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.
How you can pay motorway tolls
The table below details the payment options for each motorway.
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 pay cash on all motorways except the Westlink M7, Lane Cove Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Cross City Tunnel - these are fully electronic.
To pay with cash on all other Motorways 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 'auto' or 'exact toll' 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' – these have attendants to provide change.
Motorways that accept cash also have fully electronic lanes which are typically 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
Back to top