Where to pay your Golden Gate Bridge toll

You can pay your Golden Gate Bridge toll online through the FasTrak system, by mail, or in person at the toll plaza. FasTrak is the electronic toll collection system — it's the fastest option and the one most drivers use. You set up an account, attach a transponder to your windshield, and the toll is charged automatically as you cross. If you don't have FasTrak, you'll pay a higher rate at the toll plaza or through a one-time payment online.

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District operates the bridge and collects tolls. All toll money goes toward bridge maintenance, operations, and transit programs in the Bay Area. You cannot avoid paying — there is no toll-free route across the bridge for passenger vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • FasTrak is the cheapest way to cross and requires setting up an account online or by phone at 877-229-8655.
  • If you don't use FasTrak, you can pay a one-time toll online at goldengatebridgetoday.com within 48 hours of crossing, or mail a check to the District.
  • Toll rates vary by vehicle type and time of day; carpools with three or more people get a discount during peak hours.
  • If you miss a payment, the District will send you a violation notice with instructions to pay within 30 days.
  • Rental cars and commercial vehicles have different toll rates and payment rules than personal passenger vehicles.

Setting up FasTrak for regular crossings

If you cross the Golden Gate Bridge regularly, FasTrak saves money on each trip. You create an account at goldengatebridgetoday.com, provide a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and request a transponder. The District mails the transponder to you, and you mount it on your windshield. Once it's active, tolls are charged automatically each time you cross.

FasTrak accounts require a minimum balance. When your balance drops below a set threshold, the District automatically charges your payment method to refill it. You can also call 877-229-8655 to set up FasTrak by phone if you prefer not to use the website. The transponder is free, but you must maintain an active account to use it.

FasTrak rates are lower than the toll plaza rate for the same vehicle type. If you cross infrequently, the savings may not justify the account setup, but if you cross more than a few times a month, FasTrak usually pays for itself quickly.

Paying tolls without FasTrak

You have two options if you don't have a FasTrak transponder: pay online within 48 hours of crossing, or mail a check. To pay online, go to goldengatebridgetoday.com and select "Pay a Toll." You'll need your license plate number and the date you crossed. The one-time toll rate is higher than the FasTrak rate.

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, P.O. Box 29556, San Francisco, CA 94129-0556. Include your license plate number and the date of crossing. Payment by mail takes longer to process, so the District may send you a violation notice before your check arrives. If that happens, you can still pay the original toll amount to clear the violation.

Some drivers cross occasionally and pay the one-time toll each time. Others set up FasTrak to avoid the hassle of remembering to pay within 48 hours. The choice depends on how often you cross and whether you want to maintain an account.

Toll rates and discounts

Toll rates depend on your vehicle type and whether you use FasTrak. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks under a certain weight have one rate. Larger trucks and commercial vehicles have higher rates. Carpools with three or more occupants get a discount during peak commute hours if you use FasTrak.

Rates change periodically — the District adjusts them to fund bridge operations and maintenance. Check goldengatebridgetoday.com for current rates before you cross if you want to know the exact amount. The website shows rates for each vehicle type and payment method.

Some vehicles may be exempt from tolls or may be able to access for reduced rates, such as certain emergency vehicles or disabled persons' vehicles. If you believe your vehicle qualifies, contact the District at 877-229-8655 to ask about your specific situation.

What happens if you don't pay

If you cross without paying or miss the 48-hour online payment window, the District will send you a violation notice to the address registered with your vehicle's license plate. The notice includes the original toll amount plus a penalty fee. You have 30 days to pay from the date the notice is issued.

If you don't pay within 30 days, the District can refer the violation to a collection agency, report it to credit bureaus, or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. Unpaid violations can also result in a fine imposed by the court. The longer you wait, the more expensive the debt becomes.

If you received a violation notice and believe it was issued in error — for example, you did pay online but the system didn't record it — contact the District when ready with proof of payment. Keep receipts or confirmation emails from online payments to support your case.

Rental cars and commercial vehicles

If you're driving a rental car, the rental company typically handles toll payment through its own account or billing system. Check your rental agreement to see whether tolls are included in your rental cost or billed separately to your credit card. Some rental companies charge a convenience fee on top of the actual toll.

Commercial vehicles and trucks over a certain weight class pay higher tolls and may have different payment requirements. If you operate a commercial vehicle that crosses regularly, contact the District about a commercial FasTrak account, which may offer different rates or payment terms than a personal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Golden Gate Bridge toll by phone?

You cannot pay a toll by phone directly, but you can call 877-229-8655 to set up a FasTrak account, which will charge tolls automatically. For a one-time toll payment, you must use the website goldengatebridgetoday.com or mail a check.

What if I crossed the bridge but don't remember the exact date?

When you pay online, you'll need to provide the date you crossed. If you're unsure, contact the District at 877-229-8655 with your license plate number and approximate date. They can look up your crossing in their system and help you pay the correct toll.

Do I have to set up FasTrak if I only cross once or twice a year?

No. You can pay the one-time toll online or by mail each time you cross. FasTrak is most cost-effective for frequent crossers, but occasional users may prefer the simplicity of paying as they go, even at the higher rate.

Will a violation notice affect my credit score?

A single unpaid toll violation typically won't appear on your credit report when ready, but if it goes to a collection agency, it can damage your credit. Paying within the 30-day window avoids this outcome. If you've already received a collection notice, contact the District to discuss payment options.

Can I dispute a toll charge if I think I was overcharged?

Yes. If you believe you were charged the wrong amount, contact the Golden Gate Bridge District with details of your crossing and payment. They can review your account and correct errors. Keep receipts or confirmation numbers from your payment to support your dispute.