severn Bridge is on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: @2SevernBridges
Tamar Bridge, Plymouth
The Tamar Bridge: image credit
Travellers could use it: The Tamar Bridge is a major road bridge at Saltash and Plymouth in southwest England carrying traffic between Cornwall and Devon. Drivers heading from Cornwall to Airports such as Exeter are likely to use this crossing.
How to pay: Occasional users will need to pay a toll using cash at the time of crossing. Toll booths are manned 24 hours a day and will give change.
Is payment required for both directions of travel: No. The toll for the Tamar Bridge is payable one way, on the eastbound trip from Saltash (Cornwall) to Plymouth (Devon)
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for your crossing:
| Vehicle type | Single vehicle | With trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcyles | £Free | £Free |
| Two-axle vehicles under 3.5 tonnes | £1.50 | £3.00 |
| Two-axle vehicles over 3.5 tonnes | £3.70 | £7.40 |
| Three axles | £6.00 | £12.00 |
| Four or more axles | £8.20 | £16.40 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Tamar Bridge is on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: @tamarcrossing
Tyne Tunnels, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
The Tyne Tunnel payment plaza: image credit
Travellers wh could use it: The Tyne Tunnels form part of the A19 route between North Yorkshire and Northumberland. Drivers heading to airports such as Durham Tees and Newcastle International could potentially encounter the tunnels on their route.
How to pay: Payments can be made with cash or prepaid permit. However, change is not available in the toll lanes, but drivers can use change machines available on the approach to the toll plaza. Additionally, notes and copper coins are not accepted and
Is payment required for both directions of travel: Yes
How much: Here’s how much you’ll need to pay for using the tunnels:
| Type of vehicle | Cash cost |
|---|---|
| Motorbike or Blue Badge | £Free |
| Vehicle with 2 axles and height less than 3 metres or articulated vehicle with tractor height less than 2 metres and trailer height less than 3 metres | £1.70 |
| Vehicle greater than 3 metres high or with more than 2 axles and height greater than 2 metres | £3.30 |
Where is it: Use this map to see if the Tyne Tunnels are on your proposed journey.
Get travel status updates: @TT2Limited
Congestion charge schemes
London Congestion Charge, Central London
Pass one of these and it’s time to pay
Travellers who might have to use it: If you’re heading to City Airport or taking a diversion through central London on your way to other facilities such as Gatwick and Heathrow, you’ll need to be aware of the London Congestion Charge – or risk big fines of up to £195.
What area does it cover: Click here for the full London Congestion Charge map.
How to pay: There are no toll booths or barriers, so it’s extremely easy to enter without knowing – until the fine drops through your letterbox. You’ll need to pay online by midnight the following day.
Avoid third-party apps: There are many apps and websites that claim to alert drivers when they enter the charging zone and let you pay the charge. However, we’d advise steering clear of these as you could be charged extra for paying the charge or lose your money altogether.
How much: The Congestion Charge is an £11.50 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. Entry is free at other times.
Use this website to pay – avoid all third-party payment sites.
Durham Road User Charge Zone (congestion charge), Durham
The Durham congestion charge zone – prior to ANPR payment being introduced: image credit citytransport.info
Travellers who could use it: If you’re staying in a hotel in Durham before heading to Durham Tees Valley International Airport, there is a small possibility you may have to pay the charge. The zone is located on the Durham peninsula.
How to pay: The zone operated from 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Saturday – excluding Bank Holidays – and uses automatic numberplate recognition. This identifies vehicles that are liable for the charge.
Drivers must pay the charge by 6.00pm on the day the road is used. Payment can be made at the Parking Shop counter or by telephone on 0191 384 6633. If you don’t pay the charge by 6.00pm on the day the road is used, this will result in a £50.00 penalty charge notice becoming payable by the registered keeper of the vehicle.
The parking shop’s address is:
Suite 1
Forster House, Forster Business Centre
Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor
Durham
County Durham
DH1 5HL
Pay by phone: 0191 384 6633
How much: The daily charge is £2.00
Find out more information: Visit the website here
European toll roads… the details you need
Travelling to Europe? We’ve collected details on some of the Continent’s busiest toll roads.
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*Vignette is a form or road pricing imposed on vehicles based on a period of time instead of the usual road toll method based on distance travelled. It is currently used in several European countries