Sydney’s motorways provide a convenient way for motorists to get around Sydney. The motorways are mostly toll roads, so you need to be familiar with the payment options when using them.
Most toll roads in Sydney are fully electronic, meaning you will need a tag or pass to use them.
How you can pay motorway tolls
The table below details the payment options for each motorway.
| Motorway | Toll Charged | Toll type | Toll payment |
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Cash |
Tag |
Pass |
|||
| Sydney Harbour Tunnel | Southbound | Time based tolling |  |
|
|
| Sydney Harbour Bridge | Southbound | Time based tolling | |
|
|
| Eastern Distributor | Northbound | Flat rate | |
|
|
| M5 | Each direction | Flat rate | |
|
|
| M7 | Each direction | Distance-based | |
|
|
| M2 | Each direction | Flat rate | |
|
|
| Lane Cove Tunnel | Each direction | Flat rate | |
|
|
| Falcon St Gateway | Each direction | Flat rate | |
|
|
| Cross City Tunnel | Each direction | Flat rate | |
|
|
Tag
Electronic tags are the easiest way to pay motorway tolls. All tags available in Australia work on all motorways around the country.
If you have a tag, look for the lanes marked with the red and yellow 'E' symbol. Tags are read by sensors at plazas and toll points and your toll account is automatically debited.
To get a tag, most toll providers require you to pay a security deposit and a pre-paid toll balance.
When your pre-paid toll balance drops to a certain amount, your toll account is topped up by the tag provider using your credit card or bank account.
Pass
A pass is an arrangement between you and a toll provider to travel on selected motorways. If you are visiting Sydney or are an infrequent user of toll roads, this may be your best payment option for the fully electronic motorways.
If you have a pass, look for the lanes marked with the red and white 'e' symbol. Cameras at plazas and toll points photograph your number plate and your toll account is automatically debited.
Most pass accounts require you to pay an additional administration fee for each trip you make on a motorway.
A pass purchased in Sydney will work on all toll roads in Sydney but will not work in Melbourne or Brisbane.
Cash
You can only pay by cash on the M5. On 30 January 2012 the Hills M2 Motorway and Eastern Distributor changed to fully cashless tolling. All other motorways are fully electronic and require a tag or pass.
To pay with cash you need to slow down when approaching toll booths and make sure you drive in the correct lane.
Some booths only accept the exact toll. If you have the exact change, look for the signs saying 'exact’ and be ready to place your change into the collection basket as you drive through.
If you don't have the exact toll, look for the booths marked 'change given' – these have attendants to provide change.
The M5 also has fully electronic lanes which are on the right hand or fast traffic lanes. So if you are paying cash:
- stay left
- look out for the correct toll booth
Non Payment of tolls
For unpaid tolls on all Australian toll roads, please contact the toll operator directly. Click here